Bignor, Holy Cross
Bignor is a classic small Downland hamlet within 6 miles of the ancient
Sussex towns of Arundel, Petworth and Pulborough. It is noted for its
picturesque Downland scenery, an important Roman Villa on the
historic Stane Street and the grade I stone-built medieval Holy Cross
church.
The church at Bignor is mentioned in the Domesday Book, the font and
simple chancel arch being a remnant of the 11th century, although the
church was entirely rebuilt in the 13th century.
The building was restored between 1876 and 1878 under the guidance
of George Edmund Street, the famous ecclesiastical architect of the
Arts and Crafts period. It was one of the last churches to be restored
by this eminent architect before his death in 1881.
The nave is lofty with cathedral-like proportions for such a small church
and as such the acoustic is very good encouraging the church to be
used on a regular basis for concerts, talks, poetry readings, art
exhibitions and festivals which, with a predominantly candle-lit
atmosphere, has resulted in full-house audiences on a regular basis.
Being one of a benefice of five Downland churches (Barlavington,
Bignor, Burton, Coates and Sutton) it serves as an integral part of the
day to day worship of these quiet country villages.

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