As I continue my journey around West Sussex. I came across another lovely village called Henfield. Even though I haven’t got the chance to have a long stay there, I was able to enjoy the scenery and peaceful ambiance of the place. Let me just give you an overview and brief background of the place that I am sure you would love.
Henfield has a very colorful history. It one of the largest villages and civil parish located in the Horsham District of West Sussex and lies 33 miles south from London, 12 miles northwest of Brighton and 30 miles east northeast of Chichester. The parish has a total land area of 4,258 acres and is populated by 5,012 people with 2,153 households and majority of which are economically stable and active. It is also considered as the third largest settlement in West Sussex after Steyning and Hurstpierpoint. Towns around the area include Burgess Hill and Horsham.
Henfield has an old but very attractive center. A modern and intensely used village hall at High Street, 13th century St. Peter’s church, old, wide and attractive commons and inns, as well as interesting houses which are privately owned. A fire station is also found as part of the West Sussex Fire Brigade which is equipped with a single fire engine. The cat house is also a famous spot. This house was owned by George Ward who had a canary. The bird was killed by a neighbours cat and because of that, he painted the house with pictures of a cat holding a bird so that every time the owner of the cat passed by to go to church, the could remember the tragic event done to his pet.
The village also possesses the oldest cricket club in the world which dates back from 1771 and as well as the oldest Scout group in the country since 1907. As a nature lover, I loved my visit in Woods Mill which is now the headquarters of the Sussex Wildlife Trust and enjoyed the extensive natural trail which is one of the attractions there.
For fitness buddies, Henfield Leisure Centre has a sports hall and fitness suite which also features a skate park next to it.
Included with the village’s colorful history, this place was home to Colonel Henry Bishop which was previously appointed as the Postmaster General by King Charles II. He devised the first postmark used in England which is now known as a Bishop Mark, very precious to collectors. His creation was commemorated in 1963 in an exhibition by Henfield Stamp Club. Henry Bishop was buried in Henfield churchyard.
I suggest you also visit Henfield and experience the serenity of the residents’ living. With that, I assure you that you will have a wonderful and memorable time with you and your loved ones along this trip. Please feel free to leave comments and register to this website as well to get bits and pieces as well as to join local forums here in West Sussex.
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