Earnley, West Sussex

Earnley is a small village near Chichester, notable for Earnley Gardens and Butterflies, which features a variety of unique garden areas, each with a different theme, as well as habitat for rare and unusual butterfly species. Associated with the gardens is Rejectamenta, a museum of 20th-century memorabilia, with displays of everyday objects from the past century.

History

The history of Earnley goes back well before the Norman Conquest. Just outside the village is the site of an ancient gathering place, or moot, where local administration took place. After the Norman Conquest Earnley was granted to the Ernley family, who gave their family name to the village.

The small parish church is notable for its peculiar churchyard, retained with stone walls that create a ship contour. The oldest part of the church is the nave, which dates to the 13th century. The chancel was a late addition, added in the 14th century. Other historic features include a 14th-century aumbry with a carved door. The church has never had a dedication; it has always simply been known as Earnley Church.

The coast south of Earnley is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its geological interest and for its importance as a natural habitat.