The High Street

This photograph of East Grinstead's High Street was taken in 1920.

To this day it contains the longest run of 14th Century timber framed buildings in the country, as well as many 15th and 16th Century buildings and examples of Georgian and Regency styles.

The taller building in the distance is Cromwell House (1599), once the residence of the Payne Family.

The Dorset House, which is now a public house, was built during Queen Anne's reign (1705), with Sackville House (early Tudor) and Amherst House.

Middle Row

This picture of Middle Row was taken in 1904.

And this is a picture of Middle Row 100 years later in 2004.

The High Street roadway is split at one point along its length by a row of houses ("Middle Row"), and the road passes on each side of them.

This picture shows the South side of the divide with its stretch of Elizabethan shopfronted cottages.

The High Street

Here is a picture of East Grinstead High Street in 1903.

Here is the High Street again 20 years later in 1923.

A nice view of the High Street in 1923.

The High Street today.

The High Street War Memorial and beautiful flowers in 2004.

The tranquillity of the High Street is transformed on Fair days, such as the annual May Fair, when hundreds come from miles around to enjoy the sideshows and live entertainment on May Day Bank Holiday Monday.

You wouldn't believe that this was the same street would you!

St. Swithun's Church

St. Swithun was the Bishop of Winchester from 852 to 862. The first mention of an East Grinstead Church is dated around 1100. Originally a 14th Century building with two towers, one was hit by lightning in 1683, which destroyed the steeple and tower, and the other tower collapsed in 1785 destroying the medieval church below. The present Church was built under the design of the Regency architect James Wyatt, and the tower is a landmark for miles around.

The Churchyard contains many gravestones of interest, including the graves of the three Protestant Martyrs of 1556, who suffered death by burning in the market place.

Sackville College

This photograph of Sackville College was taken in 1860.

A Grade I listed building, founded as an almshouse in 1609 by the will of Robert Sackville, Earl of Dorset.

It is a beautifully designed and preserved early Jacobean building of Sussex sandstone, completed around 1619. It includes a Chapel with the original lock still in use, a Quadrangle with well, a Hall, Common Room and Warden's Office. Much original furniture is on display.

It is open for guided tours during the summer months.

Sackville College as we see it today.