When we’re out and about in Sussex, we come across all sorts of curiosities. Sometimes they are wonderful, sometimes they are strange, and sometimes they are wonderfully strange. So now and then, we round them up and share them, just in case you too want to go in search of weird Sussex stuff.
The Altar Tree at Bayham Abbey, East Sussex
Right up on the Kent border, not far from Tunbridge Wells (but within Sussex), are the charismatic ruins of Bayham Abbey, a Medieval abbey that was disbanded in the 16th century.
They are free to walk around and up until a couple of years ago, a proud beech tree grew out of the remains of the altar. Sadly, at some point, it has been struck by lightening and reduced to a stump, but amazingly, it lives on.
North and South Stoke, West Sussex
The two tiny hamlets of North and South Stoke near Arundel are only about 1.5 km apart but if you want to drive from one to another, it’s a trip of just over 12 km.
You can, however, walk between them by way of the Gurkha Bridge which, slung over a swampy wooded waterway, is reminiscent of being in a jungle! Both villages have a Medieval church and in North Stoke you might also see a red, London bus!
The Lewes Finnish Memorial, East Sussex
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the graveyard of the St John-sub-Castro church in Lewes is an unusually shaped memorial to 28 Finnish soldiers who died as prisoners of war during the Crimean War having been held in Lewes. Originally paid for by the surviving soldiers, Tsar Alexander II commissioned and paid for this obelisk. The soldiers were Russian conscripts.
Trotton wall paintings, West Sussex
As you drive from Midhurst to Petersfield along the A272, you could be forgiven for missing the little church of St George at Trotton. But if you stop and go in, you’ll be greeted by some incredible Medieval wall paintings. They depict the Seven Deadly Sins, the Seven Works of Mercy and the Last Judgement and, many centuries since they were originally painted, they are still remarkably striking and vibrant.
The Wilmington yew, East Sussex
Wilmington, just outside Alfriston is particularly known for the chalk figure of the Long Man carved into the north face of the Downs. And he is remarkable. But at his feet, you will also find the ruins of a Medieval priory (founded by William the Conqueror’s mother and stepfather), an old church and an even older yew tree. The tree, propped up with supports, is said to be at least 1600 years old and some say it was planted by the pagans in about 400 AD or even earlier.
The West Dean teeth, West Sussex
West Dean is another interesting venue that is famous for many things, including being home of Surrealist, Edward James who is buried there. However, if you’re enjoying a walk through the Edwardian pergola, look out for the interesting gazebo at the west end. Made out of flint, the designs on the floor are made from a combination of flint and horse molars!
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