The Church was built in the 13th Century of local sandstone. The tower itself is constructed of chalk, but faced with sandstone, and the steeple is tiled with Canadian cedar shingles.

History of the Church

The present building was constructed in the 13th Century, although it is believed that it is on the site of an earlier building.  Visitors will note that it is constructed from local sandstone, although the tower itself is constructed of chalk, brought from the South Downs, and then faced with sandstone. In the 19th Century extensive work was carried out.   The west door of the tower was blocked up, and new doorways and proches north and south were made.  The pitch of the nave roof was lowered and the whole building was re-roofed. The spire was 70cm out of perpendicular, so it was taken down and rebuilt.  The singing gallery and two side galleries were removed inside, and a new font installed.  The windows were reglazed with stained glass and a new heating system installed.

All Saints' connections with the New World

In 1606 the Reverend Robert Hunt, vicar of Heathfield, sailed with John Smith (of Pocohantas fame) and one Captain Gosnoll to America to found Jamestown, Virginia. They were part of the Virginia Company.This was thirteen years before the more well-known Pilgrim Fathers. They were supported by King James I and the Bishop of London, whose Diocese was also responsible for the Colonies. They were pioneering settlers whose founding of Jamestown is commemorated in a variety of ways. At All Saints Old Heathfield there is a memorial window, and at St James Church Jamestown there is a memorial altar. There is also a statue of Robert Hunt at the Washington Memorial Cathedral. 

The Hunt Window in All Saints Church commemorates James Hunt, vicar of All Saints 1602 - 8 celebrating the Communion at Jamestown, Virginia.  A memorial beside the James river in Virginia records the date of this celebration as June 11th 1607. A monument erected at that site describes Hunt as peacemaker, patient in suffering, and comforter of others in distress.  The settlement suffered famine, disease and attacks by native Americans.  The Hunt Window was unveiled by Dame Margaret Rutherford in 1962

Robert Hunt Memorial Statue

This statue of Robert Hunt is to be found in the crypt of Washington National Cathedral. It commemorates Hunt as follows:"This brick from the church of Jamestown Virginia AD 1607 was placed and hallowed by the Bishop of London on behalf of the Order of Jamestown October 29th, A.D. 1926"

This shrine commemorates Robert Hunt's first communion celebration in the Americas.  It is to be found at the Jamestown site in Virginia

For a brief 'potted history' of the adventures of Robert Hunt, click here.

Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities

Virtual Jamestown Experiment