Templar History
St Mary the Virgin, Shipley is one of the oldest churches in Sussex. Built as a chapel by the Knights Templar around 1139 on land donated by Philip de Braose. There would have been an earlier church on the site at that time.
After the dissolution of the order it was given, are were many other of their properites, to the Hospitllers.
There was a major preceptory near to this site, none of which now remains.
Some earlier artwork is still visible
I haven't been able to assertain the dates of some interesting mosaics on the floor near the altar.
South door
Main door
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