Welcome to the Octagon Parish
In mediaeval times, an octagon was considered to be halfway between a circle (God) and a square (earth). It was the place where heaven and earth came into contact. That is why pulpits and fonts are often octagonal in shape.
The Octagon Parish is situated at the western end of Sussex between Chichester and Petersfield and within the South Downs National Park. This rural community consists largely of farmland and is made up of the villages and hamlets of Compton, Forestside, Up Marden, West Marden, North Marden, East Marden, Racton, Stansted, Stoughton and Walderton.
The Octagon contains eight uniquely beautiful churches, many of them Saxon in origin, seven of which are still open for public worship. The Chapel at Stansted Park is now administered by the Stansted Park Foundation.
For more information about our churches, our services, and our community, please visit our Community Website.
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Safeguarding
The Octagon parish is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people, and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). The Diocese of Chichester’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advises our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm, please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services. For more information, including telephone numbers, click on the link below.