Bramber Castle

Heritage Site in Sussex Horsham

England

Bramber Castle

Church Street - view south towards High Street Credit: Ian Cunliffe

Bramber Castle, located in the village of Bramber in West Sussex, England, is a historic site that dates back to the 11th century. The castle, now in ruins, was built by William de Braose, the Lord of Bramber, as a strategic stronghold during the Norman conquest of England. It played a significant role in defending the region against potential invasions from the sea.

The castle was constructed on a motte-and-bailey design, with a large artificial mound (motte) topped by a timber stronghold, surrounded by a protective bailey. Over time, the wooden structures were replaced with stone, and additional fortifications were added. The castle was continuously expanded and modified throughout the medieval period, reflecting the changing military requirements of the time.

During the 14th century, Bramber Castle lost its strategic importance and fell into disrepair. By the 16th century, it was largely abandoned and left to decay. Today, the remains of the castle consist of a few sections of wall, the foundations of the main tower, and the earthworks of the motte and bailey.

Bramber Castle is now a scheduled monument and a popular heritage site, attracting visitors interested in medieval history and architecture. The ruins provide a glimpse into the castle's former grandeur, while the picturesque surroundings offer scenic views of the River Adur and the South Downs. Interpretive panels and guided tours provide visitors with information about the castle's history and its role in the local area.

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Bramber Castle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.884/-0.317 or Grid Reference TQ1810. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Church Street - view south towards High Street

Ian Cunliffe

Houses on Charlton Street

Ian Cunliffe

Shop interior on High Street - with a model of a church

The photographer's hands and iPhone are also visible in shadow form!

Ian Cunliffe

Teasel - Dipsacus fullonum

Ian Cunliffe

Looking SSW along Church Street

Ian Cunliffe

Upper Beeding War Memorial

The building on the right with a thatched roof is now a house.

Mrs D Jeffery

Tapsel gate at St Botolph's Church, West Sussex, in a closed position,

This photo shows the Tapsel gate at St Botolph's church in a closed position. The photo was taken looking north and it shows the Grade I listed church in the background. The Tapsel gate links the churchyard of St Botolph's with an adjacent council burial ground. The gate was installed in late 2003 and it was consecrated in 2004 by Bishop Lindsay Urwin, who was the Bishop of Horsham between 1993 and 2009.

Andrew Diack

Tapsel gate in an open position at St Botolph's Church, West Sussex

This photo shows the Tapsel gate at St Botolph's church as seen looking north from the churchyard. The arched frame of the five bar gate is reminiscent of the Tapsel gate design at St Mary the Virgin church at Friston in East Sussex.

Andrew Diack

Closed Tapsel gate at St Botolph's church seen looking south

The Tapsel gate at St Botolph's church in West Sussex is a modern one having been installed in 2003. This date is carved into the top of arched wooden frame. The gate was funded by the joint parish council of the area to enable the use of the church by visitors to the burial ground.

Andrew Diack

Open Tapsel gate at St Botolph's Church seen looking south

The Tapsel gate at St Botolph's church in West Sussex is a modern one having been installed in late 2003. Although this date is carved into the top of arched wooden frame, it is difficult to see, in this photo, without added magnification. At present, the central pivot is slightly more stiff to open than other Tapsel gates but an application of lubricant would remedy this.

Andrew Diack

St Botolph's Church viewed looking east, West Sussex

On the 15th March 1955, the Saxon Church of St Botolph's was listed as a Grade I building and by definition that means that the site was considered to be of exceptional, national importance. The building dates to about AD 950 and it is listed as one of the 500 holiest sites in Britain. Notable features of the church include three bells made, in 1536, by John Tonne which commemorate the old dedication to St Peter with the inscription “Sancte Petre ora pro nobis”; an oak, Jacobean pulpit dating from 1630; traces of wall murals which were recorded in 1897 and a square baptism font, supported by a brick plinth, which probably dates to the 18th century. Another interesting feature, of the church, are the slanted side windows which allowed lepers, from the leper colony in Bramber, to stand outside and see the service taking place without transmitting the disease to the congregation inside the church.

Andrew Diack

Church Street Steyning: West Sussex

The picture was taken from the intersection of Horsham Road and Church Street looking north east. This street is situated in the south eastern section of the grid square.

Pam Brophy

Saxon Cottage: Steyning (West Sussex)

This charming cottage is a National Trust holiday cottage. It is situated in Church Street in the south eastern section of the grid square. Originally, all the houses in this village resembled this style of building. In later times it became unfashionable to live in timber frame buildings and owners put brick and mortar facades on.

Pam Brophy

Thoughtful Reflection: Steyning (West Sussex)

The church is situated in the south eastern section of the grid square.

Pam Brophy

Remains of Bramber Castle: West Sussex

An evening shot of a part of the ruins. This castle is situated between the centre and north eastern section of the grid square.

Pam Brophy

Castle Church : Bramber (West Sussex)

This church is apparently 1000 years or so old and was built as part of the castle residences and buildings. It is situated at the foot of the castle and in the centre to north eastern section of the square.

Pam Brophy