St. Peter's Church, Preston Village, Brighton

Saint Peter's Church in Preston Village, Brighton, is a historic former Anglican church with a rich heritage. Originally constructed in the 13th century, the church is situated on the site of two earlier churches and is notable for its architectural significance, earning it a Grade II* listed status.

The church is a flint building with stone dressings, capped with a tiled roof, and stands prominently on elevated ground near Preston Manor, making it a distinctive feature of the village. Built in the Early English style, Saint Peter's Church features a series of broad lancet windows, with three on each side of the nave and more in the chancel. Most of these windows have been restored from their original form, maintaining the building's historical character.

The church's western tower, though narrow and relatively short, contains several narrow lancet windows and houses three bells, one of which may date back to the 15th century. The current structure of the church includes a chancel with a barrel roof and a chamfered arch, a nave without aisles, a vestry with an elaborate chimney, and a timber-framed porch with a hipped roof.

In 1878, architect Ewan Christian renovated the church, adding intricately carved choir stalls, including one with a unique Native American figure. The church also features memorial tablets and stained glass windows dedicated to the Stanford family, and other local figures. After a fire in 1906, the church was restored again, adding a reredos and an altar made from the 1515 tomb of Edward Eldrington, lord of Preston Manor.

Although Saint Peter's Church served as the parish church of Preston until 1908, it was declared redundant by the Diocese of Chichester in 1990. It is now managed by the Churches Conservation Trust, preserving its legacy for future generations.