History
Standing
in the midst of fields close to Chichester Harbour, this
small Grade I listed church is of a simple rectangular design
dating from the 12th century. It was almost entirely rebuilt
in the 13th century when a south aisle was added to the
nave. A south porch was built in the 15th century and a
vestry and heating chamber erected on the north side of
the nave in the 19th century.
In
Saxon times Apuldram was part of the domain of the Manor
of Bosham, the property of Earl Godwin, the leading 11th
Century Saxon, and father of Harold. The provision of a
priest to serve at Apuldram was the responsibility of the
Prebendary of Apuldram. Until 1447 the bodies of the Apuldram
dead had to be taken to Bosham for burial, usually by boat
across the harbour. Eventually the sale of the prebend brought
it into the hands of the Dean and Chapter of Chichester
Cathedral. Apuldram, for reasons unknown, did not become
a Vicarage, as did the other prebends, but was a Donative
Curacy, i.e. the Dean and Chapter paid a priest to be the
incumbent. In 1755 its status was changed to a Perpetual
Curacy, requiring the Bishop’s licence, as it is today.
The present Rector of Fishbourne is the Priest-in-Charge
as were his two predecessors.
Although
of simple design, the church contains several important
features. The chancel is an outstanding example of 13th
century architecture on a small scale. In the east wall
is an arrangement of triple lancet stained glass
window, beautifully proportioned, combining Purbeck
marble shafts and stone mouldings.
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The
triple lancet stained glass window
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Purbeck
Marble Font
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The lowest of the three altar steps is paved with
encaustic tiles, probably 14th century, and of
two patterns. More may be found in the floor at the west
end of the south aisle below the single lancet window.
Behind the pulpit are the remains of the stone staircase
which led to the rood-loft. The font, a square
bowl of Purbeck marble and dating back to the
12th century, stands on five shafts, of which only the
central shaft is original. It has suffered from exposure
to the weather, perhaps taken outside by the Cromwellian
soldiers. It was presumably replaced at the restoration
of the monarchy in 1661 and moved to its present position
in 1867. The organ was built as a private organ at Windsor
for the Prince Consort and after a period came to St Mary’s.
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Encaustic
Tiles |
Altar
Steps |
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Closing off the east bay of the south aisle is a remarkable
15th century oak screen, made up of three
bays, of which the centre forms the door. The tiny chapel
formed by the screen has, in the south wall, a 15th century
piscina. In the stonework in the north east corner a squint
has been cut out, also dating from 15th
century.
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15th
Century Oak Screen |
Church
Organ |
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The 15th century porch contains some interesting graffiti,
including, on the sill of the window in the east wall, a
scratch dial.
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Scratch Dial |
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The church was restored in 1803 (when a new pulpit was erected),
again in 1845 and 1862. In 1877 an extensive restoration
was carried out with a new open timber roof and belfry,
a partially
new porch and repaving and reseating internally. In 1880
Messrs Minton made the reredos of ornamental tiles, alabaster
and mosaic on the eastern wall and 1890 the vestry was added
on the north side of the church. The present choir stalls,
pews, pulpit and lectern, mostly memorials, were donated
in the early years of the 20th Century.
Copies
of a “Guide to the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Apuldram”
and “A History
of Apuldram” are available at the church.
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