St James, Selham
By national standards, the Western Weal’s churches are not a showy lot. As this tiny church perfectly demonstrates, they instead reflect the land from which they were built, and the South Downs as a whole is not known for its high quality building materials. Enjoy the herringbone brick work, beautiful Romanesque (rounded) arch, the decorative capitals and abaci above them and the squint in the south aisle (a small, angled opening cut through the wall with a view of the altar).
Architectural historian, Pevsner/Nairn, said that Selham as a whole “sets quite a puzzle”. He wondered if it was built pre or post conquest….or perhaps from the overlap period? Whether you know your herringbone from your long and short brickwork there is plenty to admire in this tiny church. The beast heads on the column capitals apparently throw in added interest, because they suggest possible Viking influence.
The St James dedication is actually quite recent, having be a St Mary’s until the 16th Century.
St Mary’s Singleton
All Saints, Steep
All Saints in Steep celebrated 950 years in 2025, though for much of that time it was a Chapel of Ease to East Meon. Traditionalists might not agree, but I am drawn toits spire – one of its most recogniseable features. In my opinion it offers a sympathetic blend of Norman and Victorian architecture.
Steep is most famously connected to the poet Edward Thomas, whose wife, Helen, taught at nearby Bedales school. He is commemorated by 2 etched windows, designed as smaller versions of the celebrated memorial window at St James the Greater, Eastbury.
As someone with OCD tendencies my eyes (and bottom!) were particularly drawn to the magnificent display of colour-coordinated kneelers and the extra thick pew cushions. How many more people would attend church if there was that level of comfort for our posteriors?!
Lastly, my family has a personal connection to this pretty church as my 23 year old daughter was christened here just before we left the UK for Baku, Azerbaijan. With many onlookers and crying child I’m not sure I appreciated the font as much then as I do now.
