Gates and Doors

Walking up to a Church, particularly those outside large towns and cities, you will often have to traverse the boundary, through a gate/stile/or other opening. Some Churches seem to have many of such, and often one is considered the 'Main Entrance' for the casual visitor.

Historically, these gates seem to have had many functions and must include access for burial purposes. Some of these entrances are 'fancy' and made of wood, stone, and/or metal. Some are simple.

Regardless of aesthetics, design for such entrances is important-like this one pictured which is known as a TAPSEL(L) gate.

This is a recreation of a Tapsel gate and is to be found at Botolph's Church in Sussex (just above Shoreham)

Entrance gates to Churchyards are not rare. However, some examples (such as the Tapsel gate are.

The Tapsel's were a family of bellmakers, with a foundry in West Durrington (Worthing). This has long since gone.

This design is unique in that it rotates on a central pivot (in either direction) with only a light push required.

There are (apparently) only six of these to be found in the Country...and they are all in Sussex.

The Transfiguration Church, Pyecombe

St Mary the Virgin, Friston