Trotton: Bridge, Church and Manor House

Trotton Bridge, St George’s Church, and Trotton Place represent different aspects: a medieval stone bridge, wall paintings and funerary monuments, and a manor house with a later phase of construction. If you choose your stay based on an interest in local history and architecture, comparing these features can help you define Trotton’s historical focus more precisely.

Trotton Bridge and the A272

The medieval Trotton Bridge is a multi-arched stone bridge in the village that crosses the River Rother. Its features can be distinguished specifically: its medieval date, its construction from stone with several arches, and its position over the river. The A272 from Petersfield to Midhurst also crosses the bridge. Thus, alongside its structural form, a named road link is another aspect. If you are interested in historic construction methods and the connection between a structure and a road, the bridge provides a clearly defined focus for exploring Trotton.

In contrast to the church, whose distinctive features are spread across several wall paintings and funerary motifs, the bridge centers on a single structure and its relationship with the river and road. The two places therefore offer different kinds of historical points of interest.

Wall Paintings and Tombs in St George’s Church

St George’s Church contains medieval wall paintings with various motifs and locations. The Last Judgement is depicted on the west wall; representations of the Camoys family appear on the north and south walls. The oldest life-size brass rubbing of a woman is also set into the floor of the nave. A double tomb commemorates Thomas Lord Camoys and his second wife, Elizabeth Mortimer.

The wall paintings combine a religious theme with depictions of a specifically named family. The tomb for Thomas Lord Camoys and Elizabeth Mortimer adds a family connection; the fact that Elizabeth was his second wife makes this relationship more precise. The life-size brass rubbing represents a different form of funerary art. If you are interested in church art and forms of remembrance, these features can be distinguished by subject, location, and form.

Trotton Place and the Dovecote

The old manor house, Trotton Place, was built around 1600 and altered in the 18th century. To its west stands a dovecote dating from 1626. The chronology is differentiated: around 1600 refers to the construction of the manor house, 1626 to the dovecote, and the 18th century to the later alteration of the manor house. Chronologically, the dovecote therefore dates from after the manor house’s approximate construction date and before its alteration in the 18th century. In comparison, several construction and alteration dates are associated with Trotton Place; the bridge is dated to the medieval period, while the wall paintings and tombs are the focus at St George’s Church. This comparison shows that Trotton brings together various historical themes and time periods.

Discover more destinations: Funtington, Ansty, Boxgrove, Crawley, Lurgashall, Hunston, Haywards Heath, Lancing.

For the broader travel overview: West Sussex.