Alfriston

Infobox UK place
official_name=Alfriston
country=England
region=South East England
static_

static_image_caption=Alfriston lockup
area_footnotes=cite web |url=http://www.eastsussexinfigures.org.uk/webview/ |title=East Sussex in Figures |accessdate=2008-04-26 |publisher=East Sussex County Council]
area_total_km2 =9.36
population=774 (2007 [Parish)
769 (2001 Census)
population_density= Pop density mi2 to km2|214.2|precision=1|abbr=yes
os_grid_reference=TQ519030
latitude=50.81
longitude=0.16
post_town=POLEGATE
postcode_area=BN
postcode_district=BN26
dial_code=01323
constituency_westminster=Lewes
london_distance=convert|49|mi NNW
shire_district=Wealden
shire_county=East Sussex
website=http://www.alfriston-village.co.uk/

Alfriston (pronounced All-friston) is a village and civil parish in the East Sussex district of Wealden, England. The village lies in the valley of the River Cuckmere, about four miles north-east of Seaford and south of the main A27 trunk road. The parish has a population of 769 (2001 census).

History

"These notes have been adapted from the" Village Reference "website" [ [http://www.villagenet.co.uk/sevensisters/villages/alfriston.php The Village Reference: "Alfriston:Smuggling and Ghosts"] ] There is strong evidence of ancient occupation of the area, since several Neolithic long barrows have been discovered on the surrounding Downs; among them, to the west is the fairly well-preserved Long Burgh. In Saxon times the village was recorded as "Aelfrictun" (the town of Alfric), from which the Domesday Book records the town as 'Elfricesh-tun'. [cite book |title=Kelly's Directory|chapter=Alfriston|accessdate=2008-04-24|year=1911|url=http://www.sussex-opc.org/Kelly1911/AlfristonKellys1911.htm ]

One building of historical importance is the "Star Inn". Originally a religious hostel built in 1345, it became an inn in the 16th century. Wooden figures grace the upper part of the building, whilst in the front is a one-time ship's figurehead representing a red lion. The latter is connected with the Alfriston smuggling gang who used the inn as a base; their leader was transported to Australia in 1830.

Churches

The Alfriston parish church, dedicated to St Andrew, has Saxon origins, although most of the building dates from the 14th century: it is known, because of its size, as "The Cathedral of the South Downs". Today it is part of the united benefice which includes Litlington St Michael; West Dean AllSaints; the United Reformed Church at Alfriston is included in that grouping. [ [http://www.alfriston-churches.co.uk/ Alfriston churches] ] . The Alfriston Clergy House, once the vicarage, is now maintained by the National Trust.

The village of Alfriston

The village today attracts many tourists, because it represents a perfect example of its kind, although the shops also tend to cater for the tourist: gift shops proliferate [ [http://www.alfriston-village.co.uk/shopping/index.html Shopping in Alfriston] ] . The centre of the village is the Market Square which boasts a rather weatherbeaten market cross. This is often mistakenly referred to as "Waterloo Sqaure", although Waterloo Square is actually a small enclosed residential area nearby. There are also a number of inns and other places for accommodation and food. [ [http://www.alfriston-village.co.uk/accommodation/index.html Accommodation in Alfriston] ] . The inns in the village are the Star Inn; the "Smugglers' Inn" (once the Market Cross House); the "George Inn"; and the "Wingrove Inn".

The South Downs Way crosses the river here, between Eastbourne and Brighton. There is a youth hostel in the village. A windmill near the village has been converted into a house.

In 1931 Eleanor Farjeon wrote the popular hymn Morning Has Broken in Alfriston, supposedly about the beauty she saw around her in this village. The song was later recorded by Cat Stevens in the 1970s, reaching a wider audience.

References

External links