HORSHAM DISTRICT HERITAGE AND HISTORY
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The Horsham District offers a rich collection of ancient houses, museums, tile hung cottages, timber barns and heavy Horsham Stone roofs which all help to make the District an area of exceptional interest and charm.
Details of a range of historic attractions, from magnificent churches and beautiful historic houses, to local museums and heritage trails can be found by clicking on the relevant link in the left margin.
Churches and Chapels
The District boasts a rich display of fine church buildings covering 1,000 years of ecclesiastical heritage, creating distinctive landmarks in the landscape. Further details are available on this website.
Horsham District Heritage Trail
If you are interested in local landmarks you may be interested in exploring our Horsham District Heritage Trail which features 32 special sites of historic interest which have been marked with a distinctive blue plaque. A leaflet with more details about each site is available form Horsham Museum and Tourist Information Centre.
Historic Houses
Many of the District's historic houses are open to the public throughout the year. These include:
Parham House and Gardens, between Storrington and Pulborough, is a beautiful Elizabethan Manor House set in 11 acres of award winning gardens, including a deer park, and containing important collections of portraits and furniture. Simon Jenkins' new book "England's Thousand Best Houses", lists Parham House in the top 20, alongside Windsor Castle, Chatsworth and Kensington Palace. It is often used as a film and television set and features a regular events programe throughout the summer. Telephone (01903) 744888.
A new Heritage Trail for Parham Park has recently been produced and can be downloaded from the Rural Ways website.
Bramber Castle is the remains of an important Norman Castle, on a natural mound, affording excellent views of the River Adur Valley. Owned by English Heritage. Contact Customer Services on: (0207) 973 3000. The site has open access, with free admission.
St. Mary's House and Garden at Bramber is a magnificent Medieval house built around 1470 and the best example of late 15th century timber-framing in Sussex. Limited opening hours. Telephone (01903) 816205.
Christ's Hospital, is a world famous public school founded in London by Edward VI in 1553 and relocated to Horsham in 1902. The history of the school is told in the school museum. Although still a working school, tours can be arranged to view the superb Edwardian architecture. Telephone (01403) 252547. The School's Art Centre also hosts a range of theatre, dance and other arts events. Telephone 01403 252709.
King's Mill, Shipley, is a magnificent smock windmill built in 1879 by a firm of Horsham Millwrights and now completely restored and in working order. The famous author Hilaire Belloc, who lived next door, previously owned it. Telephone (01403) 730439.
Other buildings of historic interest include Amberley Castle Hotel, and South Lodge Hotel at Lower Beeding, designed by Edward Luytchins and now a 4 star hotel with award winnng restaurant.