A late Norman parish church transformed by 19th-century restoration, now celebrated for its Gothic Revival character and a striking mid-century mural by German artist Hans Feibusch.
At a glance
St Mary’s stands in Goring-by-Sea, a village district within Worthing in West Sussex. The church survives from the Norman period, though its present appearance owes much to architect Decimus Burton’s 1837 restoration. English Heritage recognises it as Grade II* listed for architectural and historical merit.
History
The church originated in the late Norman era as the parish church of the ancient village of Goring. It endured largely intact until the 19th century, when comprehensive restoration became necessary. In 1837, architect Decimus Burton undertook a major programme that fundamentally shaped its current identity. Nearly a century later, in 1954, German artist Hans Feibusch—renowned for his work across the Diocese of Chichester—contributed a significant mural that would become a focal point of scholarly and public attention.
What you see
The church retains select Norman architectural features from its medieval origins, anchoring it to its ancient past. Burton’s 1837 restoration, however, bestowed the structure its dominant Gothic Revival aesthetic, a hallmark of Victorian ecclesiastical taste. The interior contains Feibusch’s 1954 mural, widely regarded as impressive, though its introduction sparked contemporary debate about modernist artistic expression in a traditional sacred space.
Cultural significance
St Mary’s exemplifies the Victorian impulse to preserve and reinvent medieval churches. Burton’s restoration methodology—balancing original fabric with period-appropriate renewal—reflects mid-19th-century conservation philosophy. Feibusch’s mural marks the church’s openness to 20th-century artistic vision, linking it to broader post-war developments in ecclesiastical art within the Diocese of Chichester and beyond.
Key facts
- Location: Goring-by-Sea, Worthing, West Sussex, United Kingdom
- Coordinates: 50.813, −0.4246
- Grade II* listed by English Heritage
- Architectural restoration by Decimus Burton (1837)
- Mural by Hans Feibusch (1954)
Practical information & getting there
St Mary’s Church is located in Goring-by-Sea within the Borough of Worthing. The church remains an active Anglican parish. For visiting hours, current services, and access details, contact the church directly or consult the Diocese of Chichester.
Sources & resources
- St Mary’s Church, Goring-by-Sea – Wikipedia
- Cultural Heritage Online
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