Storrington / Storchetone

Harrison (1920), who does not mention mention a font in his entry for this church, notes: "Rebuilt with the exception of chancel about 1750 ; restored and S[outh] aisle added in 1876." The Parish site [www.storringtonparishchurch.org.uk/index.php/history] [accessed 5 February 2013] notes: "there was certainly a Norman church, mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086), part of which is incorporated in the present building", and illustrates the present font. The present font is of the Perpendicular-style design, but probably made in the 19th century, octagonal basin with quatrefoils on each side inscrbing other motifs, panelled stem and splying moulded lower base, both octagonal as well. The wooden cover octagonal and flat, with metal decoration and ring handle. Regarding the pedigree of the modern font here, the Sussex Parish Churches site [www.sussexparishchurches.org/content/view/549/33/] [accessed 5 February 2013] notes: "There is some doubt if this is the one that was designed under the rector’s supervision in 1842 (WSRO Par 188/4/9) and set on new steps in 1876 by T Earp (ibid Par 188/4/17). Doubt arises because of a suggestion in a contemporary newspaper cutting attached to the records that Earp produced a new font (and pulpit), although the conventionally C15 style of this one with a quatrefoil and shield on each side does not resemble Earp's known fonts. In view of a further statement that the present font was re-instated in 1928 (1 p4) this is probably the font of 1842 and the comparatively small size supports such a dating; though manifestly not old, its design is more in keeping with then taste than anything by Earp would have been." [NB: we have no information on the font from the 11th-century church here]