Westmeston
Westmeston consists of a simple flint nave with aisle and rebuilt
chancel. Nothing appears ancient in the structure, but the
chancel arch. Sadly the faint paintings described in 1862 have
disappeared. These seemed similar to those later uncovered at Hardham. They included an Agnus Dei above the chancel arch just as appears at Hardham.
Others have been interpreted as, on the north nave wall, the Betrayal
of Christ and of St Peter cutting off the ear of Malchus as well as the
Scourging or Martyrdom of St Vincent and the Magi, possibly as part of
a Doom. On the south wall upper tier
was the Descent from the Cross, Christ delivering the key to St Peter
and the book to St Paul, with the Crucifixion below. On the
soffit of the chancel arch were signs of the Zodiac, while below was a
demon threatening the soul of a body wrapped in a shroud.
Copyright©2022
Paul Martin Remfry