A bit about us

Our Story

Lee & Angie Duckett

Lee is the 48th Dean of Battle

Over 900 years of faith & community, in the heart of Battle

Steeped in heritage and Christian tradition, the church of St Mary the Virgin has been serving its community for almost 1,000 years.

A stone’s throw from the site of the Battle of Hastings, St Mary’s – a daughter church of Battle Abbey – was built for the people of the town. Now designated a Major Parish Church, one of only 300 in the country, this wonderful building is still honouring its commitment to faith and service.

Whatever brings you to our church – whether you join us in worship, private prayer or simply want to learn about the heritage – you can be sure of a warm welcome.

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Heritage

When Duke William of Normandy won the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and became King of England, he commissioned the building of an abbey on the battle site.

William died in 1087 before it was finished, but in 1095 his son William Rufus attended the consecration of the abbey church, serving its community of Benedictine monks. Local people were allowed to worship there, but were eventually too disruptive for the monks' religious life, and the Abbot petitioned the King to build a separate church outside the Abbey walls to serve the growing town around it.

A modest-sized building was built around 1102, serviced by the monks, but in 1115 the church was granted its own priest and Dean, and from then onwards has operated as the parish church for the people of Battle. Over the centuries it has been adapted and extended to form the magnificent Grade I listed building that we see today.

Why not visit us and see the Crusader crosses and the grooves where they blunted their swords; the remains of medieval wall paintings, the stained glass windows that include the only one in England celebrating the Battle of Hastings – or just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the magnificent architecture?

Meet the team

I grew up in Wimbledon, South West London, with little experience of church beyond baptisms, weddings, and funerals. In 1993, I joined an Alpha Course at Holy Trinity Brompton to explore the Christian faith. I was amazed by the historical evidence for Jesus and his death on the cross. Convinced by the resurrection, I became a Christian, and my life was never the same again.

I spent 14 years in the Telecommunications Industry as an engineer, consultant, and company director before leaving to pursue a Bachelor of Theology (BTh) at Wycliffe Hall in Oxford from 2001 to 2004. Since then, I have served in the Chelmsford, Southwark, and Chichester Dioceses before being appointed by the late Queen Elizabeth II as the Dean of Battle.

Lee, Dean of Battle’s Story

I am married to Angie, and we have two children and a much loved Tibetan Terrier. We love living in Battle and enjoy the various events that take place throughout the year.

I have a passion for all kinds of music and once played lead guitar in a heavy rock band during my late teens. I enjoy science fiction, drama, and action films, though I rarely find the time to watch them. I also enjoy the classic car show held annually in Bexhill.

I would love to invite you to join us at St Mary’s, where you will receive a warm welcome and have the opportunity to learn more about the Christian faith. Perhaps, like me, you will find that your life is never the same again.

Contact the Dean