St. Swithun's Church Restoration Trust

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St. Swithun's Church Restoration Trust

A registered charity dedicated to safeguarding, restoring and preserving the historic fabric of St. Swithun’s Church and its churchyard.

Registered Charity:279191

31/08/2026

Happy Bank Holiday Monday… we’ve got something exciting to share! 🎉

Our very first NEWSLETTER is here! 📰 🗞️

We’re bringing you a fun mix of local history, church restoration updates and fundraising events.

We’d like our newsletter to become a window into the history, people and preservation that make this historic church so special and to continue to be a space for the community of East Grinstead to enjoy ⛪️ 🤝

So, grab your morning coffee ☕, have a read and let us know what you think! What would YOU like to see and read in our December issue? 👇

30/08/2026

If you’re passionate about wildlife and would like to find out more about the wildlife of Sussex, then this event is not to be missed! 🐝🌳🦅🦌

28/08/2026

Find It Out Friday 🕵️‍♀️🧐📜

Today we’re off on our travels to Chichester Cathedral and one other unexpected destination, Godinton House And Gardens near Ashford in Kent and here’s why…

Have you ever noticed a framed picture in church near the West door showing photographs of silverware? Well, this picture details a small collection of St. Swithun’s Silver, safely housed in Chichester Cathedral. ⛪️

One piece in particular has a political link, following on from yesterday’s theme. The Queen Anne silver Flagon bears a 1703 hallmark that has an intriguing Latin inscription describing it as a gift to John T**e (1671–1746).

John T**e was a member of the prominent T**e family of Kent and served as MP for East Grinstead from 1702 to 1708.

So where does our silver flagon lead us next?

➡️ Godinton House - the historic T**e family seat.

John T**e was part of the family whose story is woven into Godinton’s fascinating history. Today, the house still preserves its historic architecture, wonderful collections and beautiful gardens, offering a glimpse into the lives of the families who lived there over the centuries.

Next time you’re in church take a look 👀 at the photographs, or even visit Chichester Cathedral where you can view the collection on display in Cathedral’s small gallery.

27/08/2026

Last week I visited the Houses of Parliament and went on a guided tour of the Speakers House. No photography was allowed, but I was able to capture Big Ben 🔔

Our tour guide was amazing and during my visit I learned some very interesting history, which leads back to St. Swithun’s… 📜🧐🕵️‍♀️

Don’t worry, I know it’s only Thursday, more history tomorrow! 😉

Did you know, that British Prime Minister Spencer Perceval was PM from October 1809 until his assassination in the lobby of Westminster Palace on 11th May 1812 — the only British Prime Minister ever to be assassinated!

But here’s the fascinating local connection… Perceval was married at St. Swithun’s Church on 10 August 1790 to Jane Wilson. The couple eloped as Jane’s father disapproved of their match. They wed with a special licence in the ruins of the church, which was being rebuilt following the tower collapse in 1785. 💍⛪

It’s incredible to think how many threads of British history lead back to the town of East Grinstead and St. Swithun’s. This beautiful church has witnessed far more history than we sometimes realise.

26/08/2026

RIDE & STRIDE – SATURDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER! ⛪ 🚲 🗺️ 👣

Looking for a fun family day out! Explore historic churches locally or somewhere else across Sussex by walking or cycling to different ones. Enjoy the fresh air and have fun together — all while raising money for your nominated church and Sussex Historic Churches Trust

🧭 🥾 Be an adventurer, choose your own route, get sponsorship and visit as many churches as you like. Make St. Swithun's Church, East Grinstead part of your route, we will be open for you to tick ✅ off your list.

Discover some of Sussex’s beautiful historic buildings, get active, raise money and make a day of it exploring and making memories with family and friends.

For more information about how to take part and get a sponsorship form visit their website ⛪️

www.sussexhistoricchurches.org.uk/ride-stride

22/08/2026

WE HIT 100 FOLLOWERS! 🎉😊

A very BIG Thank you to our 💯 for every follow, like, comment, share, and supporting our page.
It genuinely means the world to us!
🌍 ✨

Here’s to the next 100…🚀⛪️⭐️

Our first 100! ⛪️🩵🙏🏻

21/08/2026

Find It Out Friday is back! 🧐🥳

Today we’re looking at recent restoration works carried out on the Grade II listed archway in the Churchyard. ⛪️

This beautiful Grade II listed feature was listed on 2 August 1972 and bears the mark “Regent Foundry, Brighton” Historic England describes it as the, Gate Piers and Overthrow of the Churchyard of St Swithun — which raises the fascinating possibility that it may have originally had gates attached!

Another story of the churches history waiting to be uncovered! 🕵️‍♀️🗝️📜

The restoration work has returned the archway to good visual condition, while also ensuring the new layers of paint continue to protect the structure. Over
time, weathering cause paintwork to deteriorate, becoming brittle, cracking and eventually flaking away. The first, and biggest, step in the process was to carefully remove the failing paint and thoroughly clean the surface. Once prepared, new undercoats were applied,
followed by three layers of black topcoat, giving the structure
a fresh and protective finish. The beautiful open-leaf floral
pattern was then picked out in stunning silver, helping to
highlight this lovely decorative detail.

And there’s more! 💡 The old lamp fitting has also been replaced, at a cost of £180, with a new fitting sourced from Suggs, the antique light fitting company in Horsham.

Here’s the cool part- Suggs has been in business for more than 150 years — and they also supplied and fitted the previous lamp! What a wonderful connection with the past. 🥰

Thank you to all those involved in this project and for your support and generosity at fundraising events, that make projects like this possible, allowing for the preservations of this historic building and features in the churchyard for all to enjoy. 😊

19/08/2026

Mid week feeling! Happy Wednesday ✨😊
St. Swithun's Church Restoration Trust

17/08/2026

A new week starts bringing cooler temperatures and we’re sharing some behind the scenes news 🗞️ ⛪️

If you’ve not already heard of EG Town Crier, then start here, right now! EG Town Crier is an online magazine — celebrating the people, charities, businesses and other organisations that help make East Grinstead such a vibrant community.

We are delighted to share that August’s edition features a small, yet interesting article from St. Swithun’s Restoration Trust about caring for John Mason Neale’s prayer desk.

And that’s just a small part of what you’ll find…

📖 👀 Take a look at the latest online edition for local community groups, activities, events, projects and the people making a difference across East Grinstead.

Here’s to a positive and community-filled week ahead!⭐️

https://www.towncrier.uk

Address

East Grinstead

Website

http://www.ssrt.org.uk/

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