[Illustration:  ARUNDEL CHURCH.]

The fine parish church is separated from the chancel by a screen wall.  It dates from 1380 and now consists of nave and transepts, the space under the tower being used as the choir.  An ancient canopied pulpit is placed against the south-west pier.  On the north side are frescoes of the Seven Deadly Sins and the Seven Works of Mercy.  The modern ornate reredos shows with great effect against the curious arrangement of iron grill and bare brick which forms the screen wall.  The church was once attached to the Monastery of Seez in Normandy.

The magnificent modern Roman Catholic church of St. Philip Neri is open to visitors between the services.  It is built in the purest style of Decorated Gothic and has already cost over one hundred thousand pounds.  Notice, before entering, the statues of the Twelve Apostles at the west end beneath the fine “rose” window.  On entering, the imposing effect of the clustered columns and beautiful apse will be admired.  Unlike most Roman churches there is but little colour displayed, the “Stations of the Cross” being bas-reliefs in the aisle walls.  The subdued yet glowing tints in the stained glass help the general effect of restrained dignity.

[Illustration:  PLAN OF THE CASTLE & TOWN, ARUNDEL.]

In the lower portion of the town, the scanty remains of Maison Dieu show the position of that retreat, founded by Earl Richard, who built the church; the house provided for twenty inmates.  The piers of Arun bridge were built out of the ruins in 1742.

The park will probably prove the most satisfactory of the sights of Arundel to the ordinary visitor, who is here allowed to wander where he will.  The road passing under the castle to the right should be taken as far as a small gate on the left, by the mill, entering which we immediately see the Swanbourne Lake in all its beauty.

“The mill is situated beneath the castle, on the east side, at the head of the stream by which the ancient Swanbourne Lake discharges itself into the river, and most probably occupies the site of the original building mentioned in Domesday.  Perhaps, of all the beautiful spots in the neighbourhood of Arundel, none comprises more real beauty than this.  The valley in front, shaded by the willows and the ash which adorn the little islands of the lake, and winding its way in the distance among the hills; the castle projecting boldly from the eminence on the left; the steep acclivities on each hand, clothed to their summit with luxuriant forest trees ... present a scene in whose presence the lapse of centuries will be easily forgotten.” (Tierney.)