Berwick Church, East Sussex is famous for its Bloomsbury paintings by the artists Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell and Quentin Bell. St Michael and All Angels is a Grade 1 listed building. Although it may well have Saxon or Norman origins, it was heavily restored in 1856 to designs by local Victorian architect Henry Woodyer. The 20th Century Bloomsbury Murals attract about 10,000 visitors each year.
Berwick (pronounced /ˈbɜːrwɪk/ BUR-wik or, more recently, /ˈbɛrɪk/ BERR-ik) is a picturesque village and civil parish in the Wealden district of East Sussex, England. Situated just south of the A27 road between Lewes and Polegate, the village is about three miles (4.8 km) west of Polegate. The parish is set in the River Cuckmere's floodplain and lies north of the scenic South Downs.
In 1941, during the Second World War, Bishop Bell of Chichester commissioned the Bloomsbury artists Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell and her son Quentin Bell, to decorate the interior of the small rural church of St Michael & All Angels, Berwick.
Julian Bell, the grandson of Vanessa Bell, was commissioned to make a reredos painting for the church and this was installed in early 2020. Julian has written a short pamphlet about the process of the commission and the painting which is available in the church or download The Way – The Pilgrim Painting by Julian Bell. One can watch a YouTube recording of Talking to Julian Bell.
Etymology and History
The name "Berwick" was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Berewice. Its origins lie in Old English, meaning "corn farm," indicative of its agricultural history.
Key Features
Public Houses: The parish boasts two traditional public houses:
The Berwick Inn, is conveniently located near the village's railway station.
The Cricketers, situated in the village's heart, offers a quintessential village pub experience. It is very popular and a delightful place to have lunch.
Iconic Red Telephone Box: Berwick features a classic "K6" red telephone box, a symbol of British heritage, adding to the village's charm.
Berwick's combination of historical significance and setting in the picturesque Sussex countryside makes it a notable location for visitors and locals.
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