Ashburnham
Ashburnham in East Sussex Village Guide
About Ashburnham in East Sussex
Ashburnham has a long history and is mentioned in the Domesday Book. It gets its name from the local stream, which is the Ashbourne. The village is scattered over a wide area and is concealed in a labyrinth of lanes. It was once the centre of a thriving iron ore industry and its blast furnace was the last to close in Sussex.
Ashburnham Place lies in a beautiful park and gardens, designed by Capability Brown. The Ashburnham family had connections with the village, which can be traced back to the 12th century, until 1953 when Lady Catherine Ashburnham died. Today the Ashburnham Christian Trust uses the family house and buildings.
St Peter’s parish church lies close to the house and is well worth a visit as it holds remarkable monuments dedicated to the Ashburnham family. It is said the John Ashburnham, who served as the King’s Groom of the Bedchamber to King Charles I brought back some clothes worn by the king at the time of his execution in 1649. These relics were kept in the church, as they were believed to have healing properties if touched.
Attractions and Activities
Rother Valley Railway
The local heritage Railway based in Robertsbridge located across the car park from Robertsbridge mainline station. RVR is in the process of reconstruction to link the mainline to the Kent & East Sussex Railway at Bodiam.
Battle Methodist Church
Battle Methodist Church meets at their Emmanuel Centre on Harrier Lane off Marley Lane. The centre is designed for mixed church and community use with three well equipped meeting rooms and a coffee lounge. Full disabled access and large car … more
Battle Town Football Club
Battle Town FC (CIC) is dedicated to providing sporting opportunities for the benefit of the Community. * Adult football (all age male only) * Veterans team (over 35s) * Battle Knights (over 50s mixed) * Battle Axes (over 40s women … more
Accommodation
Poppinghole Farm Cottages
Poppinghole Farm Cottages are situated on a farm in rural Robertsbridge, in an area of outstanding natural beauty at the heart of Sussex countryside. It is close to many places of interest including glorious gardens, ancient castles and historic towns; … more
Rosemary Cottage
Situated in 1066 country in a rural location. Rosemary Cottage is set on the edge of Hooe Village near Battle (6 miles), Bexhill(4 miles) and Eastbourne (8 miles). There are castles, vineyards, beaches, walks, bird watching, children’s amusement parks, golf, … more
Powdermills Country House Hotel
In 150 acres of gardens, park and woodland, PowderMills is a Grade II listed 18th-century country house hotel with an outdoor swimming pool and free Wi-Fi,…
Restaurants
De La Warr Pavilion
The first public Modernist building to be opened in the UK in 1935, this Grade 1 listed, internationally renowned icon re-opened after a £9m lottery funded restoration and redevelopment. It is now the South East region’s most significant centre for … more