Burgess Hill, West Sussex

Flower Delivery to Burgess Hill with Clare Florist

Burgess Hill is a town in Mid Sussex known for being an active market district. At first glance, it might seem like an ordinary flourishing town. But delve into its history as well as what it can offer and you’ll realise how remarkable this town’s pace of progression was through the years.

History

Burgess Hill initially grew out of two ancient parishes: Keymer and Clayton. Both are Saxon settlements mentioned in the Domesday Book. As the district was heavily dependent on agriculture, farmlands scattered all over the parishes. In the 17th century, however, brick and tile manufacture started to flourish and the rise of enterprising encouraged residents to start their own small businesses. By the 18th century, the town already boasted 4 shops, 2 alehouses and a growing trade in craftsmanship.

In 1838, the railway was introduced and the once small farm town of Burgess Hill immediately grew to become a middle class Victorian town. Brick and tile spread throughout the area; proper sewage system was introduced; and buildings were made more modern. Trade continued to flourish in Burgess Hill and this paved the way for the town to become the Fairtrade Town it is now.

Attractions and Landmarks

Hammonds Place

Hammonds Place is a remarkable Elizabethan residence located west of the London Road as it leaves the Burgess Hill town to the south. The structure dates back to 1565 and was once owned by the famous Michelbourne family. Hammonds Place is a Grade II listed building and is considered the most important building in Burgess Hill.

The Clayton Priory

Built around 1815, the Clayton Priory was originally an 8-bedroomed mansion owned by military personnel who survived the Napoleonic Wars. It was never connected to any religious priory. What makes it interesting is that it was built using stonework salvaged from parts of the Hammonds Place that was destroyed by fire.

Bedelands Farm Nature Reserve

This reserve forms part of the Burgess Hill’s Green Crescent. It is comprised of an 81-acre mixed farm landscape, semi-natural woodland, grassland, hedges, scrubs and ponds. Formerly, the area was regarded as the Valebridge Common.

The Cuckfield Park

The Cuckfield Park features a Mansion House that dates back to 1573. It was once occupied by troops during the Second World War. Although the house today is privately owned, visitors can still enjoy the surrounding park which is set in beautifully landscaped grounds displaying the most attractive flowers in Burgess Hill.

Farms and Farmhouses

Because Burgess Hill started out as an agricultural town, farms and farmhouses are abundant in the district. Located south of the Station Road is the Grove Farm House. This is one of the eight remaining farmhouses from the 32 that was built around St. John’s Common during the 16th century. It is said to have been built around the same time as the Farthings in the Keymer Road. Other farm houses to check out in the area are the High Chimneys, Freckborough Manor House, and the West End Farm.

Bachelors’ Farm

Bachelors’ Farm is comprised of a 33-acre pasture land and is located on the southern part of Burgess Hill. What makes this farm stand out from the rest is that it provides visitors a sweeping view of South Downs’ open countryside. Not only is it surrounded by vast woodland and rich wildlife, it also offers stunning views of Burgess Hill flowers.

From being a quiet town in the rural countryside, Burgess Hill has indeed gone a long way becoming the market town it is now. Abundant with leisure areas and shopping centres, it provides a standard of comfort beyond what its former occupants might have even dreamt of. Flower services are even very active in the area, making it really easy for people to send flowers to Burgess Hill.

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