Brief History

The origin of the name Lindfield derives from the Old English meaning 'open land with lime trees'. The earliest known reference to a church in 'Lindefeldia' is probably in 765AD when Adwulf, last king of the South Saxons, gave a large tract of land for what many believe to be a minster church at Lindfield.
The current church building dates in parts from the 13th century, although it is believed that the current site has had a church for more than 800 years. The building that we see today is the product of much alteration and repair. Lindfield and its church grew in importance during the Middle Ages since it was near the centre of an extensive parish. However, with the 16th century dissolution of the monasteries, Lindfield Church began to lose its place as an ecclesiastical focal point. By the early 17th century the church had become almost derelict and it remained in poor condition, as did much of the parish, until a Victorian revival. With the help of some notable local residents and more committed clergy, two restorations took place in the 19th century - rescuing the church from its most wretched condition.
Further restoration and repairs took place in the first half of the 20th century and, although All Saints may not be ranked amongst the most interesting or finest of the many historic churches in Sussex, it is no longer in disrepair and still boasts a number of interesting features.
If you would like to know more about the history of All Saints Lindfield, A Guide to the History of the Church is available from the church bookstall or from the Tiger Church Office at a price of £3.

The last significant change to the buildings was the aquisition and conversion of the adjoining medieval building 'the Tiger', formerly a Public House and now the main centre for the many fellowship groups that form part of All Saints and other groups that provide services to local residents - placing All Saints, once more, at the heart of the local community.

Since the last half of the 20th century and continuing today, All Saints has become a thriving parish church in the Anglican Evangelical tradition, drawing in large numbers of worshippers from the parish and surrounding areas.