Page:Sussex archaeological collections, volume 9.djvu/127

Rh " 1603. Benton. John Hochekis, B.D. rector. Number of communicants about 29. — The parish of South Heigh- ton whereof I am parson hath about 36. No recusant in either parish. The patronage of the rectory is be- tween Sir Thos. Floyd and one Mrs. Shelley, and de- pends upon a suite in law.

" 16S6. Benton. The steeple and the roof adjoining a little out of repair, and the windows in a similar condition. The pavement wants repairing. — The porch in danger of falling clown if not timely repaired. — Several arti- cles enjoined by the canons are said to be wanting.

" 1724. Bishop Bower s Visitation.

"Benton, a rectory, of which Robert Mitchell, Esq. is patron. The present incumbent, Wm. Edwards, A.B. of St. John's Coll. Cambridge, instituted 1687. The church in good repair — the bible wants binding — the common prayer-book good — one pewter flaggon — one silver cup and cover — one linen cloth for the commu- nion table — a good cloth and cushion for the pulpit — no poor-box nor chest — two bells. The chancel in good repair. A small matter wanting to the mansion house &c. — Nine families — no papists nor dissenters. — Value in the king's books £4. 19s. 9c/. Discharged. — Divine service and sermon every fortnight. The living supplied by a curate, Mr. Alex. Patison. Sacrament administered three times in the year. No. of communicants about 9. — Six acres of glebe, all arable."

The church, which is dedicated to St. Leonard, consists of a single pace or nave, with no interior distinction of chancel. The west end is surmounted by a small bell-turret of wood and tile. A ceiling hides from view a very good timber roof much resembling that of Godshill, in the Isle of Wight. From the occurrence of two Early English windows in the nave, Mr. Hussey thinks the building may have been originally of that period ; but the church underwent considerable improvement IX.