St Nicholas
Worth, Sussex
One of the most powerful of Anglo Saxon churches in England, large in scale and bold in conception.
At Worth, the striking Abbey church complements the surrounding natural beauty of the Sussex High Weald. A bold design proclaims it to be the most significant building at Worth, indeed the heart of the Abbey complex. Its massive scale is offset inside by the openness of the plan and by the light that streams in from above during the day or from spotlights on the altar at night.
Monastic churches are among the great marks that historic monasteries have left on our culture; in monastic thinking, beautiful buildings in beautiful surroundings. Worth Abbey church was designed by the noted Catholic architect Francis Pollen (d1987). The foundation stone was laid in 1968 and the church was consecrated in 1975, the exterior construction was completed in 2001. Until 2005 the interior furnishing and decoration remained incomplete. In 2009 a design scheme by Heatherwick Studios was implemented: a modern version of traditional monastic furniture was installed, together with a new stone ambo and congregational seating. The result of all these works is a stunning interior which unites and enfolds all who use the church in a spirit of prayer and peace.
The Abbey church is open at all times for those who wish to pray on their own or participate in the Monastic Offices or Mass.