Church Of St Nicholas

The Church of St Nicholas is a Grade II* listed building dating from the 13th century, with early 19th-century alterations. It features an aisleless chancel and nave, with the nave extended to incorporate the former west tower. The chancel includes two small lancet windows on each side and a three-light east window in the Perpendicular style. Inside, there is quadripartite vaulting in plaster with ribs shaped like Tudor arches, and wall monuments dedicated to the Cluster family.

The nave has a three-arched design at both ends, with recessed panels flanking the chancel arch on the east end, and partly blocked openings leading to small chambers with pointed barrel vaults on the west end. Each side of the nave features tall lancet windows between two-light cusped Perpendicular windows, which have moulded stone frames externally, one of which has been restored.

The west elevation is primarily from the early 19th century, featuring a central doorway with much of its original stone frame, flanked by two higher lights on each side. Above the doorway is a small window for the upper chamber and a ventilated bell opening. The tower is crenellated at the top and has a short hexagonal spire covered in slate. The building has old tile roofing and cement-rendered walls with stone dressings.

Inside, there is a 17th-century thin oak screen leading to a family pew and the base of a Saxon cross shaft dating from the 9th century. The church underwent significant restoration in the early 19th century and is notable for its association with Jane Austen, whose father served as the rector for 44 years.