St Symphorian's Church, Durrington

St Symphorian’s Church stands in Durrington, a suburb of Worthing in West Sussex. The building is a flint structure with stone dressings, built in the early 20th century around parts of a ruined 13th-century chapel. The original church fell into disrepair after damage during the English Civil War in the 1640s. Worship continued in a temporary tin tabernacle from 1890 until a permanent church was constructed during World War I. The Diocese of Chichester listed the church at Grade II for its historical and architectural significance. The church’s rebuilding began in 1914 and was completed in 1915, with further extensions added in 1941. The architect Lacy W. Ridge designed the new structure, incorporating surviving walls from the old chapel. The church was dedicated to St Symphorian in 1915 and consecrated a year later. The chancel was added in 1941 by W.H. Godfrey, completing the design. Repairs have been made over the years to address damp and woodworm problems. Visitors find a simple, light-filled interior with a nave and chancel separated by a rood screen. The flint and stone exterior reflects the local landscape, while the interior retains some original features. The church stands in a quiet corner of Durrington, surrounded by modern houses. A small graveyard lies adjacent, with some weathered headstones from earlier centuries. The building’s modest scale and clean lines make it a calm place for reflection.