St Peter's Church, East Lavington

St Peter's Church is a protected Grade II listed Church of England parish church in the village of East Lavington, West Sussex, England. Situated on the northern slopes of the South Downs, the church is noted for its historic associations with the Oxford Movement and the Wilberforce family. The current structure was largely rebuilt between 1848 and 1850 by the Gothic Revival architect William Butterfield, commissioned by the then-Rector Henry Edward Manning. It remains an active place of worship within the United Benefice of Graffham with Upperton and East Lavington. History Medieval origins and early history The original church at East Lavington was a medieval structure, though specific records of its founding are sparse. For centuries, the building served as a simple rural parish church for the local manor and the surrounding agricultural community. By the early 19th century, the church had fallen into a state of severe neglect and disrepair. The Oxford Movement and Manning The church gained national significance in the 1830s and 1840s due to its association with the Oxford Movement (or Tractarianism). In 1833, Henry Edward Manning became the Rector of Lavington-with-Graffham following his marriage to Caroline Sargent, the daughter of the previous incumbent. During his tenure, Manning became a leading figure in the High Church movement, which sought to restore traditional Catholic liturgy and theology within the Anglican communion. Under his leadership, the parish became a focal point for these ecclesiastical changes. 19th-century reconstruction By 1848, the medieval building was deemed structurally unsound. Manning commissioned the prominent Gothic Revival architect William Butterfield to rebuild the church. The project was funded largely by Manning and served as a memorial to his wife, Caroline, who had died in 1837. Butterfield's design utilized local flint rubble with stone dressings, maintaining the modest footprint of the original church while introducing a refined, "High Victorian" aesthetic. Shortly after the completion of the new church, Manning's theological views shifted; he resigned his living in 1850 and was received into the Roman Catholic Church in 1851, eventually becoming the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster. The Wilberforce connection The church maintains a strong historical link to the Wilberforce family. Samuel Wilberforce, the Bishop of Oxford and later Winchester, married Emily Sargent (the sister of Manning's wife) and resided at the nearby Lavington House. Bishop Wilberforce is buried in the churchyard, which has since become a site of historical interest for its connections to the abolitionist movement and Victorian church politics. Notable burials The churchyard of St Peter's is noted for its picturesque setting and its association with several prominent 19th-century figures, particularly those involved in the Oxford Movement and the abolitionist movement. Samuel Wilberforce (1805–1873) – Bishop of Oxford, Bishop of Winchester, and son of the abolitionist William Wilberforce. Emily Wilberforce (née Sargent) (1807–1841) – Wife of Samuel Wilberforce; the reconstruction of the church by Butterfield was largely dedicated to her memory. Caroline Manning (née Sargent) (1812–1837) – Wife of Henry Edward Manning; her early death was a pivotal moment in Manning's spiritual life before his conversion to Catholicism. Members of the Sargent family – The former squires of Lavington and Graffham who held the advowson of the parish. Members of the Wilberforce family – Including several of Samuel Wilberforce's children and descendants. The graveyard is a site of pilgrimage for historians of the Victorian church, as it represents the interconnectedness of the influential "Lavington Gentlemen" who shaped 19th-century Anglican and Catholic history. Memorials Flying Officer Peter Wallace, DFC – A memorial plaque commemorates Peter Wallace of the Royal Air Force, who was born on 15 May 1923 and killed on active service on 4 November 1944. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The church also contains various tablets and memorials dedicated to the Sargent and Wilberforce families, reflecting their long-standing tenure as lords of the manor and patrons of the living. References External links Media related to St Peter's Church, East Lavington at Wikimedia Commons