IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Bedham, Fittleworth, PULBOROUGH, RH20 1JR

Built to serve the local farming and charcoal-burning population, falling numbers caused the building to close in 1959, and it has been roofless for decades. I was pleased to find it still here. I remember the thrill of discovering it when playing in the woods as a child some thirty years ago. In my memory it lay at the bottom of a steep valley and was almost completely shrouded by trees and other plants. My memory was probably playing tricks, it lies in a fairly open spot and while it does lie at the bottom of a slope, it is close to, and visible from, the road. A plaque on the nave wall records that: FOR THE WORSHIP OF ALMIGHTY GOD IN GRATITUDE FOR MANY BLESSINGS, THIS BUILDING WAS ERECTED BY WM TOWNLEY MITFORD, OF PITSHILL, ANNO DOMINO 1880.

Very surprised to see this on the edge of Bedham Copse,does anyone know the history?

The church is now in ruins. See www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1029809 for a fuller photo. The church was built by the Church of England in 1880 when the area had a larger population. Gradually the local charcoal industry declined with resultant depopulation and the church closed fully in the early 1960s. For more information see this website which specialises in ruined and deserted places. http://derelictmisc.org.uk/bedham.html

Looking at the nave wall, propped up by a metal support. Built to serve the local farming and charcoal-burning population, falling numbers caused the building to close in 1959, and it has been roofless for decades. I was pleased to find it still here. I remember the thrill of discovering it when playing in the woods as a child some thirty years ago. In my memory it lay at the bottom of a steep valley and was almost completely shrouded by trees and other plants. My memory was probably playing tricks, it lies in a fairly open spot and while it does lie at the bottom of a slope, it is close to, and visible from, the road. A plaque on the nave wall records that FOR THE WORSHIP OF ALMIGHTY GOD IN GRATITUDE FOR MANY BLESSINGS, THIS BUILDING WAS ERECTED BY WM TOWNLEY MITFORD, OF PITSHILL, ANNO DOMINO 1880.

Built in 1880 as a church and school, the school closed down in 1925 and the church continued until 1959.

Built 1880 as a church and school, the school use closing in 1925 and final closure in 1959.

This is the view of the church from the lane. Despite its romantic appearance the ruin is of no great antiquity, being built in 1880 and deconsecrated within 100 years.

Heading through the Bedham Hills.

This derelict structure was built in 1880 and abandoned in 1959. It served as a church on Sundays and a schoolhouse during the week. It's worth Googling to find out the full history of it.