Church Lane Compton Chichester
02392631252
http://www.theoctagonparish.org.uk

Compton is one of the churches of the Octagon parish. The first documentary evidence of a Church here is found in the Doomsday Survey of 1086. The present church is the outcome of a sensitive restoration in the 1850's but the late 12th century North arcade and chancel arch are still visible. The church - like all the churches in the Octagon - is normally open during daylight hours.

The church, which is light and airy, can hold some 160 in comfort and more with enthusiasm. The graveyard, still with space, is maintained as a place for quiet contemplation in a country setting.

The organ by H Willis & Son was installed in 1970.  There is a monthly family service, and an eight o'clock communion on Wednesdays during the school term . The link between Church and Compton and UpMarden C of E school is strong, and the church is regularly used by the school for assemblies, services and festivals.

For more information about the history and architecture of this church, click HERE.

Up Marden Chichester
02392631252
https://www.theoctagonparish.org.uk

All who know the downland church of St Michael regard it as special. There is some debate about its exact age, but it dates from either the 12th or early 13th century. Little has changed since then. Set in a large churchyard surrounded by fields and approached down a farm track, this simple double cell building invites travellers to rest for a while and share its peace.

Without electricity or water, St Michael's is mostly used for twice-monthly Evensong during the summer months and for special services at other times. However it is also regularly visited by groups and individuals for private worship. St Michael's isolation kept away improvers and restorers, and it was proposed in the middle of the twentieth century that the church should be closed. This galvanized into action those who loved it, and the Friends of St Michael's was formed. An extensive programme of sensitive restoration work, funded by the Friends, has been undertaken, during which rare thirteenth century wall paintings were uncovered and preserved.

In July 2013 this church was included in Britain's sixty favourite churches by the National Churches Trust.

For more information about the history and architecture of this church, click HERE.

The Square, Compton, PO18 9HA
(023) 9263 1228
thecoachandhorses.pub

Sixteenth-century pub in a remote but charming village, popular with walkers and cyclists. It changed hands in 2018. B and B rooms have been added above and the bar has now been moved to the rear & side of the pub while the front area is re...

West Marden, PO18 9EN
(023) 9263 1330
victoriainnwestmarden.com

Comfortable old rural inn at the heart of its tiny Downland community, now free of all ties after being purchased by an enthusiastic young couple during 2021. Cricket and Bar Billiards teams plus a Golf Society help to maintain its local in...