West Hoathly and I have history. As a teenager, at school nearby, we used to find ourselves in The Cat. It was far enough away from school not to get caught and near enough to walk back. But as is the want of most teenagers, I never really stopped to have a good look around the village. So recently, I felt it was time to go back.
A bit about West Hoathly
West Hoathly is a small village south west of East Grinstead and as parts of St Margaret’s church in the centre date back to the late 11th century, it’s clear people have been here a while. In the 19th century, West Hoathly had five pubs, a fire station and was on a railway line (what is now the Bluebell Railway).
In the village, you may also hear speak of “Great-upon-Little” (AKA Big-Upon-Little) which is a natural landscape formation of sandstone south west of the village. Where it’s weathered over the centuries, it’s often described as looking like a mushroom cap. It was a boundary marker in the 8th century and is one of just a number of interesting places to visit! Indeed, the village has so many historic buildings and interesting places, they have their own West Hoathly Heritage Trail (you can find details in the bus stop opposite The Cat).
Back to The Cat
Parts of The Cat are 16th century (with Victorian additions) and as is often the case, they have their own tales of smugglers using secret tunnels to the Manor House (the West Hoathly area was controlled by the Copthorne Gang and there is more information about the smugglers in the Priest House). Jacob Harris (of Jacob’s post fame) sheltered at The Cat, until he realised soldiers were hunting for him at which point he fled to Selsfield House, at Turners Hill where he was captured. Rumour also has it that the last villain to be hanged in Sussex was captured here too. And of course, as you might expect, there are rumours of ghosts haunting the pub.
The Manor House
The Manor House is opposite the church and is particularly striking. Built in the 16th century, it was altered in 1627 by the Enfields of Gravetye Manor as a dower-house. It’s Grade II listed and had a court room where the Lord of the Manor would sit and be addressed by tenants (or copyholders).
The Priest House
Of course, one of the big attractions to West Hoathly is the Priest House built in 1430 by Lewes Priory. It has been a museum since 1905 and is now owned by Sussex Past – The Sussex Archaeological Society and is open to the public from 1st March to 31st October. I visited on a cold March day so it was perhaps not quite as idyllically pretty as it must be in spring and summer. But although it’s quite small and won’t take you long to visit, it’s packed with interest from the minute you step through the gate.
It’s been owned by none other than Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell, Anne of Cleves, Mary I and Elizabeth I but is now furnished in 17th and 18th century style. Ask the guides about the mysterious markings on the door, fireplace and the stone on the threshold. There are lots of information boards that provide fascinating insights into times gone by. A collection of shepherd smocks adorn the stairs with details of the alternative way to count sheep as well as a suffragettes handkerchief!
There was also a cricket exhibition at the time of my visit but my attention was stolen by the Sussex witches and the ritual shoes!
It’s all too easy to fly past West Hoathly without stopping on your way from here to there. But for a little village, it’s packing an interesting punch and well worth a little of your time and a detour.
If you like this post about West Hoathly and the Priest House, you may also like:
The Sussex Archaeological Society & Historic Places to Visit
Exploring Ardingly in West Sussex
High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
10 Things To Do In East Grinstead
