UXIT? Crossing the Borders

An enjoyable and informative walk led by local historian Brian Philips took us from Roman times to World War 2 via Buxted (organised by Bridge Cottage).

From Bridge Cottage we walked through Hempstead Meadow Nature Reserve. Apparently, this has been a meadow for thousands of years.  As we made our way down Hempstead Lane, Brian pointed out Tainters Brook, which is where cloth would have been dried, having been stretched out on tenterhooks.

Hempstead Mill and Hempstead Farm

Hempstead Farm

We paused by the mill and Brian explained:

• The mill had many uses over its long life including: production of silks, cotton products including that which was used to make paper for the Manchester Guardian (which still survives as The Guardian).
• It closed in 1937
• There was an attempt to use it to create electricity in 1953.

We moved a little further down Hempstead Lane so we could see Hempstead Farm now the home of the Sussex Horse Rescue Trust. Brian pointed out that it was on the boundaries of three parishes and there many have been a chapel there at one time.  It has been considerable altered over many years. A watercolour by Grimm on the Sussex Weald website shows what the farm looked like in 1786.

Buxted Park

The new Buxted, where the villagers lived after the old fell into decay

Having followed the River Uck into Buxted Park, we were able to see the big house across the lake. Brian outlined some of the history including:

• The present house was built in 1725
• Lord Liverpool stopped maintaining the village near the house, forcing the villagers to move to the "New Buxted" on the other side of the valley.
• There had been a fire in 1940. Although many artworks were rescued the top floor could not be rebuilt due to wartime shortages.

There is more historical information on the hotel's website.

The WW2 pillbox

We visited the pillbox, which is one of a number in the area.

Buxted Church

Christopher Wordsworth's grave

We visited the grave of Christopher Wordsworth, who was the rector of Buxted with Uckfield before the parishes were split. He was the brother of the poet.

Manor Park

Tower Ride - Site of the Roman Kiln

Having cut back through Views Wood, we stopped at a average-looking piece of grass. Back in 1967, when workmen were digging for a main, they discovered a Roman Corn Drying Kiln (Ref. Tebbutt, 1968). Also, people who live in the houses in The Drive have found Roman Pottery.

We then looked at the Water Tower, which once provided Uckfield with all its water, before the main group returned to Bridge Cottage and I went directly home.