Church of St Thomas a Becket at Cliffe, Lewes

This small church is located in Cliffe, down the hill and across the river Ouse from the main part of Lewes. Although unremarkable architecturally, it has some interesting furnishings, and its gloomy interior provides a haven of peace and quiet from busy Cliffe High Street beyond.

The foundation is slightly obscure, but a chapel of ease appears to have been built here by the monks of the Benedictine foundation at Malling some time during the 12th century. It later became a church in its own right, and the first vicar was appointed in 1320. Although some fabric survives from the 12th century, (particularly in the chancel, which was probably the original chapel) most of what we see today dates from the 14th century, with a robust west tower built in the 15th century. The tower still dominates the exterior.

The interior is dark and gloomy, with a nave of three bays of simple gothic arches resting on octagonal piers, with north and south aisles. Most of the interest resides in the furnishings and fittings: in the north aisle, in a blocked window, is a painting of uncertain date of St Thomas a Becket, and another, larger oil painting of the ascension by an unkown artist, possibly Dutch, dated 1645.

Between the south aisle and chancel is a rare double squint, designed to allow those in the aisle - and possibly from outside, before the aisle was built - to witness the Mass. There was a leper's hospital outside the town's west gate in mediaeval times, and it may have been for their benefit that the squint was put in place. The chancel also has a fine 13th piscina in the north wall.

At the other end of the south aisle are two coats of arms: the upper one dates from 1598 with Elizabeth I's arms, and the lower one is Hanoverian, possibly from the reign George I. Under the tower is a copy and translation of the 'Cliffe Charter', dated 1410, in which Henry IV grants permission for a market and two fairs to be held in Cliffe.

The River Ouse regularly floods, and in 2000 the water rose over the font - the highest recorded level ever. The church has been thankfully restored, but remains at risk while the various Government agencies decide how best to prevent a recurrence.

Outside the church is a public water pump dated 1820, and opposite are some attractive old buildings, winding their way up Chapel Hill. The church is a short walk from two decent pubs, the Snowdrop and the Gardener's Arms, both of which serve real ale.

The church has regular services using the Book of Common Prayer.