© 2008 St John the Baptist, Capel PCC
DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHURCH IN CAPEL
First indications are that a church was built early in the twelfth century , not a Parish Church (ecclesia) but a Chapel (Capella). People who lived a long way from the 'ecclesia' used the 'capella' on ordinary
occasions but they paid their tithes and made their offerings al the ecclesia. Capel was originally in the Diocese of Winchester and during the term or office or Henry de Blois (Bishop of Winchester 1129-1171), Capel Church
was first mentioned when the advowson (the right to grant a benefice) was transferred by the Bishop to the Priory of St. Pancras at Lewes. It was then known as Capella de la Wachna.
In 1270 the Church is referred to as the church of Ewekene probably after a grant of land by
