James Gray: The original church was built in the 12th century but it gradually fell into decay and, at length, lay in ruins and derelict for 150 years. In 1878, the Ingram family, at a cost of £6,320 restored it on its old foundations. Where possible, the features of the old church were copied in the new one, and in the case of the two lancet windows in the chancel, the actual old stones were used. The photograph is, of course, a reproduction of the original one, which is said to have been taken on a wet plate in March 1859. jgc_15_138
James Gray: This photograph showing the ruins of the original church dates from 1870, and shows even less of the building standing than is shown in the 1859 photograph in the previous photograph. The view here is from east to west. jgc_15_139
James Gray: Purely for comparison (with jgc_15_140) is included this 1956 photograph of the church, which shows the recent additions of 1931 and 1936. The flint wall and railings look as good now as they did 78 years earlier. jgc_15_141
2018: There is now a ‘Secret Garden’ at the back of the church graveyard in the north-east corner.
James Gray: Detail showing the porch of St Leonard’s Church, taken on 11 September 1894. jgc_15_146
2018: The porch dates from 1877. It was part of the rebuilding work carried out by the family of a new and enthusiastic Rector, Henry Ingram, who wanted to bring St Leonard’s back into use after storms and floods in the 1700s reduced it to ruins. Rebuilding the entire church cost £6,320 in 1877. In 1999 the porch was restored by professional woodcarvers at a cost of £10,000. (Photographer: Steve Agace)
James Gray: The view about 1924, from the corner of Saxon Road, looking across the rear of Hartley and Midgley’s Garage and beyond to the fields to St Leonard’s Church and New Church Road. jgc_15_147
James Gray: A photograph of St Leonard’s Church being rebuilt on its old foundations, during 1877. Having been in ruins for centuries, the church was reconsecrated by the Bishop of Chichester on 18 June 1878. The tall man, in front, was the clerk of the works. jgc_15_148
James Gray: Photograph of the old horse tram that ran from Shoreham to Hove. One cannot pinpoint the exact location but it looks as if the bus was proceeding eastwards along new Church Road towards its termination at the Aldrington boundary, judging by the open country beyond the horses. Period unknown probably 1900s. jgc_16_064
James Gray: The period immediately before the 1914-18 War, showing St Leonard’s Church, and the newly planted trees in New Church Road. jgc_16_068
James Gray: On the authority of the photographer, these two large views of the church [jgc_15_142 and jgc_15_144] were taken at 4 p.m. on 11 September 1894. Judging by the kerbstones, this end of New Church Road was about to be made up. jgc_15_142 and jgc_15_144
James Gray: This small photograph is an earlier one which may well date from the year of rebuilding – 1878. jgc_15_143
James Gray: Date of photograph 27 June 1893. jgc_15_145
2018: This view of St Leonard’s C of E Church reveals an addition to the rear (far right of image), for which planning was applied in 1930; it also shows well-established trees on the pavement and a pedestrian refuge island on the road in front. There is a secret community garden at the rear, accessed through the churchyard from the main entrance, with beehives and a small pond. (Photographer: Gabrielle Conroy)