Blackham, East Sussex

Blackham is a village in East Sussex, located within the Withyham civil parish near the border with Kent. Its name, meaning “Black Hamlet,” reflects its history as a resting place for smugglers returning from the coast, situated exactly one day’s ride from Dover. The village was once described as a “den of iniquity” due to the rowdy and often violent behaviour of these smugglers.

An “iron church” was erected in Blackham in 1884, later replaced by All Saints Church in 1902. However, this church has not held weekly services since 2018. The historic Manor of Blackham, acquired in 1592 by Lord Buckhurst, is detailed in the Buckhurst Terrier of 1597-1598, with boundaries marked by local rivers and roads, including the Kent Water and the River Medway.

Nearby landmarks include Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Penshurst Place, and Bolebroke Castle, all within four miles of Blackham. The village of Hartfield, famous as the home of Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh, is also close by, featuring the “Pooh Bridge” in Ashdown Forest where visitors can play poohsticks.