Essentially Exercising - The History of Cripplegate Lane

Although we are unable to hold our regular meetings, those of us who are able to go out for exercise can still get our dose of Local History on our daily route.  There is plenty to discover if you just look about you!  If you aren’t able to leave home, then perhaps this will remind you of what there is to look forward to once you are free to travel again.

The burnt out remains of the Cripplegate Windmill, destroyed by fire on May 25th, 1914.

This walk takes you along Cripplegate Lane as far as Easteds Lane. 

Starting at the junction of Cripplegate Lane and Worthing Road – Cripplegate Corner - pause to remember that Cripplegate Mill once stood there until it sadly burnt down on 25th May 1914.

Walking on the right-hand side of the road, you’ll cross Millfield twice – the name is self explanatory. A little down hill past the second exit, you’ll come to the part of the road known as Bottings Hill.  This is a row of houses – 1 to 12 – which were built by the Council in the 1920’s.  However, prior to that it was part of a property of the same name, comprising the house now called The Orchard Cottage on the left of the road, an orchard and garden, meadowland, piggeries, horses and cows and even an adjoining slaughterhouse!

All the way down the left-hand side, behind the houses and after, is the Country Park, once the scene of a typical Wealden clay industry – the brickworks. You’ll need to cross to the left as the pavement runs out by the bus stop opposite the Country Park entrance; on your right is a high brick wall. 

This is what remains of the railway bridge carrying the line to Southwater Station, the old line from Guildford to Shoreham.  It was on an embankment here so the Downs Link path now runs alongside down Stakers Lane, which led to the 15th century timber framed hall house, Stakers Farm, now reverted to a previous name – Walders.

Cross Station Road - no prize for guessing why that name – and opposite is Peters Close, another link to the brickworks as Peter Peters bought up a large part of what was then Andrews Farm in 1890. 

Next, pause for a moment to look at Pond Farm Ghyll, which runs under the road here.  This deep, narrow ravine, cut into the Horsham stone rock over centuries by the stream, is bordered by ancient woodland and runs all the way through the village.  There is a very pleasant woodland walk near the Leisure Centre.

If you carry on up the hill to Cedar Drive, you’ll reach Easteds Lane. Walk a few yards up the lane to admire the handsome building on your right – Easteds. This is another medieval hall house, built on a high stone base and is believed to occupy the site of the Manor house of Nutham.

Before the A24 bypass was built in 1982, it was possible to carry on up the lane, joining Reeds Lane and reaching the Brighton Road south of Horsham.

An interesting project might be to make a map of your walk, note the things that interest you and research them.

 This article was brought to you by the Southwater Local History Group. If you have any photos or memories of events in Southwater, Southwater Local History Group would be delighted to hear from you. We are always keen to add to our considerable archive and can scan your pictures or documents and return them safely to you, keeping your memories safe for posterity. Contact Patsy Laker, 01403 730143.

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