The History of St Mary the Virgin, Newick

It is possible that there may have been a small church in Newick in Saxon times, perhaps of wood, close to the house of the Thane (or Squire). In those far

off days Thane were expected to erect churches on their own lands. Records reveal that there certainly was a church in Newick at the end of the 11th century. The oldest part which can now be seen is the South Wall, on either side of the Porch, extending from the Tower to the first buttress. Because the Church was  subsequently extended in every other direction, this is the only original wall which remains from the early Norman period. An examination of the exterior of this part of the South Wall of the Nave will show that it is distinctly of a different character and much earlier date than the Tower and the remainder of the  Nave and Chancel. The stones are a brownish iron sandstone, unshapely, and the surface of the wall is irregular. Near the roof of the South Porch is the only remaining Norman Window. It is small, with a semi-circular head cut in a single stone, and the jambs are composed of only two large stones on each side, and three smaller ones to form the sill. This part of the wall and window are early  Norman, probably about 1080. An old photograph of the Church show that the window was later filled in with brick, and was only unbricked and glazed in the late nineteenth century.

The only really ancient stained glass is to be found in the Chancel, where there are two 14th century medallion windows at the top of the two windows on the South Wall. It is considered that the one above the Rector's stall is the original, and the other a contemporary copy. Both show the Agnus Dei-the representation of Christ under the form of a Lamb bearing a banner or staff.

The main window is of course the East Window. Its theme is the Ascended and Enthroned Christ surrounded by Angels, Apostles, Prophets and Martyrs. It was erected in 1901 in memory of Anna Carew Powell, first wife of the Rector, the Rev. Clement Powell. Mr. Frank Mann, the artist, painted her features in the right hand light of the window. She is dressed in red. Just below her, there is a girl with golden hair said to be Hilda Deacon, who died at Beechland aged 16 years, there is a beautiful window to her memory near the Font. Above Mrs. Powell may be seen the features of Bishop Durnford of Chichester, and to the right of his mitre the profile of Queen Victoria. In the left hand light there are among others Mary and Joseph, Mary Magdalene, and King David with his harp. 

There are two very fine windows near the Organ. One illustrates the 150th Psalm with angels and musical instruments, perhapsthe most lovely in the Church. The other "Born of the Virgin Mary" is a Burne-Jones' window. The "Golden Window" in the West end looks at its very best at sunset. The newest window is the third one from the front in the N. Aisle, depicting Elijah andElisha. This was made by Ian Mcfarlane of Cox & Barnard of Hove, and was dedicated in April 1986. 

1288 Richard le Waythe 

1350  Vac: Walter Marscall  

1350 Thomas Glanvyle

1357 Stephen Michaelhagh 

1389 Exch: Robert Catour

1389 Thomas Yatescombc

1416 Exch: Robert Underwood

1416 John Heerde

1416 Thomas Cherbury

1417Thomas Stoure

1417 Simon Bury

1479 John Duffy

1479 Richard Goodale

1490 Alexander Byrde

1510 D: Thomas Heth

1510 William Stydolf

1524 Edward Willisford

1534 James Drury

1545 Edward Crakell

1557 Anthony Shawe

1559 Humphrey Higgons

1567 Roger Hall

1593 John Reale

1613 Thomas Doe

1644 D: John Markham

1644 Joseph Gosson

1672 Richard Wilkins

1690 Joseph Hoyle

I 711 Vincent Cooper

1734 Charles Dixon

1754 William Baynes

1769 Joseph Matthews

1784 Rowland Dawkins Mansel

1789 Henry Clutton

1818 Thomas Baden Powell

1868 William Powell

1885 Clement Powell

1919 William H. Wright

1926 G. F. G. Rochfort-Wade

1928 Arthur Thomas Reed

1936 S. E. Linley Olver

1944 J. G. R. Northridge

1947 Eric K. Andrews

1956 Gordon E. Diamond

1973 John P. Baker

2014 Peter Francis

2016 PIC: James Hollingsworth

2020 Paul Mundy