Exploring Steyning: The Enchanting 12th Century Market Town Frozen in Time

Описание: Travel back in time with me as I walk through the enchanted old market town of Steyning, nestled in the beautiful South Downs of West Sussex.
Steyning, West Sussex: A Historical Overview
Steyning, a picturesque town in West Sussex, boasts a rich history dating back to Saxon times. The town was historically important due to its location on the River Adur and its role as a market town. Here's a comprehensive look at some key aspects of Steyning's history, including its lost pubs, the railway, cattle market, cattle auction, and the history of the church in Church Street.

The Saxon Origins and Early History of Steyning
Steyning was founded in the 8th century and was known for its religious importance. The town grew around a church established by St. Cuthman, a local saint, and was a notable site for pilgrims during medieval times. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle mentions Steyning as one of the places where money was minted, further illustrating its early importance.

Steyning was granted a charter by King Edward the Confessor, and the town flourished under Norman rule after the Conquest of 1066.

Lost Pubs of Steyning
Over time, many historic pubs in Steyning have been lost, although they were once the heart of the local community. Notable examples include:

The Three Tuns: Dating back to at least the 18th century and possibly even earlier. Like many traditional English pubs, it served as a central hub for local social life, providing a meeting place for both travelers and residents. It was a popular stop for those visiting the town, particularly during Steyning's era as a bustling market town, with the pub offering a place for traders and visitors to eat, drink, and stay. Sadly no more.

The Railway Hotel: Which was built in the 19th century, in conjunction with the opening of the Horsham to Shoreham branch line in 1861 and which was situated at the top of Southdown Terrace. The presence of the railway transformed Steyning from a more isolated rural town into a more connected hub, and the Railway Hotel catered to the influx of passengers, railway employees, and local business travelers.

The White Horse Inn: This historic pub, which no longer exists, was once located in the heart of Steyning. It closed in the mid-20th century as tastes changed, and many of these smaller local establishments were no longer viable.

The Royal Oak: Another lost pub of Steyning, it was an important social hub for the local farming community. The closure of the railway and changes to the local economy led to its demise.

Other pubs that have closed their doors include... The Blue Anchor, The Crown, The George Inn, The Kings Arms, The Smugglers Arms, The Soldiers Return and The Swan.

Southdown Terrace
Southdown Terrace is a small row of terraced houses in Steyning, situated near to where the railway station and the Railway Hotel used to be, providing housing for local railway workers and their families. These homes, built in the late 19th century, were typical of railway towns where housing was needed for the station staff and maintenance workers. Southdown Terrace would have been close to the action during the railway's heyday, bustling with the daily comings and goings of trains and travelers and the fortnightly cattle auctions in Old Market Square. The old auction house still stands, although now converted into private dwellings.

After the railway closure, Southdown Terrace, like much of the area surrounding the old station, saw a decline in activity. Today, the legacy of the railway era remains a quiet memory, with the Downs Link footpath running where the tracks once lay, but Southdown Terrace has been absorbed into Steyning's broader residential landscape.

If you visit Steyning today, traces of the railway line's influence remain, but much of the infrastructure, including the Railway Hotel, is gone.

The Church in Church Street: St. Andrew and St. Cuthman's Church
One of Steyning's most significant historical landmarks is St. Andrew and St. Cuthman's Church, located on Church Street. This church dates to the 11th century, though it is thought that a religious site existed here even earlier, potentially linked to the town's Saxon origins.

Early History: The church was founded by St. Cuthman, a local saint who is said to have miraculously built the original wooden church in Steyning. The current structure, Norman in style, replaced the earlier Saxon building. St. Cuthman himself is depicted in a famous statue in the churchyard, pushing a wheelbarrow, symbolizing his journey to Steyning.

Architecture: The church is notable for its Norman nave and chancel, which are still intact. Over the centuries, the church has been expanded and renovated, but much of its Norman character remains. It features stunning stone arches, a carved chancel arch, and a distinctive tower.