Botolphs

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Botolphs is a tiny village community in West Sussex, England. It is located in the Adur Valley and on the South Downs Way.

The ancient parish church is dated from 950 and large parts of the Saxon construction remain, particularly in the chancel wall and arch, and in the south wall. The tower was added in the mid-13th century, as was the chancel, replacing a Saxon apse.

The church was originally dedicated to Saint Peter, and the community was known as 'Annington'. At an early date the deedication was changed to Saint Botolph, and by a process of association, the village took the name of Botolphs. The name Annington also survives, as a hamlet between Botolphs and Bramber.

Botolphs once had a sizeable population with trade from both the navigable River Adur and salt production. The decline of both industries (largely due to the silting of the river) led to a sharp decline, and in 1534 the ecclesiastical parish of Botolphs was united with that of Bramber. The village population has remained fairly constant from then to the present day, at around 50 to 60 people. The community did once support an independent civil parish council, but this has followed the earlier example of the ecclesiastical parish, in being absorbed into Bramber.

The Saint Mary Magdalene leper hospital was located in neighbouring Bramber, in the area now know (by corruption of Magdalene) as Maudlyn. The leprous inmates were not permitted to attend Bramber's fashionable castle church, and were sent instead to observe the mass at Botolphs, where two leper squints were provided in the chancel walls.

The church walls bear many plaques commemorating the local 'Penfold' family, whose descendents emigrated to Australia and are now famous for wine production.