History of Itchenor St Nicholas
T[West] It is believed that Romans settled in Itchenor in AD43, though the parish name is derived from its Saxon chief Icca. He took hold of the shoreline which became known as Iccanore ‘Icca’s shore’. The Domesday Book (1066) names the village as Icenore. A chapel was built in 1175 by the Lord of West Itchenor manor Hugh Esturmy. The chapel was adjacent to the river Haven, spring tides would cause the chapel to be surrounded by water. This is why in around 1180 the chapel was dedicated to the patron saint of seafarers St Nicholas. We celebrate St Nicholas patronal on the Sunday closest to 6 December.
Itchenor with Birdham parish history
The Black Death reduced the population of West Itchenor, though the village survived. The village of East Itchenor, comprised of one manor only, was unified with Birdham in 1440. In 1935 [West] Itchenor joined with Birdham to make the parish of Birdham with Itchenor. In 1986 the parish of Birdham with Itchnor united with West Wittering parish to form the Benefice of West Wittering with Birdham and Itchenor.
St Nicholas church history
St Nicholas church is a grade I listed building. It sits on a hill and has a unified nave and chancel. It is 13th Century and was widely restored in 1869 by G M Hills, who also restored Birdham, St James church in 1863. The font is an octagonal bowl that dates from C13, it has a thick central steam and four outer shafts. The church contains four post WWII stained glass windows, and one abstract brightly coloured stained glass window.
You can find out more about St Nicholas church, Itchenor here
You can research the history of St Nicholas church, stained glass windows here.
St Nicholas church, Itchenor is open during the hours of daylight every day.
Address: St Nicholas Church, Itchenor Road, Chichester PO20 7AD.
A toilet is available at St Nicholas church, during church service times.
Parking: is available within St Nicholas church grounds to the side of the church opposite the churchyard. We are also able to provide overspill parking in the back field for Life Events, such as baptisms, weddings or funerals.
Giving to St Nicholas church: Please use this link to make an online donation to St Nicholas church.
