Coombes / Cumbe

Harrison (1920) reports a font here without any further particulars. The Victoria County History (Sussex, vol. 6, pt. 1, 1980) notes: "A church was recorded at Coombes in 1086. [...] Coombes church, of unknown dedication, [...] has a chancel and a nave with south porch. The small nave is probably of the late 11th century and retains its original south doorway and chancel arch. The former west tower may have been of the same date. [...] The font consists of a circular bowl on a brick plinth and is apparently 19th-century." This font consists of a cylindrical basin raised on a square pedestal base, made of brick and whitewashed; there is a lead lining in the basin. The font is located at the west end of the nave. The Digital Atlas of England [www.digiatlas.org/?author=1] [accessed 24 October 2012] notes: "The font bowl looks Norman but seems to be composed of a conglomerate; brick, pebbles and mortar. Most odd." Most sources agree with the late date; some local claims [www.sussexparishchurches.org/content/view/398/33/] [accessed 24 October 2012] attribute it great antiquity but, like the font at nearby Bramber, it is probably Victorian]. [NB: we have no information on the medieval font(s) here].