English Martyrs

Introduction

English Martyrs church in Horley was designed by architect J H Alleyn and built in 1962. The church has an octagonal plan with projecting chapels to the north and south and a rectangular narthex to the west, built of yellow brick. At the north end of the covered walkway leading to the main entrance is a detached bell tower of open 'ladder construction'.

Architecture and furnishings

Inside, the fluted shape of the central roof dictates the undulating form of the continuous band of clerestory windows. At the lower level, an ambulatory, running behind the pierced screens flanking the sanctuary, encircles the building. The eighteen concrete-set glass windows, designed by Pierre Fourmaintreaux, are filled with 10,000 pieces of one inch thick stained glass. The ground floor windows are set within triangular projections.

The ground floor windows depict the Stations of the Cross. The church welcomes visitors, being the closest Catholic church to Gatwick Airport.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Parents who wish to have their child baptised should contact the Parish Priest directly to receive the necessary instruction. Anyone considering becoming a Catholic is advised to contact the Parish Priest directly, with a view to joining the adult formation programme that runs across the academic year. Marriage preparation is undertaken with any individual couple, who should contact the Parish Priest directly.