Bramber

Civil Parish in Sussex Horsham

England

Bramber

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

Bramber is a civil parish located in the county of Sussex, England. Situated approximately 10 miles northwest of the coastal city of Brighton and Hove, Bramber is a small village that exudes charm and history.

The village is best known for its historical significance, as it was once a thriving medieval market town. Bramber Castle, a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress, stands proudly in the village and attracts visitors from far and wide. The castle was built by William de Braose in the 11th century and played a crucial role in protecting the Norman conquest during the medieval period.

In addition to its historical landmarks, Bramber is blessed with picturesque natural surroundings. The village is nestled in the South Downs National Park, offering breathtaking views of the rolling hills and scenic landscapes. The River Adur flows through Bramber, further enhancing the village's beauty.

Despite its small size, Bramber boasts a thriving community, with a range of amenities to cater to residents and visitors alike. The village has a primary school, a church, a village hall, and a few local shops and pubs. The annual Bramber Village Day is a highlight for locals, featuring various activities and events that bring the community together.

Overall, Bramber is a charming civil parish that seamlessly blends its rich history with natural beauty. It provides a tranquil escape for those seeking a peaceful retreat while offering a glimpse into England's past.

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Bramber Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.872146/-0.32894 or Grid Reference TQ1709. 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

Teasel - Dipsacus fullonum

Ian Cunliffe

Looking SSW along Church Street

Ian Cunliffe

Clump of trees near the top of Steyning Bowl

Ian Cunliffe

Tapsel gate and squeeze gate at Coombes Church, West Sussex

The entrance to Coombes Parish Church is marked by a Tapsel gate and a squeeze gate. The Tapsel gate is shown here in the closed position.

Andrew Diack

Tapsel gate in closed position at Coombes Parish Church, West Sussex

This photo shows the Tapsel gate and adjacent squeeze gate at Coombes Parish Church. The Tapsel gate is in a closed position. The photo was taken from inside the churchyard while looking in an east-southeast direction.

Andrew Diack

Tapsel gate at Coombes Parish Church in an open position, West Sussex

The photo shows the Tapsel gate at Coombes Parish Church in an open position. The adjacent squeeze gate, which prevents cattle or other large animals entering the churchyard, is in a permanently open position. The photo was taken from inside the churchyard and it looks in an east-southeast direction.

Andrew Diack

Tapsel gate at Coombes Parish Church in an open position, Sussex

This view was taken from the car park looking east-southeast and it shows the Tapsel gate at Coombes Parish Church in an open position. Next to the Tapsel gate, there is a squeeze gate which, because of its design, remains permanently open.

Andrew Diack

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

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