Wealden
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Wealden from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Wealden's most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry. Skip this section and go to place by numbers
Wych Cross Place
Danehill
Wych Cross Place's gardens, designed by Thomas Hayton Mawson in 1901 for geographer Douglas Freshfield, are praised as one of Mawson's best achievements, retaining most of the original...
Wootton Manor
Long Man
Wootton Manor, extensively remodeled by Detmar Blow in the early 20th century, combines Arts and Crafts architecture with historical significance.
Heathfield Park
Heathfield and Waldron
Heathfield Park, established in the 17th century, features improvements by Humphry Repton and Reginald Blomfield. It includes historic gardens, lakes, and the notable Gibraltar Tower.
Harrock House
Buxted
Harrock House is a late 17th-century red brick structure featuring a half-H plan and notable for its modillion eaves cornice and pilastered wings.
The New House, including orangery, Millennium Pavilion, t…
Wadhurst
The New House, built from 1982, is a rare and idiosyncratic post-modern country house designed by the architect John Outram for the Rausing family, developers of the Tetra Pak.
Eridge Park
Frant
Eridge Park, originally a medieval deer park, was developed in the late 18th century by the Abergavennys into a picturesque estate with significant historical visits and industrial usage.
Former Wadhurst College
Wadhurst
Country house, later in educational use. Completed in 1885, designed by Adolphus Croft, an in house architect for Gillow and Company (later Waring and Gillow) for John Bruce.
Polegate Windmill
Willingdon and Jevington
Polegate Windmill, built in 1817, is a notable tower mill with historical significance, known by several names and featuring a red brick, tile-hung design.
Charleston Manor
Cuckmere Valley
Charleston Manor, once the home of Sir Oswald Birley, features gardens designed by Walter Hines Godfrey. It was a cultural hub hosting the Sussex festival.
The Old Mint House and Mint Cottage
Pevensey
Hall, detached kitchen and house, originally built in about the early to mid-C16 as detached buildings but joined by a cross-wing and link range to form a single complex in the late C16 or...
Herstmonceux Castle and Place
Herstmonceux
Herstmonceux Castle, built in the 15th century, features a medieval park and has undergone several restorations. It is currently owned by Queen's University.
Kidbrooke Park
Forest Row
Kidbrooke Park features 18th-century origins with significant landscaping by Humphry Repton, including a water system and gardens developed through the 19th and 20th centuries.
Long Burgh long barrow, Alfriston.
Alfriston
Long Burgh long barrow is a Neolithic monument in Alfriston, representing an ancient communal burial site, with high archaeological potential and national importance due to its rarity and...
Remains of Exceat parish church: part of the former medie…
Cuckmere Valley
Exceat parish church, a medieval site, highlights England's varied settlement history in the East Wessex sub-Province, with archaeological insights into rural life post-Norman conquest.
Buxted Park
Buxted
Buxted Park, an 18th-century park with significant 17th and 19th-century features, transitioned ownership through historical families and now serves as a country house hotel.
Sheffield Park
Fletching
Sheffield Park is a historic landscape park known for its lakes and notable gardens, developed since the 18th century by Lancelot Brown and Humphry Repton.
Ruins of Laughton Place
Laughton
Ruins of Laughton Place, a 1534 tower built by Sir William Pelham, stand on a moated site. It was refurbished in the 20th century by The Landmark Trust.
Section of Roman road 270yds (250m) in length SE of Holty…
Hartfield
Roman roads were built for communication and trade, crucial for Roman administration.
Former Maiden's Head Hotel
Uckfield
The Former Maiden's Head Hotel in Uckfield features an 18th-century north section and an early 19th-century south section, with elements like a Venetian window and curved bays.
Frant Court
Frant
Frant Court's early 20th-century gardens were influenced by Gertrude Jekyll's designs, featuring formal terraces and woodland aesthetics.
Medieval moated site with adjacent late medieval Pondbay,…
Crowborough
The Walsh Manor site features an ornamental entrance and a pondbay linked to historical iron-works, showcasing wealth and status in medieval England.
Prehistoric rock shelters and a multivallate hillfort at …
Frant
Rock shelters and a rare multivallate hillfort near High Rocks are important for Mesolithic to Romano-British occupation evidence, construction techniques, and archaeological information.
Medieval moated site and Tudor ruins, Laughton Place
Laughton
Laughton Place's medieval moat and Tudor ruins showcase prestigious aristocratic residences from the 13th to 20th centuries, significant for understanding wealth distribution and status in...
Penns in the Rocks
Withyham
Penns in the Rocks, linked to William Penn, features gardens evolved by Dorothy Wellesley, with early 19th-century elements and later guidance by Lanning Roper.
Sheffield Park House
Fletching
Sheffield Park House, designed by architect James Wyatt in 1779, features a mix of Gothic and classical styles.
Robertson War Memorial Bequest Obelisk at Michel Dene, Cr…
East Dean and Friston
First World War memorial marker.
Windleshaw House and associated garden structures
Withyham
Windleshaw House, 1906-1908, by W A S Benson for himself and his wife; the builder was a Mr Holland.
Medieval moated site, Brambletye Manor
Forest Row
The medieval moated site at Brambletye Manor is a well-preserved monument with archaeological potential, featuring concentric moats and historical connections to the Compton family.
Spring Cottage and The Mallows
Wadhurst
Spring Cottage and The Mallows, formerly Blackman House, is a 17th-century structure refaced with roughcast and features modern casement windows, located on Wadhurst High Street.
The Gables and Gable End
Pevensey
The Gables and Gable End is a 19th-century, three-storey building featuring stucco walls, tile-hung gables, latticed casement windows, and decorative stone corbels.
The Parish Church of the Holy Cross
Uckfield
The Parish Church of the Holy Cross in Uckfield, rebuilt in 1839 by architect William Moseley, features a 14th-century Gothic style with a broached shingled spire.
Pevensey Castle: a Saxon Shore fort, Norman defences, a m…
Pevensey
Pevensey Castle is a Saxon Shore fort, significant for its Roman, medieval, and World War II adaptations, illustrating strategic importance over 2300 years.
The Hoo
Willingdon and Jevington
The Hoo, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll, features 17th-century style terraces, gazebos, and gardens. Previously a private house, it was later converted into flats.
Burlough Castle
Long Man
Burlough Castle is a surviving motte and bailey castle, significant for its strategic position from the 11th to the 13th centuries.
Camp near Belle Tout lighthouse, Birling Gap
East Dean and Friston
The site at Belle Tout features a defensive enclosure, an enclosed settlement, and a round barrow, displaying multi-period occupation and significant archaeological features.
Premises Occupied By G Pett and Sons, Butcher
Rotherfield
17th-century premises on Rotherfield High Street, featuring brick and tile hung facade, tiled roof, casement windows, and a modern shop front. Occupied by G Pett and Sons, Butcher.
The Old Manor House
Hailsham
The Old Manor House in Hailsham features an 18th-century facade with original elements, including an early 18th-century staircase and paneling, reflecting its historical significance.
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Search for more listed places in WealdenWealden through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Wealden changes over time. Skip this section and go to aerial photos
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Wealden
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground. Skip this section and go to archive images
Wadhurst Park
Wadhurst Hall, Wadhurst Park, 1931
Wadhurst Park
Wadhurst Hall, Wadhurst Park, 1931
Forest Row
Plawhatch Hall and the surrounding countryside, Forest Row, 1950
Forest Row
Plawhatch Hall and the surrounding countryside, Forest Row, 1950
Fletching
Sheffield Park House, Fletching, 1950
Fletching
Sheffield Park Farm and environs, Fletching, 1950
Pevensey
Pevensey Castle under repair amd the village, Pevensey, 1931
Pevensey
Pevensey Castle, Pevensey, 1951
Isfield
Isfield Place, Isfield, 1930
Isfield
Isfield Place, Isfield, 1934
Wealden in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Wealden's past. Skip this section and go to stories about heritage
Charles George Harper Collection
Wealden, East Sussex
Date created: 1880 - 1900
The Market Cross, seen from the south
John Gay Collection: Rural Life
Wealden, East Sussex
Date created: 1959
A view of a rural farm trackway in summertime on the outskirts of Berwick village leading to the Old Coach Road, showing the white chalk track leading...
John Gay Collection: Miscellaneous
Wealden, East Sussex
Date created: 1962
A close up view of balls of string in Green Brothers twine and rope works in Hailsham, Sussex
John Gay Collection: Counties
Exceat, Wealden, East Sussex
Date created: 1972
Looking west across the Exceat Bridge to The Golden Galleon, one of a chain of fish restaurants and oyster bars called Wheelers
John Laing Collection
Wealden, East Sussex
Date created: 01 Mar 1995
The checkouts at the Co-op supermarket in Heathfield
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Litlington, Wealden, East Sussex
Date created: 1900 - 1930
GENERAL IVEW LOOKING ALONG STEPPED PATHWAY
Charles George Harper Collection
Wealden, East Sussex
Date created: 1892 - 1933
A general view of Laughton Place
John Gay Collection: Rural Life
Wealden, East Sussex
Date created: 1959
A pastoral landscape on the South Downs, on the outskirts of Berwick Village, showing a bank of cow parsley growing alongside trees and a track...
John Gay Collection: Miscellaneous
Wealden, East Sussex
Date created: 1962
A close up view of balls of string in Green Brothers twine and rope works in Hailsham, Sussex
John Gay Collection: Counties
Exceat, Wealden, East Sussex
Date created: 1972
Looking west across the Exceat Bridge to The Golden Galleon, one of a chain of fish restaurants and oyster bars called Wheelers
John Laing Collection
Wealden, East Sussex
Date created: 01 Mar 1995
The refrigerated stockroom at the Co-op supermarket in Heathfield, warehouse trolleys full of bottled milk and other goods wait ready to restock...
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Litlington, Wealden, East Sussex
Date created: 1900 - 1930
GENERAL VIEW OF THE ARBOUR
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Wealden. Skip this section and go to education
The 12 Pubs of Christmas
Mentions The Star Inn
Explore the hidden histories of listed pubs with a festive theme.
What Is the Oldest Castle in England?
Discover the oldest English castle contenders, including the Norman Berkhamsted Castle, Windsor Castle, Dover Castle and The White Tower, London.
The Colourful World of Architect John Outram
Mentions The New House,
The brilliant colours and exuberant gestures of Outram’s work have captured the popular imagination, yet still retain the ability to shock.
Protected Parks and Gardens to Visit this Autumn
Mentions Sheffield Park
As the nights grow shorter and the leaves get crispier, here are some of the best parks and gardens to visit this Autumn.
7 Spooky Tales from England’s Haunted Castles
Spooky tales are knitted into English folklore and make their mark on our historical places.
500 Years of Oasts and Hop Kilns in England
Mentions Wealden
An overview of the research behind a recent Historic England book, which tells the story of hop processing.
Heritage at Risk in the South East Revealed
Mentions Polegate Windmill
25 sites have been saved and 15 sites added to the Heritage at Risk Register 2023 in the South East of England.
Historic England Highlights Captivating Heritage Sites Listed in 2021
Mentions Windleshaw House and associated garden structures
Highlights from over 400 historic places which have been added to or amended on the National Heritage List for England in 2021.
1930s Modernist Architectural Gem Listed
Mentions Bentley Wood
Bentley Wood, East Sussex, by Serge Chermayeff has been listed at Grade II on the advice of Historic England.
National Collection of Sir Herbert Baker’s War Memorials Recognised
Mentions Wadhurst War Memorial
15 First World War memorials by Sir Herbert Baker have been listed or upgraded to commemorate the centenary of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Public Asked to Chronicle the Nation’s Missing History
Mentions The Ruins of Bayham Abbey
The nation's list of historic buildings and places is now open to public contributions for the first time ever.
Wealden's social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area. Skip this section and go to grant-aided places
Wind Wheel, Punnetts Town, East Sussex
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
This unusual wind wheel supplied power to a circular saw in Mr C Cornford's carpenter's shop. The mechanism was installed around 1909 by F Neve & Sons.
Wind Wheel, Punnetts Town, East Sussex
The Tower, Plashett Park, Little Horsted, East Sussex
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
The tower was built in the 18th century.
The Tower, Plashett Park, Little Horsted, East Sussex
The Mill Building, Mill Lane, Hellingly, East Sussex
Period: Stuart (1603 - 1713)
The mill building at the old water mill was constructed in the 17th century. It was restored in the 20th century.
The Mill Building, Mill Lane, Hellingly, East Sussex
The Middle House Hotel, Mayfield, East Sussex
Period: Tudor (1485 - 1602)
The Middle House Hotel, seen from the north-west. It is an excellent example of Elizabethan Architecture, which dates back to 1575.
The Middle House Hotel, Mayfield, East Sussex
The Market Cross, Market Square, Alfriston, East Sussex
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
This is only one of two remaining market crosses in Sussex. The other is in Chichester. The base and shaft are medieval but cross itself is missing.
The Market Cross, Market Square, Alfriston, East Sussex
The Grey Tower, Westham, East Sussex
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
The circular, red-brick tower was built in 1806 as part of a line of Martello towers built to form a coastal defence during the Napoleonic Wars.
The Grey Tower, Westham, East Sussex
The Gallery, Blackboys, Hadlow Down, East Sussex
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
This house was formerly built as stables in 1740 for Sir John Fagg. In 1926 Edward Maufe converted this building into a gatehouse to Shepherd's Hill.
The Gallery, Blackboys, Hadlow Down, East Sussex
The Court House, The Village Street, Pevensey, East Sussex
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
This building is probably mediaeval but was refaced with cement in the 19th century .From the early 13th century Pevensey was an associated member of...
The Court House, The Village Street, Pevensey, East Sussex
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