Timber-framed buildings and village history in Lindfield

Lindfield’s history can be explored through different periods: 41 surviving medieval and post-medieval timber-framed houses give the village’s architectural history a tangible presence. A large expanse of water beside Lindfield Pond borders the High Street. If you’re looking for an introduction to the village’s history, you can follow the Jubilee Heritage Trail: the Lindfield Society presents the route, which starts at the map beside King Edward Hall.

Buildings spanning several periods

All Saints parish church dates mainly from around 1300; parts dating from the 14th century were restored in the 19th century. King Edward Hall reveals a different historical development. The village hall, with its club rooms on the upper floor, opened in 1911. In November 1914, it became a Red Cross auxiliary hospital. The building’s opening as a village hall and its later use as an auxiliary hospital therefore form a clear chronological sequence.

Carriers is considered the oldest and most complete medieval house in Lindfield. The Toll House offers a different historical landmark: it was built around 1630 and became a toll house in 1803 on the Turnpike Road from New Chapel near East Grinstead to Brighton. Its history connects the building with this regional road. The Red Lion also has a long history as an inn: it was established around 1747 as an inn or public house. During the Mills family’s tenure, Lindfield Sauce was made there—a fermented sauce similar to Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce.

The Common, village history and access

Cricket has been played on Lindfield Common since 1747. The Common was also the venue for Lindfield Fair during the 19th century and well into the following century. These details tell of different uses of the same place: a continuing cricket tradition and a historic fair. Old Place Estate was once the country estate of Charles Eamer Kempe. There is no public access to Old Place, so its history cannot be experienced by visiting the estate.

Walking routes and starting points

Walk 1 – Lindfield to Ansty is a moderate 6-mile (9.5 km) route. It starts on Lindfield High Street, opposite The Tiger and by All Saints Church (RH16 2HT). The Wilderness Car Park (RH16 2JE) is listed as an alternative starting point. The distance and difficulty rating provide specific guidance for choosing this walk, without specifying a walking time.

Walk 8 – Lindfield Circular has a different focus: one section follows the River Ouse along the Sussex Diamond Way. At a fork, take the left-hand branch to continue on the Sussex Ouse Valley Way. Walk 1 can be assessed by its distance and moderate rating; for Walk 8, the riverside section and named trails describe parts of the route. Together, the two walks show different ways to explore the area around Lindfield.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Pagham, Merston, Kirdford, Lurgashall, Shoreham-By-Sea, Selsey, Horsham, West Wittering

For the main travel overview: West Sussex.