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Salehurst
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(Richard the Lion Heart's Gift)
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General Details
Salehurst is an old Saxon settlement that is
mentioned in the Domesday book(1086 AD), as
having been destroyed by the Normans just before
the Battle of Hastings in 1066 ( Battle ). It is
believed that the illustration on the Bayeux
Tapestry of Saxon homes being destroyed was based
on events surrounding Salehurst .
Nowadays the area is arable, and many hops are
grown in its surrounding fields.
In 1210 Robertsbridge Abbey was moved to a
site opposite the church on the other side of the
river. This event probably revived the hamlet of
Salehurst , with the church being given its
Salmander Font by the Abbot. This was a gift to
Robertsbridge Abbey for its part in the discovery
and eventual return of Richard the Lion Heart ,
from imprisonment by the Bavarians(See
Robertsbridge ).
Robertsbridge Abbey was an important place as Henry III visited the Abbey in
1225 and 1264, and Edward II in 1295 and 1297. The body of Sir John Pelham
and his wife were buried here and also Sir Edward Dalyngrigge
( builder of Bodiam Castle ) together with his wife.
During medieval times the main road from London
came down from Hurst Green to the church at
Salehurst , then across the valley and up into
Robertsbridge .
In 1538, the abbey was closed by Henry VIII, and
the village started to decline. The 1597 local
records show about 50 properties in the locality
of the church, nowadays 3 farms, and a dozen houses.
In the churchyard lie a number of tombstones
decorated with Harmer terracotta plaques.
This village is associated with the Sussex Bonfire Societies , who provide
noisy processions, unbelievable outfits and fantastic firework displays throughout
the month of November - a spectacle not to be missed.
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Services
 Salehurst has limited services, but nearby
Robertsbridge about 1 1/2 miles has a wide variety,
including trains and buses.
The church at Salehurst also services Robertsbridge ,
and there is a public house in the village.
The lack of local services is made up for by the
peaceful rural atmosphere.
The nearest large town is Hastings about 10 miles
South, the smaller towns of Battle approx 5 miles
South, and Tenterden approx 10 miles North East
also provide services for the area.
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