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Alfriston, an Old Sussex Village

It is North-East of Seaford on England's South Downs

Jul 10, 2008

Part of the Clergy House, Barbara Bothwell

As well as the beautiful old buildings, shops and restaurants, there is The Clergy House which was the first building purchased by the English National Trust.

This area of East Sussex has been occupied since Neolithic times and the village is mentioned in the Domesday Book as Alvriceston. It was in existence before 1066, well known for the Battle of Hastings which was fought some miles away.

There are a number of interesting buildings around the village that are popular both with tourists and local residents.

The Church of St. Andrews

Also known as The Cathedral of the South Downs, most of the building dates from the 14th century, although it does have Saxon origins.

Something the church is well known for is its bells and the bellringers. There are six bells which hang in the tower, although there were just four in the 16th century and by 1724 there were five. By the 20th century there were six.

The bells are rung each Sunday at 10.15 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. and each Tuesday at 7.15 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.

The Clergy House

This was once the vicarage attached to St. Andrews. It was in 1896 that Octavia Hill (founder of the National Trust) arranged for the purchase of this house for GBP10/US$20.

From the outside it looks like an old thatched farmhouse set in a garden. It is a 14th century Wealden "Hall House". (The Sussex Downs are also called "The Weald").

Inside, the Medieval Hall is open to the roof - up to the rafters and thatch. The walls are wattle and daub and the floor is of chalk and sour milk. This room opens into a brick-paved room with a large open fire and iron fire-back.

The Cottage Garden is delightful and the vegetable/herb garden is fascinating with its raised beds edged with wicker-work.

The Clergy House is open:

15 March - 26 October 2008 at 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Monday/Wednesday/Thursday/Saturday and Sunday.

27 October - 21 December 2008 at 11.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Monday/Wednesday/Thursday/Saturday and Sunday.

Admission: Adult GBP3.70/$7.25. Child GBP1.85/$3.60. Guided Tour (extra) GBP1.30/$2.50.

The Star Inn

This was originally a religious hostel that was built in 1345 and known as The Star of Bethlehem. It became an inn in the 16th century.

The outside is fascinating with wooden figures along the upper part of the building and a figure of a red lion. This last was originally a ship's figurehead (possibly Dutch) and is connected with the smuggling that used to be carried out in this part of England.

As the Cuckmere River passes close to Alfriston this inn (and possibly others) were used by the 19th century smugglers.

Inside the bar there is a wooden "Sanctuary Post" which extended sanctuary to fugitives - probably the smugglers.

Waterloo Square

Situated at the northern end of the village, it does have a somewhat weatherbeaten market cross. North of the square are two conveniently located car parks that can be reached from the south and the north.

Strolling along the narrow High Street there are many shops - antiques and gifts - and restaurants. And, of course, there are inns that also serve food and provide acommodation.

A Ghost Story

In the 18th century Place House Estate was owned by the Chowne family. One day the heir and his dog went for a walk; he was attacked by thieves and killed. The thieves subsequently buried him.

Seven years later a couple walking along the road saw a small white dog that walked into the bank alongside the road. That phantom dog returned every seven years until the early 19th century when the young man's skeleton was recovered during a road widening project and he was given a proper burial.

Eleanor Farjeon

It was in 1931 that this lady wrote a famous hymn: "Morning Has Broken". At the time she was in Alfriston and was inspired by the beauty which she saw around her. The hymn reached a very wide audience in the 1970s when Cat Sevens recorded it.

Alfriston is located south of the A27 (the Lewes to Eastbourne road) and north of A259 (the Newhaven to Eastbourne road). When on the A27 turn south at Drusilla's Park and from Seaford turn north.

Not far from Alfriston, just off the A27 is Firle Place and Village which have been in the Gage Family for over 500 years.

The copyright of the article Alfriston, an Old Sussex Village in England Travel is owned by Barbara Bothwell. Permission to republish Alfriston, an Old Sussex Village in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.