Heavenly visions in earth colours

Hardham, West Sussex The walls are covered with figures - some very faint, some clear - like a faded Bayeux tapestry

A dunnock is singing from the scaffolding on the bell tower of St Botolph's, the small square Saxon church. I walk inside, out of the wind and rain, and open the heavy inner door.

Automated lights illuminate the walls, which glow with faded red and brown paintings. The walls are covered with figures - some very faint, some clear, part-Saxon, part-Norman in style - like a large, faded Bayeux tapestry. The closer you look, the more the figures come to life. Saint George rides in gallantly on horseback, levelling his lance. Adam and Eve are tempted by a wyvern serpent. An ox and an ass watch over a child in a cradle.