Knepp Castle

Heritage Site in Sussex

England

Knepp Castle

The Weir at Hatterell Bridge Credit: Andy Walkden

Knepp Castle, located in West Sussex, England, is a historic site that holds significant cultural and historical importance. The castle has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century when it was initially built as a motte and bailey fortress. Over the centuries, Knepp Castle has undergone various renovations and expansions, transforming it into a magnificent country house.

The castle, nestled amidst a sprawling estate, is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including woodlands, meadows, and a tranquil lake. These natural features add to the charm and beauty of the site, making it a popular destination for visitors.

Knepp Castle has witnessed several notable events and played a role in English history. During the Civil War, the castle was besieged and damaged by Parliamentarian forces. However, it was later restored and continued to serve as a residence for the Burrell family, who owned the estate for many generations.

Today, Knepp Castle is recognized as a Grade I listed building, acknowledging its architectural and historical significance. The castle itself is not open to the public, but the surrounding estate offers various activities and attractions for visitors. These include guided tours, nature walks, and wildlife safaris, as Knepp Castle is also renowned for its rewilding project. The estate has become a haven for numerous species, including rare birds, insects, and mammals, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

In summary, Knepp Castle, with its centuries-old history and breathtaking surroundings, stands as a testament to the rich heritage and natural beauty of Sussex.

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Knepp Castle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.972/-0.34 or Grid Reference TQ1620. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Weir at Hatterell Bridge

Andy Walkden

Jasmine Cottage, Rookcross Lane

Situated at the junction of the lane with the entrance to Rooklands Farm.

Simon Carey

Worthing Road, Dial Post

Hard to believe that the A24 used to thunder through this village until the 1980s. Now all is quiet and serene. Dial Post is a hamlet within the parish of West Grinstead and grew in size from the eighteenth century onwards. The in is The Crown.

Simon Carey

Bridleway off the Downs Link

This bridleway leaves the Downs Link near Partridge Green heading west to the River Adur and Hatterell bridge.

Peter Cox

Bridleway to Hatterell bridge

After dropping through Whitewick Rough (woodland) the bridleway crosses the flood plain to the river Adur and Hatterell bridge.

Peter Cox

Hatterell bridge

Hatterell bridge crosses the river Adur and is now a gauging station. Once, when the river was part of the Adur navigation, there was a drawbridge here. For more on the Adur navigation and the Baybridge canal Link

and on the river Adur Link

Peter Cox

Pond at Hatterell's farm

Hatterell farm has now gone and has been ploughed under (see Old Maps Link

for an 1879 OS map) but its pond survives (but for how long?).

Peter Cox

Clothall's Farmhouse

Clothalls is on a moated site with the southern (right) representing the earliest portion. A three-bay hall and northern cross-wing being added in the C15. Clothall is a small parish in Hertfordshire and a family from there seems to have made its way to Sussex. Adam de Clothale married into the 'de Grensted' family about 1270. The last, Richard de Clothale, died in 1454. 'Wealden Buildings' Editor John Warren. Coach Publishing, Horsham 1990. ISBN 0 902608 06 1 'The Victoria County History' A History of the County of Sussex: Volume 6 Part 2 Bramber Rape (North-Western Part) including Horsham

Peter Cox

River Adur looking north from Hatterell bridge

This section of the river Adur was part of the Baybridge canal which ran for 3.5 miles from Pike's brook, near Knepp castle, to Locks farm. From Locks farm, as the Adur Navigation, the river ran to the sea at Shoreham. See Link

for just a little more. The canal had closed by 1875 due to competition from the Horsham to Shoreham railway.

Peter Cox

Furze Wood

Viewed from the junction of footpaths near Sussex Farm at sunrise.

Simon Carey

Sunlight and Mud

The first rays of a sun of the day shine on the gate opening that takes the footpath from Partridge Green northwards beside the eastern bank of the River Adur. The previous evenings rainfall made the mud thick and capable of sucking your boots off.

Simon Carey

River Adur

This is the western branch of the river which splits north-west of Henfield and rises near Itchingfield. Hookshile Wood provides the back drop.

Simon Carey

Footpath to West Grinstead

Following the eastern bank of the Adur though here it moves away from the river following the eastern edge of the flood plain.

Simon Carey

Farmland near the River Adur

The line of reeds in the foreground mark the course of the river.

Simon Carey

River Adur

Looking towards Hatterell Bridge which can just be made out in the distance. The woods to the east are blocking the sunlight and causing long shadows here. This is the western branch of the river that splits north-west of Henfield and rises near Itchingfield.

Simon Carey

Hatterell Bridge

Once a drawbridge over this section of the river that was straightened during the late 18th century and was navigable as far as Bay Bridge now the point where the A24 crosses the river. It was replaced by the current gauging station during the 1960s.

Simon Carey

River Adur

Taken from Hatterell's Bridge. The river was straightened and made navigable in 1825 as far as the wharf at Bay Bridge and saw regular barges travelling the waterway until the opening of the Horsham-Shoreham railway in 1861 ruined it. The company operating it ceased to function in 1875 though some traffic remained until the 1890s.

Simon Carey