Bingham Towner’s churches are generally simple and well crafted though lacking originality. The quality of materials used at Mayfield is better than at many of his churches. Unlike Rottingdean, the church at Mayfield does not make good use of the site. It is barely visible from the road and even within the site the tower is tucked away and screened by trees. Internally the light and proportions create a welcoming and attractive space.  

The foundation stone is dated 1957. Replacing a church of 1932. Nave and sanctuary in one, south aisle, south west porch and short north tower with saddleback roof, largely screened from view by trees. Flint with ashlar dressings. The fenestration is of secular gothic type, i.e. simple mullioned windows with four-centred heads. The interior is light and airy with two tiers of windows on the north side. Stained glass in two chancel windows by Cox & Barnard, 1987 and 2000.

Henry Bingham Towner (1909-1997) was born and lived his life at Uckfield.  He wanted to become a priest but, deciding that he was not suited to the church, he trained as an architect and set up on his own in Uckfield in 1938. He specialised in church architecture and designed more than 25 new churches including St Wilfrids, Hailsham (1954), St Thomas of Canterbury, Mayfield (1957), Our Lady of Lourdes, Rottingdean (1957), St John Vianney Bexley Heath, St Teresa of Avila, Chiddingfold (1959), St Gabriel Billingshurst (1961), St Charles Borromeo, Worthing (1962), St Thomas More, Patcham (1963), St Thomas More, Seaford (additions 1969 to church of 1935), St Francis of Assisi, Moulsecomb (additions 1969 to church of 1939), Holy Rood Pevensey Bay (1964),  St Joseph’s Milford (1969), Christ the King, Langney (1970), Holy Family, Lancing (1970).

Heritage Details