Dallington

Civil Parish in Sussex Rother

England

Dallington

The Observatory - a Fuller Folly The Observatory on Brightling Down (one of the highest points in the High Weald) generally appears in the lists of Jack Fuller&#039;s Follies, but was conceived as a functional installation - it just looks odd. Now a private dwelling. — The Observatory - a Fuller Folly Credit: Robin Webster

Dallington is a civil parish located in the county of East Sussex, England. Situated approximately six miles north-east of the town of Battle, it is nestled within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The parish covers an area of about 2,000 acres and is home to a population of around 400 residents.

Dallington is characterized by its picturesque countryside, with rolling hills, woodlands, and meandering streams. The landscape offers a tranquil and idyllic setting, attracting visitors and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The parish is dotted with charming and historic buildings, including several Grade II listed structures, showcasing its heritage and architectural beauty.

The heart of Dallington is its historic church, St. Giles, which dates back to the 12th century. The church is renowned for its Norman architecture and notable features such as a medieval wall painting and a 14th-century font. The village also boasts a local pub, The Old Vine Inn, serving traditional British cuisine and providing a cozy gathering place for locals and visitors.

The community of Dallington is close-knit and vibrant, with various social and recreational activities organized throughout the year. The parish hosts events such as village fairs, summer festivals, and art exhibitions, fostering a strong sense of community spirit.

Dallington's location offers easy access to the neighboring towns and cities, including Hastings and Tunbridge Wells, providing residents with an array of amenities and services. Overall, Dallington is a charming and picturesque civil parish, offering a peaceful and rural lifestyle amidst the stunning natural landscapes of East Sussex.

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Dallington Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.947973/0.364029 or Grid Reference TQ6619. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Observatory - a Fuller Folly

The Observatory on Brightling Down (one of the highest points in the High Weald) generally appears in the lists of Jack Fuller's Follies, but was conceived as a functional installation - it just looks odd. Now a private dwelling.

Robin Webster

Stream in Dallington Forest

Christopher Clews

Track onto Brightling Down

Dallington Forest occupies a lot of this square. This track proceeds out of the forest up the hill and towards the observatory from which there are views back towards the South Downs in the distance.

Christopher Clews

Footpath, Forge Wood

The lack of undergrowth through the coniferous part of the wood means better marked paths. The posts disappear once undergrowth returns and paths can be made out.

Simon Carey

Forge Wood

Small opening along the footpath has provided a playing area for locals with the tree to the left being a popular place to carve one's devotions to another. The land drops considerably to the right with a driveway being a good thirty feet lower than this point.

Simon Carey

Footbridge, Dallington Forest

Spanning an unnamed tributary of Willingford Stream which it meets a little way to the west. Wealden streams carve themselves through the soft valley floors creating steep sided gills like this one.

Simon Carey

Ford, Dallington Forest

Taking the bridleway to Brightling Down through an unnamed tributary of Willingford Stream.

Simon Carey

Willingford Stream, Dallington Forest

Its source is to the east of Dallington before heading north and joining the River Dudwell just north of Glazier's Forge.

Simon Carey

Gates, Dallington Forest

On the driveway towards Willingford House and Glazier's Forge.

Simon Carey

Wild Flower Meadow - Brightling Down

A view to the west across Brightling Down, Sussex

John Winfield

The Observatory, Brightling

The observatory was designed by Sir Robert Smirke (1781-1876) who was also responsible for designing the Royal Mint and the British Museum in London. the building was completed in 1818 and is described as one of "Mad" Jack Fullers follies; as it was a working observatory however this seems unfair. After Fullers death in 1834 the building was opened to the public and for a short time was also a museum. It is now a private house.

Kevin Gordon

Woodland near Glaziers Forge

Oast House Archive

Landscape towards Three Cups Corner

Oast House Archive

The Swan Inn, Woods Corner

Julian P Guffogg

Sheep in field near Dallington

Julian P Guffogg

Dallington Church

A church is mentioned in the Hastings Priory charter Circa 1200. It was thought to have been built by Sir Thomas Hooe, believed to be in Early English, Decorated and Perpendicular style. The church was deemed to be in such a poor state in 1864 that it was demolished (except the tower) despite opposition from the Earl of Ashburnham. Sadly many old monuments (mostly 18th C.)were not saved and all the old architecture destroyed. The rebuilt church is poorly executed and at times clumsy.

Julian P Guffogg