Mayfield
The historic Middle House in the heart of Mayfield, East Sussex
Mayfield is famous for the legend of St Dustan, a blacksmith who worked in the village. According to legend, the Devil visited Dunstan disguised as a beautiful woman, planning to lead him astray. However he noticed the cloven hooves beneath the woman’s dress, grabbed a nearby pair of red hot pincers and tweaked off the Devil’s nose. The Devil, fired with hate and even more determined to destroy Dunstan, returned once more – this time disguised as a weary traveller. Once again Dunstan was not fooled and beat the Devil until he promised never to enter any house with a horseshoe above its door. Unsurprisingly, the church was dedicated to St Dunstan. The Devil never forgot Dunstan’s actions however. The church was burned to the ground in the 14th Century and had to be rebuilt only to be struck by lightning three centuries later. Many wonder if this is the work of the Devil wreaking his revenge on St Dunstan.
Mayfield also boasts some strong links to past royalty. Three times in the late 1400s Henry VII visited the village, accompanied by Archbishop Morton. Less than 20 years later Henry VIII followed in his father’s footsteps, visiting at least twice with his own Chancellor, Archbishop Warham and quite possibly also his first wife Catherine of Aragon. Then in 1545 Queen Mary had four Protestants burnt at the stake on Station Road. Every year the village holds a spectacular bonfire parade in celebration and remembrance of those martyred by the Queen.
One of Mayfield’s biggest features is that the well-loved musical Mary Poppins was first written there and it also possesses one of the few remaining post mills still in existence in England as well as many buildings dating back as far as the early 1400s.
Mayfield holds three regular events, its Mayfair festival, a biennial Festival of Music and Arts and a Fringe Festival which includes an Art Trail. It is also a prime location from which to Davenport Vineyards or the famous Middle House in the high street if you want a delicious meal.
Upcoming Events
Recent News
Hospice in the Weald is celebrating the vital role of charity shops during Hospice Care Week
Celebrating the vital role of charity shops this Hospice Care Week Hospice in the Weald is celebrating the vital role of its charity shops during Hospice Care Week 2024. The national campaign, from 7th -13th October, this year focuses on the contribution charity shops make to funding hospice services. Hospice in the Weald, which provides... Read more
10th October
East Sussex Fire Authority wants your views on the future of Mayfield On Call Community Fire Station
Information events are being held as part of a consultation by East Sussex Fire Authority on future options for Mayfield On Call Fire Station. The consultation opened on 5 July 2024 and runs until 27 September, with the findings considered at a Fire Authority meeting in December 2024. The full Options Appraisal was presented to... Read more
25th July
A new health centre and community hall in Mayfield takes steps forward thanks to funding
A Pre-Construction Services Agreement has been signed with Baxall Construction Limited to move the Mayfield Community and Health centre project forward. Baxall Construction Limited is a local contractor with experience in delivering community, medical and leisure projects, and design and build solutions in London and the southeast area, making the Kent company a perfect fit... Read more
30th May
Wealden’s High Streets flourish as people shop locally
High streets across Wealden market towns and villages are bucking national trends and recovering well from the pandemic, say local experts. With larger towns and cities continuing to struggle with reduced footfall and empty premises, Wealden’s smaller market towns and villages such as Uckfield, Heathfield and Mayfield have benefited from the strong support of their... Read more
27th October
New community “Shed” facility officially opened in Mayfield by Roger Daltrey
The Grand Opening Fete for the Community Shed in Mayfield was held on Saturday 3rd July, with the official opening performed by Roger Daltrey of The Who. Part of the international “Men’s Shed” network, and a member of the UK Men’s Shed Association, the MAYFACS Shed celebrated its opening with a Grand Opening Fete. Roger... Read more
9th July
New community ‘shed’ facility launches with opening fete
Part of the international “Men’s Shed” network, and a member of the UK Men’s Shed Association,the MAYFACS Shed is celebrating its opening with a Grand Opening Fete. Intended to help alleviate loneliness and isolation, and improve mental health, “Sheds” are safewelcoming places where men and women can meet to chat and if they wish use... Read more
1st July
Disney blockbuster Mary Poppins was written in Mayfield cottage
This week’s interesting life with a local link is author Pamela Lyndon Travers OBE who wrote the ‘Mary Poppins’ books at her home in Pound Cottage near Mayfield during the Winter of 1933/34. Born Helen Lyndon Goff in Queensland, Australia in 1899 to wealthy parents, Helen was the eldest of three daughters. Her father died... Read more
2nd December
Tragedy of train crash in Mayfield
No one expected tragedy to strike when they boarded the 8.18am London train from Eastbourne on Wednesday 1st September 1897. The train was made up of the engine (the ‘Bonchurch’) and was coupled to five passenger carriages and a milk van. The train was unusually busy that day as discounted tickets to London were... Read more
22nd September
New art gallery launches in Mayfield
A sculptor has transformed one of two flats he bought on Fir Toll Road in Mayfield into an art gallery. Richard Field has gathered what he describes as an ‘incredible’ collection of sculptures and art for the grand opening of Melford Gallery on Friday 21st August. For more details see our What’s On page. Many... Read more
20th August
Win afternoon tea at The Middle House Hotel
Here’s your chance to win an indulgent afternoon tea with bubbly for you and a friend or loved one at the famous Middle House Hotel in Mayfield. Served in the modern brasserie – or on the terrace in the Summer with stunning views of the Sussex countryside – all of the sandwiches, cakes and scones... Read more
13th October
Wine Festival launches, Saturday 1st June 2019 at Hidden Spring, Horam
It’s all go at Hidden Spring Vineyard, Horam, East Sussex. Not only have they just been awarded a silver medal at the 2019 International Wine Challenge for their Bacchus (2017); but they are hosting the first Sussex Weald Festival of Wine on Saturday, June 1st. Five outstanding Sussex vineyards have united to create a FESTIVAL OF WINE a... Read more
29th May
You don’t have to spend a fortune on Mother’s Day to show your mum you care
Mother’s Day is fast approaching but it’s not too late to arrange something to show how much you appreciate your mum – and there are lots of things you can do even if you are on a tight budget. The obvious choice is taking your mother to lunch but many restaurants like The Heathfield Tavern... Read more
22nd March
Countdown to primary school application deadline
If you haven’t yet applied for a place for your child to attend a state primary school this September – don’t worry, it’s not too late. An East Sussex County Council spokesman said: “Parents have until 11.59pm on Tuesday, January 15 to apply for a school place for their child starting in September 2019. While... Read more
13th January
Roger Daltrey shows his support for young people at the Wealden Works Awards
Last Tuesday night December 4, over 150 people attended Wealden Works Annual Awards event, at a packed Heathfield Youth Centre, to celebrate local young people’s achievements. The evening began with Councillor Rupert Simmons, Chairman of the Heathfield Partnership Trust welcoming guests, who included Chris Hardy, Chairman of the Wealden District Council, Ambassador – Roger Daltrey,... Read more
10th December
Win a KellyBronze turkey
Here’s your chance to win a delicious free range 5kg KellyBronze turkey from Badgers Mead Farm in Five Ashes. The Champion family has been farming at Badgers Mead Farm, between Heathfield and Mayfield, East Sussex, for 35 years. After 20 years as a successful sheep and cattle farmer, Nev Champion turned to poultry and became... Read more
12th November
Badgers Mead apprentice is top of the class at Plumpton
A teenager working at Badgers Mead Farm in Five Ashes, near Mayfield, has been named Learner of the Year by his college. Leo Smith, 19, from Rotherfield, joined Badgers Mead as an apprentice three years ago after leaving school at 16. Since then he has been studying for a Level 2 Diploma Traineeship in Agriculture... Read more
20th October
Heathfield girl’s singing talent leads to cathedral appointment
The singing talent of a Heathfield girl has earned her the honour of becoming Dean’s Chorister at a school linked with one of the country’s most famous cathedrals. Chorister Annenora Benians was appointed Dean’s Chorister for Salisbury Cathedral’s girls’ choir last Sunday (23 September) in a special Evensong at which new choristers were admitted and... Read more
29th September
Keep your kids busy with Summer Clubs and Activities
The Summer holidays can be a real challenge for parents. Some parents are looking to find ways of having their children cared for, while other parents are searching for ideas to keep their children occupied during the long holidays. Parents of younger children often want to find activities they can share with their kids, and... Read more
18th July
Mayfield entrepreneur reaches finals of national awards
The founder of a Mayfield start up is celebrating after reaching the finals of the National Best New Business Awards. Gemma Creasey launched Oval Deene Ltd, a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom specialist recruitment company, in January 2017. Oval Deane has reached the finals of three different categories: Business of the Year; Business Person of the... Read more
22nd April
Dance school goes from strength to strength
Just four years after taking over the helm at East Sussex Dance Studios former professional dancers Jenna Crescenzo and her sister Carys-Mari Hedges are celebrating some major successes. Several students have been accepted into world-class institutions and the school won an incredible 28 medals in a recent competition and over 300 in three years. Former... Read more
9th March
Water problems cause distress across Heathfield area
Many homes in and around the Heathfield area have been affected by water problems since Sunday after a number of pipes burst during the thaw. At 3.30pm on Monday some were still without water. Cross-in-Hand mum of three Sarah Jones was one of those affected. She said: “Our mains water stopped on Sunday morning. Since... Read more
5th March
Mayfield mums run their first half marathon for Cuckoo for Cancer
Mayfield residents Nikki Lee-Billinghurst, Lizzie Young, Lucy Jervis, Alanna Golden and Emma Allchorne raised an incredible £1,300 in sponsorship for running the Brighton half marathon on Sunday 25th February 2018. The ladies have been training together since May last year with short distance runs to fit around busy work schedules and their children’s school hours.... Read more
1st March
Discover the hidden stars of English Wine in Sussex
Living in the Heathfield area, we are surprisingly close to many excellent vineyards, like Hidden Spring, Horam and Off the Line Vineyard in Hellingly, Davenport in Rotherfield, the Bluebell Vineyard Estate in Uckfield, Fox & Fox in Mayfield and Ridgeview in Ditchling to name but a few. They are all part of the wine making... Read more
22nd February
Mayfield schoolgirl’s year-long book challenge is fundraising success
A 10-year-old Mayfield schoolgirl is taking part in a yearlong read-athon to raise money for the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) lifesaving research. Emily Finch is aiming to read 365 stories over the course of year. The young schoolgirl took on the challenge to help her grandmother who has had two heart attacks and lives with... Read more
13th February
Last minute ideas for Valentine’s Day
Don't be in the doghouse this February 14th! It's not too late to get planning that romantic evening. To help, we have rung around some of our favourite eateries to find out who has a spare table, and you will find listed below some great options. Prices vary from £25 to £50 a... Read more
7th February
