St Peter's, Preston Old Church

In a small wooded churchyard adjoining the 18th century Preston Manor, now part of the Brighton Museum, this simple 13th century flint church makes a pleasing mediaeval contrast with its suburban surroundings. It is notable mainly for the substantial area of 13th century wall paintings that survived a disastrous fire in 1906. Those on the east wall of the nave depict the Martydom of St Thomas of Canterbury on one side and St Michael weighing souls on the other, are particularly impressive.

The thirteenth century St Peter's Church, Preston Park is no longer used for regular worship but it remains a consecrated building and is in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. Standing next to Preston Manor, with which it has close historical connections, it is famed for this thirteenth century wall paintings which include a gruesome representation of the murder of St Thomas of Canterbury. There are also lots of fine memorials and a rare Tudor tomb reused as an altar.

The Church is available to musical and theatrical groups and provides a very flexible performance space.

More information may be found on www.visitchurches.org.uk