History St Helen's Church, Hangleton

there still stretch of open downland south of church, although residential development surrounds on other sides. before plague in 17th century there small lake @ top of green (st. helen s green) used plague pit – meaning mass grave – used dispose of victims of black death.

hangleton village began decline in 14th century. whole parish, covered wider area village itself, had population of 80 around 1850. in 1864 formally united parish of portslade, having been administered portslade s vicar previous 100 years. condition of church building worsened, never became unusable ruin , never experienced period without services—although time these infrequent once year. churchyard still used burials well.

unlike many other mediaeval churches in brighton , hove area, heavily restored , altered in 19th century, st helen s largely overlooked because of isolation in bleak, distant spot high on south downs above hove. in 1870, george cokayne, later clarenceux king of arms, funded minor restoration of church. may have saved building ruin, preserved ancient character.

scenes 1909 film boy , convict, directed dave aylott williamson kinematograph company, filmed in churchyard, includes grave of samuel augustus barnett (1844-1913).

the parish incorporated borough of hove in 1927. borough started use expanse of open land housing development afterwards. spread northwestwards hove in mid-1930s , continued until 1950s, time whole area around church had been built up. partial restoration took place in 1929, followed more thorough rebuilding in 1949. added porch , vestry, new roof (at cost of £2,500) , battlements , pyramidal roof on tower. work continued until 1951, @ time parish split portslade. new parish of hangleton s first priest took on in 1955.

following 1949 alterations, st helen s reopened regular use, , granted grade ii* listed status on 24 march 1950.