insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 14 - April 2016 | Page 58

TOWNSPOTLIGHT

S P OT L I G H T

O N

UCKFIELD

BY LISAMARIE LAMB

Uckfield is a town in East Sussex that has plenty of history for those interested in the past, as well
as a bright future for those who are keen to see the town expand. With its plethora of things
to do and places to eat, its enviable position in the county, and its myths and stories creating a
fascinating backstory, Uckfield is proud to be able to look forward and back with equal confidence.

History in Brief
Due to its handy position, Uckfield first rose
to prominence in the thirteenth century as the
perfect place for pilgrims to stop when they
were travelling to Canterbury from Chichester
and Lewes. Although at first there wasn’t
much there for the weary pilgrims, merchants
and locals alike soon understood that there
was money to be made, and within just a few
short years inns, shops, markets and services
sprang up and the town grew.

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An excerpt from Thomas Walker Horsfield’s 1835
book, The History, Antiquities, and Topography
of the County of Sussex, describes Uckfield
wonderfully: “The town itself is remarkably neat;
the houses are good, and many of them large
and elegant. The neighbourhood is distinguished
for its picturesque scenery; and the lover of
nature may find his taste amply gratified, whether
he rambles towards the stately mansion of
Buxted, or lose himself in the rich and romantic
grounds of Copwood.”