Berwick, East Sussex

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

static_image_caption=
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 = 5.0
population=289 (Parish-2007)
population_density= Pop density mi2 to km2|149|precision=0|abbr=yes
os_grid_reference=TQ518051
latitude=50.83
longitude=0.15
post_town=POLEGATE
postcode_area=BN
postcode_district=BN26
dial_code=01323
constituency_westminster=Lewes
london_distance=convert|48|mi [Boxing the compass|NNW]
shire_district=Wealden
shire_county=East Sussex

Berwick (pronounced "BURwick") [ See “Highways & Byways of Sussex” by E V Lucas (Macmillan & Co, 1921)] is a village and civil parish in the Wealden district of East Sussex in England. The village lies immediately to the south of the A27 road between Lewes and Polegate, about three miles (4.8 km) west of the latter. The parish is located in the River Cuckmere floodplain, north of the South Downs."

There are two public houses in the parish: the "Berwick Inn" near the railway station, and the "The Cricketers", in the village itself. The village also has an example of a "K6" red telephone box,

Berwick Church

Part of the United Benefice of Berwick and Selmeston-cum-Alciston, the church dedicated to St Michael and All Angels, is a Grade 1 listed building. [cite web |url=http://www.achurchnearyou.com/venue.php?V=4777 |title=St Michael and All Angels, Berwick |accessdate=2008-05-04 |publisher=Diocese of Oxford] Built on what may be a pre-Christian sacred site, the church dates back at least to the 12th century, although the Saxon frontage appears to be earlier. [cite web |url=http://www.berwickchurch.org.uk/page4.html |title=Berwick Church Guide |accessdate=2008-05-04 |publisher=United Benefice of Berwick and Selmeston-cum-Alciston] Additions were made in the 14th century, and a tower built in 1603, originally with a spire. The building suffered in the 18th century, losing its spire to lightning on 8 August 1773.

Several Victorian leaded windows were damaged by World War II bombs on 17 October 1944. They were replaced by clear glass, unusual in churches, for fear of further damage. However, some of the church's stained-glass windows survived.

The clear glass windows help to illuminate the church's unique murals. Partly inspired by the pre-Reformation practice of decorating churches with murals, these were painted during in 1941 by Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell, and Quentin Bell, all of the Bloomsbury set. The murals depict local people, sometimes in period clothes, but set in biblical scenes.

Berwick Station

Berwick Station is a small settlement that has grown up around Berwick railway station. Located about two miles (3.2 km) north of the main village of Berwick, Berwick Station includes a garage, a small shop and a pub called the Berwick Inn (previously The Fullers Arms). The Vanguard Way runs through the village.

Berwick railway station lies on the East Coastway Line between Glynde and Polegate railway stations.

Long distance walk

The Vanguard Way, a long distance walk, goes through the village.

References