Hayward's Bottom

Valley in Sussex Wealden

England

Hayward's Bottom

Field of barley on the west side of Bourne Hill
Field of barley on the west side of Bourne Hill Credit: Ian Cunliffe

Hayward's Bottom is a small village located in the Wealden district of East Sussex, England. Situated in the picturesque countryside of the Sussex Weald, it lies in a valley known as Hayward's Bottom Valley, which gives the village its name. The village is surrounded by rolling hills, meandering streams, and lush green fields, offering a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

The settlement itself is relatively small, with a population of around 300 residents. It primarily consists of charming traditional cottages, some of which date back several centuries, showcasing the village's rich historical heritage. The architecture reflects the rural character of the area, with timber-framed buildings and thatched roofs adding to its quaint charm.

Hayward's Bottom is known for its strong sense of community and friendly residents. The village has a close-knit atmosphere and hosts regular social events and gatherings, bringing the locals together. The nearby parish church, St. Peter's, is a focal point for the community and adds to the village's cultural and historical significance.

The surrounding countryside offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and horse riding. Hayward's Bottom Valley is crisscrossed by footpaths and bridleways, allowing visitors to explore the stunning natural beauty of the area. The village also benefits from its proximity to larger towns and cities, with the historic town of Lewes and the coastal city of Brighton both within easy reach.

Overall, Hayward's Bottom is a charming and idyllic village, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Its natural beauty, strong community spirit, and historical charm make it a desirable place to live or visit in Sussex.

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Hayward's Bottom Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.799934/0.20667995 or Grid Reference TQ5502. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Field of barley on the west side of Bourne Hill
Field of barley on the west side of Bourne Hill
Railings and ironwork on Willingdon Lane
Railings and ironwork on Willingdon Lane
Window on Willingdon Lane
Window on Willingdon Lane
Jevington
Jevington
Oxendean Farm
Oxendean Farm
View east over Willingdon Bottom
View east over Willingdon Bottom
Wayfaring tree - Viburnum lantana
Wayfaring tree - Viburnum lantana
Exmoor pony on Lullington Heath
Exmoor pony on Lullington Heath
View ESE towards Willingdon Hill I took this from the track that leads from the South Downs Way towards Lullington Heath.
View ESE towards Willingdon Hill
I took this from the track that leads from the South Downs Way towards Lullington Heath.
House on Green Lane
House on Green Lane
Coombe Hill viewed in a west-northwest direction, East Sussex This photo looks over part of the dry valley of Willingdon Bottom toward Coombe Hill. The archaeological features on Coombe Hill, including a causewayed enclosure and barrows, lie on the crest of the hill and in a saddle of land on the western side.
Coombe Hill viewed in a west-northwest direction, East Sussex
This photo looks over part of the dry valley of Willingdon Bottom toward Coombe Hill. The archaeological features on Coombe Hill, including a causewayed enclosure and barrows, lie on the crest of the hill and in a saddle of land on the western side.
Westward view of the most westerly bowl barrow on Combe Hill This Bronze Age bowl barrow is the most westerly barrow on Combe Hill, East Sussex. The top of the barrow has a circular depression indicating that it has been excavated.
Westward view of the most westerly bowl barrow on Combe Hill
This Bronze Age bowl barrow is the most westerly barrow on Combe Hill, East Sussex. The top of the barrow has a circular depression indicating that it has been excavated.
Ring and ditch of the causewayed enclosure on Combe Hill This photo looks eastward along the top of Combe Hill in East Sussex. The photo shows a segment of the ring and ditch feature which forms part of the causewayed enclosure. There are several causeways which cut the rings into parts and one of these is indicated to the north of centre in the photo. The most easterly of the bowl barrows on this ceremonial site can be seen on the high ground which marks the horizon.
Ring and ditch of the causewayed enclosure on Combe Hill
This photo looks eastward along the top of Combe Hill in East Sussex. The photo shows a segment of the ring and ditch feature which forms part of the causewayed enclosure. There are several causeways which cut the rings into parts and one of these is indicated to the north of centre in the photo. The most easterly of the bowl barrows on this ceremonial site can be seen on the high ground which marks the horizon.
Eastward view of the more westerly bowl barrow on Coombe Hill In 1908, three and a half bronze axes were unearthed from the bowl barrow in the photo by the then owner of Friston Place, (Curwen 1940 p.108) Three of the four axes had been broken. It is likely that the breakages were deliberate, and done in a ritual manner, in order to "kill" the objects so that they could be used as votive offerings.
Eastward view of the more westerly bowl barrow on Coombe Hill
In 1908, three and a half bronze axes were unearthed from the bowl barrow in the photo by the then owner of Friston Place, (Curwen 1940 p.108) Three of the four axes had been broken. It is likely that the breakages were deliberate, and done in a ritual manner, in order to "kill" the objects so that they could be used as votive offerings.
Sparse tree cover on Coombe Hill, East Sussex This photo was taken from inside the crater on the top of the most westward lying bowl barrow on Coombe Hill. The crater has been caused by the excavation of the barrow.
Originally the top of Coombe Hill would have been covered in trees but during the Neolithic Age and the following Bronze Age, the people of those times would have cleared the forest in order to access the land more easily and construct features including the causewayed enclosure and various tumuli. Today, the top of Coombe Hill is grassland which is mainly used for cattle and sheep grazing while the trees are mainly represented by an occasional Hawthorn.
Sparse tree cover on Coombe Hill, East Sussex
This photo was taken from inside the crater on the top of the most westward lying bowl barrow on Coombe Hill. The crater has been caused by the excavation of the barrow. Originally the top of Coombe Hill would have been covered in trees but during the Neolithic Age and the following Bronze Age, the people of those times would have cleared the forest in order to access the land more easily and construct features including the causewayed enclosure and various tumuli. Today, the top of Coombe Hill is grassland which is mainly used for cattle and sheep grazing while the trees are mainly represented by an occasional Hawthorn.
Fungus on Lullington Heath Some of these mushrooms were nearly a foot in diameter. I've seen them hereabouts most years for as long as I can remember.
Fungus on Lullington Heath
Some of these mushrooms were nearly a foot in diameter. I've seen them hereabouts most years for as long as I can remember.
Saddle shaped top of Coombe Hill, East Sussex This view, from the top of the most easterly positioned tumuli toward the most westerly one, shows the gentle slopes of the saddle shaped top of Coombe Hill and the contrasting scarp slope on the northern side.
Saddle shaped top of Coombe Hill, East Sussex
This view, from the top of the most easterly positioned tumuli toward the most westerly one, shows the gentle slopes of the saddle shaped top of Coombe Hill and the contrasting scarp slope on the northern side.
Terracettes on the northern face of Coombe Hill, East Sussex The formation of terracettes has long been a controversial topic. They are an abundant and widespread feature of the South Downs and other places in Britain. This photo shows an area of terracettes near the top of the northern, scarp face of Coombe Hill. The soil ripples are thought to be caused by the mass movement of soil on steep slopes over a long period of time. Saturated soil particles expand and then contract as they dry, causing them to move slowly downhill under the force of gravity and by the process of soil creep. It was once widely believed that terracettes were caused by the footsteps of livestock including cattle and sheep but this is view is now regarded as mistaken. Cattle and sheep may accentuate terracettes but they are not the cause of them.
Terracettes on the northern face of Coombe Hill, East Sussex
The formation of terracettes has long been a controversial topic. They are an abundant and widespread feature of the South Downs and other places in Britain. This photo shows an area of terracettes near the top of the northern, scarp face of Coombe Hill. The soil ripples are thought to be caused by the mass movement of soil on steep slopes over a long period of time. Saturated soil particles expand and then contract as they dry, causing them to move slowly downhill under the force of gravity and by the process of soil creep. It was once widely believed that terracettes were caused by the footsteps of livestock including cattle and sheep but this is view is now regarded as mistaken. Cattle and sheep may accentuate terracettes but they are not the cause of them.
Show me another place!

Hayward's Bottom is located at Grid Ref: TQ5502 (Lat: 50.799934, Lng: 0.20667995)

Administrative County: East Sussex

District: Wealden

Police Authority: Sussex

What 3 Words

///daring.under.neck. Near Friston, East Sussex

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