Saint Mary Magdalen

Introduction

Saint Mary Magdalen in Brighton, within the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, was built in 1861-2 by Gilbert Blount.

History

During the 1970s the altar was cut from the reredos, shortened and placed on the Communion step, and an apron was added. The pulpit was lowered and one side was removed and destroyed. All the stone work in the church was painted white which quickly turned grey; capitals and columns were painted with metallic paint. A new lighting system was installed in 2010.

A stone floor was installed on the sanctuary on December 22nd, 2011. The Baptistery was completed on 23rd Dec 2011.

Architecture and furnishings

The church is built of red brick in English bond with stone dressings, black brick and blue-glazed brick, and has a stone spire. The church has a 2-bay chancel, a nave of 5 bays with north and south aisles, a north tower and a north-east vestry. The east window is in the form of a spherical triangle with flamboyant tracery. The tower has a broach spire with 2-light lucarnes.

The south-east chapel has a pointed-arched east window with quatrefoil over 3 cusped lancets. The church has a low wall to Upper North Street of brick with stone chamfered coping.

Parish life

The school is multicultural and inclusive, with pupils from many backgrounds and faiths. Children from the school visit the church at timetabled times for services and celebrations.