On this Page
Other Pages
Local Links
   
|
|
|
Ashburnham
|
|
|
General Details
Near to Ashburnham and Penhurst at Creep Wood is an old earthworks
probably dating from Pre-Saxon times, the site is about 250 metres
long .
Ashburnham is mentioned in the Domesday book, as being badly effected
by the Normans, who reduced its value from £6.00 prior to the invasion
to £1.00 after the invasion. Its value increased back to £9.00 by the
time of the Domesday survey, probably due to the Iron workings, and salt
workings on the Pevensey levels which would have been tidal at the time.
In the 12th century records show that Reginals de Oseburnham granted
lands in Ashburnham to the Abbey in Robertsbridge.
Ashburnham was controlled by the Ashburnham family from the 1100's until
1953, when Lady Catherine Asburnham died.
In 1649 King Charles I was executed, and some gruesome souveniers were
brought back to the church, which were believed to have healing properties.
These consisted of the shirt, silk drawers, and garters which he wore
when executed, together with his watch, a lock of his hair, and the sheet
thrown over the body. The items were brought back by John Ashburnham,
the King's Groom of the Bedchamber, who was also the MP for Hastings .
The Iron blast furnace and forge were owned by the Crowley family at Ashburnham the
furnace which was the last one in Sussex to be extinguished in 1813, and its forge
which closed 1826.
In the graveyard are a number of examples of Harmer terracotta embossed
grave stones, dating from the early 1800's.
|
Services
 The parish of Ashburnham spreads for quite a distance towards
Brown Bread Street , and has very few amenities.
The nearest town is Battle about 6 miles to the east, with many
shops, and the main line station from Hastings to London.
Busses can be caught at Brightling , Ninfield or Battle , but it
is unlikely you would live around this area without a car.
|
Views
|
|
The Ashbourne valley is very pretty, and the Tower House is unusual,
but very hard to find.
