18

One of the oldest memorials in St.Margaret's is the tomb of William Savage [18] who was vicar from 1569 until his death in 1619. The story is told that after the church service in 1588 he led his flock down to the beach to pray for the defeat of the Spanish Armada!

It is believed he became vicar at the young age of 19 (although some sources suggest 24) and when he died aged 69 he left the sum of ten shillings in his will to the poor of Rottingdean. Part of his tomb inscription reads:

'A man of peace, the poorer peoples friende'.