Burwash
Burwash is a beautiful historic village composed of lovely medieval buildings. It was a high spot for smuggling during the 18th and 19th centuries and several smugglers were buried in St Bartholomew’s churchyard. It also features the ancient Dallington Forest which has a steep-sided stream flowing through it creating an unusual habitat.
Burwash has a surprisingly rich history of famous residents. Cricketer Albert Relf was born in Burwash in 1874. Roger Daltrey, frontman for The Who, owns Lakedown fishery on the common, while residing in Holmshurst Manor country estate. Burwash also boasts of The Cure’s singer and founding member Robert Smith. It was also home to Ex-Prime Minister James Callaghan who lived on the outskirts of the village.
Burwash’s most famous resident, of course, is the prolific writer Rudyard Kipling who lived in the Jacobean mansion Bateman’s. During his time at Bateman’s he hosted many famous people including fellow authors Sir Henry Rider Haggard and Sir Kingsley William Amis. He was also visited by his cousin Stanley Baldwin who was Prime Minister for two years. Batemans is now owned by the National Trust and open to the public year-round. The mansion is set within 33 acres of beautiful gardens and hosts a working watermill as well as a lovely cafe. Bateman’s has featured in the film ‘My Boy Jack’ starring Daniel Radcliffe, a film about Kipling’s son who died fighting in the First World War. It is a fascinating historical site and well worth a day trip out.
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Recent News
Local school celebrates being awarded an Outstanding rating from OFSTED
Burwash Church of England Primary School has announced that OFSTED has awarded the School an OUTSTANDING rating, following an inspection on 23rd/ 24th April 2024. The Inspectors’ Report praises the ethos of the school, here are just a few of the comments made highlighting the school’s achievements: The school’s “vision of ‘Caring Children Loving Learning’... Read more
25th June
Join Roger Daltrey for the opening of the Platinum Footpath at Burwash Common tonight.
Roger Daltrey will open the Platinum Footpath at Burwash Common, tonight Thursday 2nd June at 7pm. A new footpath has been created around the Playing Fields at Burwash Common, making the whole fields fully accessible in all weathers. The path was recently given a full testing by residents of Oakdown House, the residents, some of... Read more
2nd June
Oakdown House and Carricks Brook raise awareness of Learning Disability Awareness Week.
Every year in June Mencap organise ‘Learning Disability Awareness Week’. The week gives people the chance to find out more about what it means to live with a learning disability. Sadly, people with a learning disability are twice as likely to experience mental health problems due to many factors including discrimination and social isolation. By... Read more
30th May
Make or break! Talented local ballet dancer appeals for help.
Burwash based, George Stevens is a pre-professional elite ballet pupil at White Lodge, The Royal Ballet School. This fiercely competititive ballet school is where future stars are born. Only 15 boys a year are accepted to this world famous school, and whilst studying there he has danced in Royal Ballet Company productions, The Nutcracker, Sleeping... Read more
13th April
Lakedown taproom with sublime views opening in Burwash
Tucked away in an idyllic corner of Burwash lies the Lakedown Taproom. Housed in the fisherman’s lodge with views extending over the lakes you will find the perfect spot to enjoy a range of delicious ales from Lakedown Brewing Company, their microbrewery. There is space both indoors and out, and an online booking system to... Read more
24th August
Joy at new freedoms for local care homes – Oakdown House and Carricks Brook
Everyone, everywhere is talking about ‘the end of lockdown’, this too is the topic of conversation at two local residential homes for adults with learning disabilities. The prospect of freedom and ‘normality’ is exciting but staff and residents of both Oakdown House and Carricks Brook are moving forward with caution, keeping everyone safe is still... Read more
29th April
Rother encourages young people to have their say on the new seven-year plan
PEOPLE in Rother are being reminded of their last chance to have their say on a new seven-year plan for the district. The consultation on Rother District Council’s Corporate Plan, which sets out its aims and objectives for 2020 to 2027, closes on Wednesday, March 17. The new plan, which has been delayed due to... Read more
23rd February
Looking for a job. Have you considered working with vulnerable adults?
One of the ‘A’ Level students enjoying the garden with one of the residents. If you have been impacted during the pandemic by job loss then read on. Oakdown House have gained many new staff over the past year, quite a few have found themselves furloughed or without work, and have decided to give a... Read more
15th February
New platform gives artisan food and drink producers opportunity to connect with customers differently
A Burwash entrepreneur has launched a virtual multi-brand store to help artisan food and drinks ‘makers’ flourish and discerning shoppers to discover, learn about and purchase mouth-watering products made with passion. The MeltedInside.com platform welcomes and features makers from across the UK selling everything from seaweed seasoning produced in Yorkshire by SeaGrown to South American-style... Read more
24th August
Free Rein Horse Rescue and supporters fight back
It’s been a tough time recently for the Burwash based, Free Rein Horse charity, as it fell victim to some unpleasant trolling on social media. Claire Gerrard founder of Free Rein Horse rescue explained : ” Unfortunately we have had some negative comments made about the charity online, we felt this to be misleading and... Read more
21st July
Local businesses get creative in a crisis
No one can have missed the unprecedented distruption to everyday life wrought by the Corona Virus as it causes schools to be shut, events to be cancelled, pubs and restaurants and many shops closed, and daily life as we know it to cease. Living in a rural community brings us benefits like fresh air and... Read more
23rd March
The Wheel launches takeaway home delivery service
The Wheel Inn – are offering delivery on this menu. It will then be served daily 12-3/6-9. No minimum order as long as there is one main course. Kids options smaller at 1/2 price. Payment on ordering and then delivery to your doorstep. Burwash weald and surrounding area – check when you order for delivery... Read more
19th March
The Wheel launches new meals service for the over 70s
The Wheel will be offering the following service for all over 70s who are currently self isolation or simply unable to get out and get groceries -14 hot meals one delivered at 12 and one at 6 a week for £50. We will also deliver 2l of milk once a week and a load of... Read more
19th March
Ideas for Easter – chocolate, eggs and bunnies
Cuculo for a great choice of chocolates and Easter Eggs The ever popular deli on Heathfield’s High St, now stocks a range of luxury chocolates in their new bespoke chocolate chiller cabinet. H&R, English chocolate truffles have pride of place, with a choice of Belgium premium chocolates alongside. The store also has Italian Easter... Read more
6th April
Take advantage of this great offer and make sure your chimney is safe
Kennedy Chimney Sweeps is offering Heathfield News readers a 10% discount for sweeping during the month of April. Kennedy Chimney Sweeps is a well-established family team and prides itself on a commitment to providing a professional and punctual service at all times, while maintaining the highest quality of work in a demanding environment. Services include... Read more
8th March
Burwash shop fire, quick thinking averts a disaster.
In the early hours of Wednesday, 12 September a fire was spotted at the rear of the Burwash Londis Village Store; fortunately there was no loss of life and the incident was contained by the Fire Service. We received this eye witness account from Burwash resident, Wendy Woolgar, whose house is directly behind the store, ... Read more
17th September
TWO MEN AND A TUDOR MAP by Patrick Fletcher and Allan Mackenzie
We first met to discuss old maps acquired from the East Sussex Record Office. Allan was interested in the oldest, dating from 1595. It showed a line around the Heathfield and Burwash Downs, common land situated between Burwash and Heathfield. There were houses with the names of people who lived in them just outside the... Read more
9th August
Frogheath Landscapes celebrates 25 years of award winning projects.
Frogheath Landscapes are celebrating 25 years in the business of creating gorgeous outdoor spaces. This family run business is located in Burwash, and as well as private gardens they have also built a number of award winning gardens at RHS Chelsea Flower Show and RHS Hampton Court Flower Show. Including being awarded 3 Gold Medals, Silver Gilt and Silver medals.... Read more
9th July
New book remembers the WW1 fallen from the Heathfield area
A while back we publicised Nicola’s quest for information about the fallen soldiers named on the war memorials in Heathfield, Broad Oak and Punnetts Town. After months of painstaking reseach she has now completed and published her book. In it she researches the names of all of the soldiers who are named on the World... Read more
12th June
