Seaward Sussex: The South Downs from End to EndHolmes, Edric
History
Seaward Sussex: The South Downs from End to End
Holmes, Edric
Sussex (England) -- Description and travel
On the right from Pease Pottage, in the recesses of St. Leonard's
Forest, and two miles from the main route, is Holmbush Beacon
Tower. This should be visited for the sake of the magnificent
woodland views; in the distance are the south Downs visible from
Butser Hill behind Portsmouth to the hills surrounding Lewes.
Hindhead, Blackdown, Leith Hill, the North Downs and the
Hampshire Heights are all visible on a clear day.
We are here in a remote district, the haunt of legend and
folk-lore almost unequalled in the south. Here St. Leonard put an
end to the career of a fierce and fiery dragon, but not before
the saint was grievously wounded, and where his blood fell now
grow the lilies of the valley, common here but nowhere else in
the neighbourhood. Headless horsemen, who have an unpleasant
habit of sharing the benighted traveller's steed; witches and
warlocks; white-ladies and were-wolves are in great plenty, and
the normal inhabitants of the forest must have a fervent
appreciation of the high noon and the hours of daylight.]
The two miles south of Pease Pottage are the highest on the road
culminating at Handcross, 504 feet (33-1/2 m.). The road now descends
the steep and dangerous Handcross Hill.
[At the foot of the hill, half mile right, is Slaugham ("Slaffam")
with a Decorated church, old font and brasses.]
Bolney Common (37-1/2 m.) in lovely surroundings. The church has early
Norman, or as some authorities declare, Saxon features. The Norman
south door, covered by a wooden porch dating from the eighteenth
century, should be noticed.
[Cuckfield ("Cookfield") 3 miles left, amidst beautiful scenery,
with a fine Early English church commanding a glorious view. Note
monuments and handsome reredos. Cuckfield Place is the original
of "Rookwood," but has been "improved" out of its ancient
character. The Jacobean gate house still stands unrestored at the
end of the avenue. Close by is Leigh Pond, a fine sheet of
water.]
Albourne Green (42 m.), for Hurstpierpoint (1 m.), beautiful views of
the South Downs which we now ascend to Pyecombe (45-1/2 m.).
Preston (49-1/2 m.).
Brighton (front 51-1/2 m.).
THE HORSHAM ROAD
At Kennington Church we leave the Brighton Way and pass Clapham Common,
Tooting and Merton to Cheam (11-1/4 m.) Ewell and Epsom (14-1/2 m.) The
Downs and Race-course are up to the left.
Ashtead.
Leatherhead (18-1/2 m.). This little town has some picturesque streets,
but is rapidly becoming suburban. The Perpendicular church contains
interesting windows. The scenery now greatly improves and becomes
beautiful after passing Mickleham, a pretty village with a Transitional
church.
[Illustration: CAUSEWAY, HORSHAM.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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