Salehurst is a small hamlet in Robertsbridge, in the High Weald Landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in south-east England. The hamlet is home to the ruins of Robertsbridge Cistercian Abbey. St Mary’s Salehurst adds to the historical picture with its building phases, stained glass and medieval furnishings. Two distinct aspects are therefore in focus: the abbey and its archaeological traces, and the architectural and artistic history of the church.

Robertsbridge Abbey and its surroundings

Robertsbridge Abbey was founded in 1176. The ruins include the remains of a rectangular rubble-stone building identified as the refectory, or frater. A refectory was the dining room of a monastic community. To the west of the abbey, the Abbot’s House dates from around 1250; it is incorporated into a Grade I listed residential building.

The archaeological traces extend beyond the building remains. To the north-west, near the River Rother, underground remains of a water-filled ditch, probably marking the boundary of the site, have survived. There are also earthworks associated with fishponds. These traces of the monastic complex differ from the visible building remains: they retain their significance as features in the landscape, even though they lie underground.

The architectural history of St Mary’s Salehurst

A church in Salehurst is mentioned in the Domesday Book. Several building phases can be distinguished at St Mary’s Salehurst. The large nave with aisles dates from the 13th century. The tower was also begun in that century, but was not completed until the 14th century. The chancel, originally dating from the 13th century, was altered in the early 14th century with the addition of a new north chapel. The early 14th-century Wigsell Chapel is the only significant addition to the ground plan since the church was completed.

The windows reveal another layer of history. The tracery windows in the south aisle contain 15th-century glass, painted with birds in grey on green glass in the grisaille style. The design is apparently based on a medieval pattern book at Magdalene College, Cambridge. The Lady Chapel window at the end of the south aisle contains glass by the Pre-Raphaelite artist Kempe, bearing his sheaf-of-wheat signature.

Individual furnishings also connect the church with its surroundings. The 13th-century font is decorated at its base with a circle of salamanders. The stone of the altar base is thought to have belonged to one of the altars at Robertsbridge Abbey; it was recovered from a nearby house in 1900.

Worship, walks and local character

St Mary’s also welcomes visitors from outside the area who wish to attend a service. Services are held every Sunday at 9 am and 11 am. At a family service, children can take part with their own musical instruments or percussion instruments provided. Check the service times and family service arrangements before you travel.

A local walking trail crosses the former route of the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Salehurst Halt offers another aspect of the area: this family-run, community-minded country pub is in the hamlet of Salehurst near Robertsbridge. It increasingly supports local producers and values seasonality and sustainability.

Discover more destinations: Denton, Hastings, Heathfield, Maresfield, Icklesham, East Dean, Earnley, Sedlescombe.

For the main travel guide: East Sussex.