St Botolphs, 11th Century Church, Hardham. Sussex, Uk Royalty-Free Stock Photo

St Botolphs Church in Hardham, Sussex, UK contains the earliest nearly complete series of wall paintings in England. Dating from the 12th century, they were hidden from view until uncovered in 1866 and now `provide a rare and memorable impression of a medieval painted interior` The simple two-cell stone building, with its original medieval whitewashed exterior, has seen little alteration over the centuries except for the tower housing an ancient bell. St Botolph`s Church was listed at Grade I on 15 March 1955. Such buildings are defined as being of `exceptional interest`, and in some cases of greater than national importance.