Coombes Church

Coombes

COOMBES CHURCH

WELCOME

The early medieval Coombes Church is a little Downland treasure. Set on the slope of the Downs at Church Farm, its dedication is unknown, hence the name ‘Coombes Church’. The nave dates from 1100 or before and the chancel was built in the 13th and 14th century. It has served the people of this area for nearly a thousand years as a place of Christian worship and spiritual peace.

At Coombes, you’ll find a warm welcome, whether you’ve worshipped here before or not. We look forward to meeting you.

Find out about our Christmas services

Everyone is welcome to join us at our Christmas services, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Find out more

Replica of the Coombes Crucifix

The damaged 13^th century Coombes Crucifix was found in the churchyard in 1877 during the digging of a grave. It was made at Limoges in France about 1200 and perhaps brought to Coombes by a returning pilgrim. A further guess is that the figure was intended on a new nave altar situated where the pulpit now stands.

In the new religious climate of the 16^th and 17^th centuries, when the Coombes Wall paintings were whitewashed out of sight, religious work of the medieval era was often at risk. At some point the Crucifix was either hidden, or thrown out, into the church yard. It is a rare survival.

Christ’s body was fashioned from copper, enamelled, and embellished with gold; one pierced foot remains marked by a red gemstone. The figure of the crucified, but also crowned, figure of Christ the King presents us, as it did medieval people, with a vision of both suffering and hope.

The original Crucifix is now displayed in the Treasury at Chichester Cathedral.

A post card of the original is for sale by the church door.

The replica crucifix was blessed by Archdeacon Luke Irvine-Capel on Rogation Sunday (5 May 2024).

Pictured with Archdeacon Luke is Robin Reeve, former Churchwarden of Coombes.