Grinstead, West

Settlement in Sussex Horsham

England

Grinstead, West

Trees and rape-field SW of Clothalls Farm Credit: Ian Cunliffe

Grinstead is a small village located in the district of West Sussex, England. Situated approximately 10 miles south-west of the county town of Chichester, Grinstead is nestled in the picturesque South Downs National Park. With a population of around 500 residents, it is a close-knit community with a peaceful and rural atmosphere.

The village is surrounded by rolling hills, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. This makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, who can explore the numerous walking and cycling trails in the area. The nearby Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve is particularly popular, boasting ancient yew woodlands and diverse wildlife.

Despite its small size, Grinstead has a rich history. It is home to a number of historical buildings, including the Grade II listed St. James Church, which dates back to the 13th century. The church's stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows attract visitors from far and wide.

While Grinstead lacks some of the amenities found in larger towns, it does have a charming village pub, The Fox and Hounds, which serves traditional British cuisine and local ales. The village also hosts an annual summer fete, bringing residents together for a day of games, food, and entertainment.

Grinstead offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing a peaceful environment for those seeking a slower pace of living. With its natural beauty and historical charm, Grinstead is a hidden gem in the heart of West Sussex.

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Grinstead, West Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.977758/-0.330451 or Grid Reference TQ1721. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Trees and rape-field SW of Clothalls Farm

Ian Cunliffe

Tree trunk south of Clothalls Farm

Ian Cunliffe

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

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

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