Sidestrand, St Michael's Church 1938

Photo ref: 88540

More about this scene

As the encroachments of the sea approached the old Sidestrand Church, it was decided to move it further inland; this church, built of as many as possible of the old church materials, was the result. It was opened in 1881. The old church tower, along with the old graves, was left on the cliff top. This area caught the imagination of Clement Scott, who waxed lyrical over this tranquil place, calling it 'Poppyland' in his writings for Daily Telegraph. His evocative word pictures saw visitors, including many leading aesthetes and theatre personalities, come by the trainload to the area.