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Sussex county

Introduction

Equerry have provided property search services in Sussex since September 2000.

It lies in the South East of England and is bounded on the north by Surrey, northeast by Kent, south by the English Channel and west by Hampshire.  The county has been divided into West and East since the 12th century and obtained separate county councils in 1888.   East Sussex has a population of around 490,000 and West Sussex 750,000. 

The major geographical feature of Sussex is the Weald, high land that crosses the county.  The South Downs is a range of moderate chalk hills which run across the southern part of the county from west to east.  Another particularly well-known Sussex geographical feature is Beachy Head.  Sussex is also home to Ashdown Forest, home to AA Milne’s Winnie the Pooh.  Many of the places made famous by the books can be found today such as the tiny shop where Christopher robin and his nanny visited in search of candy (‘Pooh Corner’ shop in Hartfield), and Poohsticks Bridge, in the village of Upper Hartfield.

Sussex’s early wealth was based on the fishing, iron-making and wool trades, all of which have now declined.  In modern times, Sussex is popular with tourists, particularly for its seaside resorts along the southern coastal strip.

Principal towns in Sussex include Battle, Brighton, Chichester, Crawley, Eastborne, East Grinstead, Hastings, Horsham, Midhurst and Worthing.

Interesting Facts & Figures

• The population of Sussex was around 70,000 in 681; 550,000 in 1891 and 605,000 in 1901.
• The London to Brighton Railway was Sussex’s first railway.  It was opened in 1841.
• The first cast-iron cannon made in England came from Buxted in Sussex and was made by Ralph Hogge whose device can be seen on a house in Buxted.
• Arundel Castle is the seat of the dukes of Norfolk

Sussex’s key road and rail transit routes

There are good road connections throughout Sussex and regular trains to London, Brighton, Gatwick Airport and along the coast. 

Approximate car journey times are as follows:

	London	Birmingham
Brighton	1 hr 30 mins	2 hrs 55 mins
Arundel	1 hr 45 mins	3 hrs
Chichester	1 hr 45 mins	2 hrs 50 mins

There are regular rail services through the county.

Airport locations and routes

Gatwick Airport in Sussex is one of the largest international airports in the UK. 

The two major ports in Sussex are at Newhaven and at Shoreham.  Rye is a minor port.  There are also many harbours, particularly Hastings and those in the inlets south of Chichester.

Sussex Schools

Sussex has many excellent Independent and State Schools within its boundaries.  The better known of the latter are Roedean School, Lancing College and Christ’s Hospital.  Equerry has contacts with many of these schools – and can, unofficially, help you with the kind of ‘local view’ that is not always portrayed in a prospectus!

Examples of some of Sussex’s fine independent schools follow;

• Ardingly College, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6SQ
• Arundale School, Lower Street, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 2BX
• Battle Abbey School, Battle, East Sussex TN33 0AD
• Brighton College Preparatory School, Walpole Lodge, Walpole Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 0EU
• Christ’s Hospital, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 0YP
• Dorset House, The Manor, Bury, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1PB
• Hurstpierpoint College, Hassocks, West Sussex BN6 9JS
• Lancing College, Lancing, West Sussex BN15 0RW
• Roedean School, Roedean Way, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 5RQ
• Worth School, Paddockhurst Road, Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 4SD

Where to stay and What to do in Sussex

By way of entertainment, Sussex has plenty of variety to choose from – and more than sufficient for those hoping to send weekend visitors off for the day!  Ashdown Forest, Lewes Castle, the South Downs Way, Battle Abbey, Brighton and so on are all within the county boundaries.  

From an excellent array of Pubs and Hotels, the following are worthy of specific mention: 

• Amberley Castle, Amberley, Nr Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9LT.  0870 4188013
• Alexander House Hotel, Turners Hill, West Sussex RH10 4QD.  01342 714914
• Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club, Wych Cross, Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JR.  01342 824988
• The Grand Hotel, King Edward’s Parade, Eastbourne, Sussex BN21 4EQ.  01323 412345
• Six Bells Pub, Chiddingly, Sussex BN8 6HE. 01825 872227
• The Griffin Pub, Fletching Sussex TN22 3SS.  01825 722890
• Curlew, Bodiam, Sussex TN32 5UY.  01580 861394
• Basketmakers Arms, Brighton, Sussex BN1 4AD.  01273 689006
• The Jolly Sportsman, East Chiltington, Sussex BN7 3BA.  01273 890400