About Brightling in East Sussex

Brightling is a small village, which lies about 5 miles north-east of Battle off the B2096.
The church, St Thomas a Becket, has several interesting features. In the churchyard is a pyramid where Brightling’s most famous resident John Fuller was buried in 1834. Local legend had it that he was buried seated at a table dressed in full evening dress with a bottle of claret. These stories were fund to be untrue during restoration on the tomb many years later. Mad Jack Fuller as he was known gave the church a unique barrel organ and a peal of bells.

Mad Jack Fuller was a larger than life man who lived at Brightling Park. The family fortune had been made from the iron industry. Mad Jack became MP for East Sussex and seems to have fostered an image of eccentricity. He was also quite a philanthropist and supported the arts and science. He was a patron of JMW Turner who painted views of Brightling. But perhaps Mad Jack is most famous for collection of follies he built around Brightling.

Fullers Follies

Brightling Needle, an obelisk over 65 feet (20m) high was built on the second highest point in East Sussex and was erected around 1810. The reason for its construction is not clear but it said that it was to commemorate Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar in 1805 or Wellington’s victory over Napoleon in 1815.

The Sugar Loaf, which is sometimes known as Fuller’s Point, is in a meadow and stands 35 feet (10.7m. The name comes from the conical shaped loaf that sugar was sold in at that time. It was apparently built to win a bet that Mad Jack made whilst in London. He claimed he could see Dallington Church (a nearby village) from his house in Brightling. When he returned he discovered that he couldn’t as a hill blocked his view, so the Sugar Loaf was hastily erected to win the bet.

The Tower or Watch Tower built by Fuller in the middle of a field, stands 35 feet (10.6m) high and 12 feet (3.7m) in diameter. There are several stories attached to it but it was built in the late 1820’s.

The Temple or Rotunda was built in the grounds of Brightling Park perhaps to add a classical element to the gardens. This was erected around 1810.

The Observatory, now a private residence was completed in 1810. It was equipped with all the equipment of the time including a Camera Obscura. It is thought that Turner may have used this on his visits to Rose Hill.

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E-Bikes Direct
E-Bikes Direct

Established in 2005 and based in Bodiam, E-Bikes Direct is the UK’s No. 1 for electric bike sales. We offer … more

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Opera Gala at the Abbot’s Hall
Opera Gala at the Abbot’s Hall

7pm
Battle Abbey School, Battle

Message Board

1 Grants Cottage

To: Nicola Bennett I am related to Constance May Selmes who died last year. I am a Relf decendant. Please … more

Grants Cottages

Hi, During the war my Mother was evacuated to Brightling and stayed with a couple called Bert and Eva at … more

Attractions and Activities

Stephen Mason – Silk Painting

I offer Silk painting sessions over two or three days at my studio and C17 home in Battle. No previous experience is required and we will work at a pace which suits you . All materials, Organic Tea / Coffee … more

Pashley Manor Gardens

‘One of the finest gardens in England’ award winning Pashley Manor Gardens offer a sumptuous blend of romantic landscaping, imaginative plantings and fine old trees, fountains, springs and large ponds, with interest and colour throughout the year. There are exceptional … more

Battle Museum of Local History

The Museum has a collection covering 125 million years of history in Battle and the surrounding area. The fascinating displays include dinosaur footprints, artefacts from the Roman Bathhouse at Beauport Park, a Saxon battle-axe believed to be a unique relic … more

Accommodation

Battenhurst Meadow B&B

Set in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Battenhurst Meadow Bed and Breakfast is a contemporary house with far reaching views across the High Weald of Sussex, with grounds of just under an acre and ample parking available for guests. … more

Rosebank Bed and Breakfast

Luxury self-contained B&B in the middle of Etchingham village, 5 minutes walk from Etchingham mainline station to London. Private accommodation includes continental breakfast laid out to have at own convenience in the room. Perfect for base to explore area of … more

Restaurants

The Bell

The Bell in Ticehurst is a historic establishment that dates back to 1560, originally serving as a coaching inn. Today, it stands as a vibrant freehouse, offering a unique blend of traditional pub atmosphere with modern dining and accommodation. The … more

Dale Hill Hotel

Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club offers a luxurious retreat nestled in over 350 acres of the picturesque Sussex Weald. This establishment boasts not only a hotel with 50 spacious rooms, many of which offer stunning views across the golf … more

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