The earliest reference to a church at Rotherfield is believed to be contained in the will of Bertoald, Duke of the South Saxons, made at the end of the 8th century. As a sick man Duke Bertoald travelled to the monastery of St Denys near Paris in quest of a cure and in a few days, by the mercy of God, he was completely healed. As a thanks offering he built a church on his "estate called Ridrefeld" in 792 AD. Nothing remains of the original 8th century church, as it almost certainly had been built of wood taken from the vast forests that covered the Weald at that time.
The present sandstone church in the centre of the village dates from the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries with later additions such as the 15th century tower and porch. There are eight bells, two of which date from the 17th century and the Perpendicular east window has stained glass depicting the Te Deum designed by the Pre-Raphaelite artist Sir Edward Burne Jones and made by William Morris and Co. Marvellous medieval wall paintings on the chancel arch were uncovered in 1893.
During the recent restoration work on the 11th century Nevill Chapel further 13th century wall paintings were revealed and roof bosses, including two "green men", were made visible. A Tudor brick fireplace and flue were also discovered. The 19th century box pews are unusual in that they are tiered at the west end. Amongst the treasures of the church are a Norman font, a 16th century carved font cover and 17th century pulpit carved by Francis Gunby of Leeds.
The shingled spire is a familiar landmark for miles around. In the great storm of October 1987 the 15th century wooden spire crashed to the ground causing immense damage to the fabric of the church. In 1989 a new steel framed spire was hoisted in sections onto the tower by helicopter and in October of that year a great thanksgiving service was held for the church's restoration.
The spire and rolling hills of Rotherfield have been the inspiration behind the Rotherfield logo; the spire is clearly seen from miles around.
St Denys' Church is one of the finest buildings in the Sussex Weald and is a glorious village church, a symbol of the sturdy Sussex men who built it long ago. The whole pageant of English history for 1200 years is bound up with this church; the forest men, the Norman soldiers, the hunted fugitives, the peasants and farmers, the iron workers and the service men and women who prayed in the church in the dark days of two world wars, and now giving our people comfort, joy, fellowship and purpose in their lives. The church you see is not a relic of the dead past, it is a meeting place of the people of the living present who come to worship God as our ancestors have done for 1200 years.
Conducted tours of the Church can be arranged for individuals or groups by contacting the Churchwarden on 01892 852391.
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