Sistine Chapel in Sussex

Replica Sistine Chapel ceiling at English Martyrs

Dear ICN,

I recently visited English Martyrs Church in Goring by Sea, Worthing, dedicated to the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. It is a very welcoming church, there is a window dedicated to the 40 Martyrs and also some very beautiful glass rescued from the demolition of a local convent.

Most interesting of all however is the ceiling - an exact copy of the Sistine Chapel, carefully scaled down to fit into the space. It is breathtaking and as it is in an English church, far easier to visit as well as being not so crowded - you can actually stand and stare rather than being hurried through in a long queue of tourists. This work was done by a local parishioner, free of charge, inspired by his visit to Rome.

Our visit finished with a lovely cup of tea and cake in the barn behind the church, a welcoming place for everyone in the community and passing through.

Well worth a visit!

Kind Regards and God Bless

Helen Parry

Read more about English Martyrs church in Goring here: https://english-martyrs.co.uk/

See a film about their special ceiling: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYjhujQkZDs