Three Sussex churches have received Grade I listed status, giving them special protection from alterations.
They are St Nicholas in Arundel, the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity in Chichester and the Church of St Mary in Rother.
The initiative will also make it easier to apply for grants towards the churches' upkeep and restoration.
Arts minister Tessa Blackstone today announced the recommendations by English Heritage, the Government's statutory adviser on historic buildings.
Baroness Blackstone said: "Britain's historic churches and cathedrals are the cornerstone of our heritage. It is important that we do everything we can to protect them for future generations."
A total of 150 churches across England were included in today's recommendations.
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