Staplecross brings together several clearly distinguishable layers of history: listed houses with building elements dating from different periods, a 19th-century church and a war memorial from 1921. To the north of the village, there is also a medieval field landscape. The events calendar adds its own distinctive note: the Ewhurst and Staplecross Bonfire Society holds a celebration every October. When planning a trip, it helps to distinguish this architectural and landscape history from a possible visit to the celebration, and to shape your stay around your own interests.

Houses, Church and Memorial Site

The Cross Inn is an L-shaped Grade II listed building; its north wing dates from the 18th century. By contrast, Forge House and Forge Cottage are notable for the relationship between two names and one building: together they form a single Grade II listed building. Forge House probably dates from the 17th century, while Forge Cottage was added in the 18th century. Wrens Cottage is also a Grade II listed building, dating from the 18th century or earlier, and clad in weatherboarding. Benedict House and Benedict Lodge are also on Staplecross Road (B2165). Their architectural features differ too: the Cross Inn is noted for its L-shape, while Wrens Cottage is noted for its weatherboarding.

The dates use different levels of precision: centuries are given for the north wing and the Forge buildings, while a specific year is given for the War Memorial; Wrens Cottage is dated to the 18th century or earlier. St Mark’s Church was built in the 19th century. The Staplecross War Memorial is a Grade II listed First World War memorial dating from 1921. Alongside the houses, there is therefore a church and a memorial site; the village’s history cannot be reduced to a single period of construction.

Field Landscape North of the Village

North of Staplecross, an open field forms part of a medieval field landscape (assart) with historic field boundaries. This shifts the focus from individual buildings to the broader landscape. For travellers interested in culture and landscape, this creates a contrast between the individual listed buildings and an open field whose historic boundaries also form part of the village’s story. The village’s history can thus be read at two different scales: from a house or memorial to the field landscape. In scale, the open field is distinctly different from the individual houses and the memorial.

October Celebration and Date Planning

The Ewhurst and Staplecross Bonfire Society’s October celebration takes place annually and includes a torchlight procession, a bonfire and fireworks. For 2026, the society has announced its Grand Procession and Bonfire for Saturday, 31 October. If you are planning a trip around this date, check it again before travelling. The annual celebration and the specific announcement serve different purposes: the tradition provides the general timing, while the individual date is relevant to the year in question.

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