St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes, Sussex
Please note that the inscriptions from some memorials have been transcribed (and spelling updated) so that they may be found by search engines for genealogical purposes. Some inscriptions are worn and not always clear.
My Great Grandfather, William Charles Balch Priestley was married in this church on 25 December 1880 to Annie Louisa Awcock. He was, at the time, engaged in the construction of the nearby railway. Those with genealogical enquiries relating to Horsted Keynes families with surnames of Priestley, Balch or Awcock (later Allcock or Alcock), are asked to contact the photographer for more information. At the end of the gallery some of the surviving headstones of the Awcock families are pictured for the benefit of researchers.
The church has it's own website. SCROLL DOWN to view the pictures. Click here to return to the main website index page.
A close up of the memorial window in memory of E Jane Virgo, given by Elizabeth Ponsford, friends and former pupils, 1949. See the inscription in the next image.
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 8637
A memorial window in memory of E Jane Virgo, given by Elizabeth Ponsford, friends and former pupils, 1949. See also the previous images.
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 8639
The organ of St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes, which was built by Brown of Canterbury in 1904. 06.04.2013 6632
A general view of the interior of St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes, looking south east. 06.04.2013 6660
A general view of the interior of St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes, looking south east. 06.04.2013 6659
A tour of St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes, organised by the Bluebell Railway, being conducted by the Rector. 06.04.2013 6591
A tour of St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes, organised by the Bluebell Railway, being conducted by the Rector. 06.04.2013 6590
The early 20th Century pulpit of St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes is carved with figures of Christ, St Joseph, St Peter, St Augustine and St Francis, and is the work of Captain Louis Wyatt whose family lived at Treemans from 1623 before moving to Wyatts. 06.04.2013 6633
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes, looking east towards the high altar. 06.04.2013 6634
The area of the high altar in St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. Behind the altar light is flooding through a Crucifixion window by 19th Century local stained glass artist Charles Kempe. 06.04.2013 6635
An earlier photo of the window behind the high altar seen in the previous picture.
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. 09.04.2004
The high altar in St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. To the right the everlasting light burns before the Blessed Sacrament Aumbry (2003) containing consecrated Bread reserved from the Eucharist. At this place especially people kneel and pray. 06.04.2013 6639
To the left of the high altar is a "little crusader" effigy which is probably of Richard de Cahaignes who died in 1270 in the Crusades and whose heart encased in silver may lie below. Horsted Keynes is where the Cahaignes family, who came to England with William the Conqueror and built St Giles, kept their horses. The village has a link with Cahagnes in France.
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6640
The small statue of the priest holding Bread and Wine over the piscine, used for washing the chalice, was placed above the original piscine recovered from the Tower wall as part of the 19th Century restoration of St Giles.
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6641![This memorial near the high altar has an inscription which is worn and in places difficult to read. It is believed to say:<br />
<br />
"Here lyeth the body of Mrs Sarmira Lightmaker, wife of Mr Edward Lightmaker of Broadhurst in Sussex, Gentleman. Daughter of Dr Alexander Leighton DD, Sister to Dr Robert Leighton, late Archbishop of Glasgow, and Sir Ellis Leighton, Knight, who both lie here interred. She was a devout woman and a Mother in [unclear] a widow indeed and (notwithstanding [unclear] to a 2nd marriage) lived for 44 years. She died in the Lord December 20th 1704 aged 81. <br />
<br />
[Latin inscription not transcribed]<br />
<br />
Here also lie the bodies of Thomas and Mary the Children of Mr William [unclear] of Limesfield in Surrey, Gentleman. Grandchildren to ye excellent Matron above specified. Thomas died March 8th 1701 aged 11, Mary [died] April 10th 1702 aged 21.<br />
Likewise here lie ye bodies of Thomas and Elizabeth, the Children of Thomas Osborne Junior of Newtimber in Sussex Armiger. Her Great Grandchildren, Thomas died April 4th 1706 aged 4, Elizabeth [died] April 12th 1706 aged 3 years<br />
<br />
[Latin inscription not transcribed]"<br />
<br />
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6649](https://photos.smugmug.com/Horsted-Keynes-and-vicinity/St-Giles-Church-Horsted-Keynes/i-v9N6xxs/0/289cc8c0/L/St%20Giles%20060413%206649%20E-L.jpg)
This memorial near the high altar has an inscription which is worn and in places difficult to read. It is believed to say:
"Here lyeth the body of Mrs Sarmira Lightmaker, wife of Mr Edward Lightmaker of Broadhurst in Sussex, Gentleman. Daughter of Dr Alexander Leighton DD, Sister to Dr Robert Leighton, late Archbishop of Glasgow, and Sir Ellis Leighton, Knight, who both lie here interred. She was a devout woman and a Mother in [unclear] a widow indeed and (notwithstanding [unclear] to a 2nd marriage) lived for 44 years. She died in the Lord December 20th 1704 aged 81.
[Latin inscription not transcribed]
Here also lie the bodies of Thomas and Mary the Children of Mr William [unclear] of Limesfield in Surrey, Gentleman. Grandchildren to ye excellent Matron above specified. Thomas died March 8th 1701 aged 11, Mary [died] April 10th 1702 aged 21.
Likewise here lie ye bodies of Thomas and Elizabeth, the Children of Thomas Osborne Junior of Newtimber in Sussex Armiger. Her Great Grandchildren, Thomas died April 4th 1706 aged 4, Elizabeth [died] April 12th 1706 aged 3 years
[Latin inscription not transcribed]"
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6649
Looking west from the high altar towards the main body of the church.
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6651
A general view of part of the wall of the chancel in St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. See also the subsequent images. 06.04.2013 6643/E1
A memorial window "To the Glory of God and in memory of John Tully Comber of Cockhaise who died November 19th 1892, aged 57."
A stone plaque below the window is inscribed "also in memory of William Tully (died 1945) and Emma Comber (1935), John Tully (1949) and Laurina Margaret Comber (1940); Dorothy Ellen Comber (1931); William Edward Comber (1943); and Eric William Douglas Skinner (1931); also David William Skinner (1990).
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6644
"In this Chancel are deposited the Remains of Mrs Elizabeth Dalmahoy, Relict of Alexander Dalmahoy Esq and daughter of John Board Esq of Paxbill.
She died the 13th of July 1788, aged fifty one years.
This small tablet was erected by her Daughter Frances Ayliffe Dalmahoy as a testimony of her Affection and to perpetuate the memory of an amiable Woman"
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6643/E2!["Alexander Macleod, of Muiravonside, Esq, in the County of Stirling, North Britain, erects this tablet to the memory of his beloved wife Frances Ayliffe Macleod who died in London December 29th 1834 in the 80th year of her age.<br />
Highly esteemed and lamented by all her friends.<br />
On the [date unclear] of January 1835, her remains were interred in the chancel of this church, by the side of her Father and Mother Alexander Dalmahoy Esq and Mrs Elizabeth Dalmahoy, formerly of Walthamstow, Essex."<br />
<br />
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6643/E3](https://photos.smugmug.com/Horsted-Keynes-and-vicinity/St-Giles-Church-Horsted-Keynes/i-nRJwsgJ/0/16f8b6e2/L/St%20Giles%20060413%206643%20E3-L.jpg)
"Alexander Macleod, of Muiravonside, Esq, in the County of Stirling, North Britain, erects this tablet to the memory of his beloved wife Frances Ayliffe Macleod who died in London December 29th 1834 in the 80th year of her age.
Highly esteemed and lamented by all her friends.
On the [date unclear] of January 1835, her remains were interred in the chancel of this church, by the side of her Father and Mother Alexander Dalmahoy Esq and Mrs Elizabeth Dalmahoy, formerly of Walthamstow, Essex."
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6643/E3![A memorial window. The inscription is not totally clear but is believed to say:<br />
"In loving memory of Lucy Catherine Frances Forster [records show aged 65] who died in this parish March 1st 1903. This window is erected by the [unclear] self denial offerings of the children of this parish and other friends". <br />
<br />
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6642](https://photos.smugmug.com/Horsted-Keynes-and-vicinity/St-Giles-Church-Horsted-Keynes/i-SPWmwTP/0/ed09e255/L/St%20Giles%20060413%206642%20E-L.jpg)
A memorial window. The inscription is not totally clear but is believed to say:
"In loving memory of Lucy Catherine Frances Forster [records show aged 65] who died in this parish March 1st 1903. This window is erected by the [unclear] self denial offerings of the children of this parish and other friends".
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6642
The south Nativity window created by 19th Century local stained glass artist Charles Kempe.
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6656
"Near this Place lieth the Body of Richard Wyatt Esq. Sometime of Treemans in this Parish.
He Died in January 1753, In the 64th Year of His Age.
Also the Body of Susanna His Wife
Daughter of the late Sir Thomas Molyneux, Knight
Of Losely in the County of Surrey
She Died the 29th day of June 1774, In the 73rd Year of Her Age."
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6637
A memorial window "In memory of Lucy Lois Rodwell whose aim in life was the Glory of God".
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6658
"In memory of Anthony Ellis
who was born in 1630, buried 17th July 1712.
Also of
Thomas Ellis, his son
who was born 18th January 1684, buried 8th March 1754,
This monument was erected from a pious regard to their memory by their descendant
George Ellis, of East Grinstead, Gentleman, AD 1854."
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6630
"This Monument is erected
As a Sacred tribute to the Memory
of Richard Wyatt Esq of Treemans in this Parish.
Who died January 11th 1816 Aged 67 Years.
He fulfilled his public duty as Sheriff of the County,
and manifested by his example those mild and Christian virtues,
By which he supported his Sickness with fortitude
and the pains of Death with resignation."
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6636
"In the Vault Underneath this Monument
Lyeth Interred the Body of
William Pigott Esq
Late of Broadhurst in this Parish who departed
This Life the 22nd day of May 1722,
In the 40th Year of his Age.
He married the only Daughter and heiress of the
Rev Mr William Needham of Allresford in the
County of Northampton, Bachelor of Divinity
By whom he had issue 4 Sons and one Daughter:
William, Born October 20th 1711, Buried March 25th 1730
Gervas, Born December 30th 1714, Buried April 2nd 1728
Henry, Born December 30th 1715, Buried March 7th 1715
Robert, Born April 13th 1719, Buried July 14 1719.
And are all interred in the same vault.
Catherine the daughter and Sole Heiress is now Surviving.
In honour and Respect to their Valuable Memories this Monument was Erected at the sole expense of Jane Pigott his Affectionate Wife and their tender Mother.
AD 1734
Trusting in Almighty God Through the merits of Our Blessed Saviour to meet them Again
In a Glorious Resurrection in Immortal and Everlasting Happiness. Amen."
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6648
"Thomas Pigott Esq, Son of Thomas and Catharine Pigott. Born 21st December 1738, Died 5th February 1793. Aged 55.
Buried in the family vault here."
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. 06.04.2013 6650
A self-explanatory memorial in the porch of St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. 06.04.2013 6662
The Macmillan Family Plot, St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. 06.04.2013 6606
The Macmillan Family Plot, St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. 06.04.2013 6683
The Macmillan Family Plot, St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. 06.04.2013 6682
The Rector at the Macmillan Family Plot, St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. 06.04.2013 6597
The Macmillan Family Plot, St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. The cross is a replica of the Macmillan Cross at Kilgerry, Argyllshire. 06.04.2013 6611
The Macmillan Family Plot, St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. 06.04.2013 6610
"Maurice C Macmillan
1853 - 1936
Also his wife
Helen A Macmillan
1856 - 1937"
This is:
Maurice Crawford Macmillan (Publisher)
and his wife:
Helen (Nellie) Artie Tarleton Macmillan (formerly) Belles, artist and socialite, from Spencer, Indiana, USA.
The Macmillan Family Plot, St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. 06.04.2013 6608
"Dorothy Macmillan
1900 - 1966
Harold Macmillan
1894 - 1986"
This is:
Maurice Harold Macmillan, 1st Earl of Stockton, OM, PC, FRS, Conservative Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 10 January 1957 to 18 October 1963
and his wife:
Lady Dorothy Macmillan GBE (formerly) Cavendish, the daughter of the 9th Duke of Devonshire.
The Macmillan Family Plot, St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. 06.04.2013 6609
"Maurice V Macmillan
1921 - 1984"
This is:
Maurice Macmillan, Viscount Macmillan of Ovenden (one of the Macmillan's four children).
The Rector at the Macmillan Family Plot, St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. 06.04.2013 6596
A tomb beyond the southern hedge of the Macmillan family plot.
"In affectionate memory of Alice Bohun, Daughter of Bohun Henry Chandler Fox Esq of Maplewell Hall, Woodhouse Eaves in the County of Leicester, and wife of Henry Strother, First Baron Cautley of Buxshalls Lindfield. Born 18th March 1876, Married 1st October 1902, Died 16th December 1943."
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. 06.04.2013 6612
A memorial on the outside southern wall of the church:
"In memory of the Rev Ralph Clutton, Rector of this Parish, who died January 18th 1761, Aged 66 Years.
Also of the Rev Ralph Clutton, His Son, Rector of this Parish, who died April 13th 1772, Aged 44 Years."
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. 06.04.2013 8641
A memorial on the outside southern wall of the church:
"Here lyeth interred the body of Sir Ellis Leighton, Knight, who died 9 January 1684."
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6665![A memorial on the outside southern wall of the church:<br />
<br />
[In Latin] "Robert Leighton, Archbishop of Glasgow, who died 20th June 1684, aged 74"<br />
<br />
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6666](https://photos.smugmug.com/Horsted-Keynes-and-vicinity/St-Giles-Church-Horsted-Keynes/i-2n4ts4P/0/291098f4/L/Leightovn%20Grave%20St%20Giles%20060413%206666%20E-L.jpg)
A memorial on the outside southern wall of the church:
[In Latin] "Robert Leighton, Archbishop of Glasgow, who died 20th June 1684, aged 74"
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes 06.04.2013 6666
The mechanical clock, made in 1854, on the tower of St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. Electrical winding and a chiming mechanism have been added subsequently. There is a motor on the pendulum so that each hour the clock is checked by radio and the length of the pendulum altered as necessary. 06.04.2013 8640
The Old Rectory, St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. 06.04.2013 6614. This large estate, adjacent to the church, is now a private home, and no longer used by the church.
The Old Rectory, St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes. 06.04.2013 6615. This large estate, adjacent to the church, is now a private home, and no longer used by the church.
An earlier view of The Old Rectory, St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes, taken on 09.04.2004.
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes looking west from the churchyard. 06.04.2013 6673
St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes looking west from the churchyard. 06.04.2013 6687