St George
West Grinstead, Sussex
Standing in a pleasantly rural setting on the edge of the Weald, with its 13th century tower and shingled broach spire overlooking the River Adur.
This 19th century smock mill belonged to the poet Hilaire Belloc for nearly 50 years until his death in 1953. Another famous name connected with Shipley church is that of the composer John Ireland, who died in 1962 and is buried in the churchyard. He is commemorated by a slate memorial in the church.
The building, of the mid 12th century, has largely retained its original form, including a sturdy tower supported on Norman arches. The rather stern appearance of the church may reflect the fact that it was built for the Knights Templar.
Later embellishments include an alabaster monument of 1616 to Sir Thomas Caryll and his family, and 19th and early 20th century stained glass. A detail in one of the south windows shows Shipley Windmill with its original brown tiled cap.