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.
Set in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Battenhurst Meadow Bed and Breakfast is a contemporary house with far reaching … more
Listed in: Bed and Breakfast
, 10:15am – 11:15am
Battle Memorial Hall, Battle
A class for abilities who would like to improve core strength, stability and flexibility. Pilates exercises and stretching.
To: Nicola Bennett I am related to Constance May Selmes who died last year. I am a Relf decendant. Please … more
Hi, During the war my Mother was evacuated to Brightling and stayed with a couple called Bert and Eva at … more
Play facilities include, for younger children, a castle themed play area, a play boat and springy horses; for older children & teens there is an area including a basket swing, aero skate and a sheltered seating pod. The recreation ground … more
‘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
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
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
The Old Workshop, Wadhurst is a recently renovated holiday home in Wadhurst, where guests can make the most of its garden and barbecue facilities. Housed in a building dating from 1940, this holiday home is 30 km from Ightham Mote … more
With views across the High Weald Ridges, Dale Hill Hotel is surrounded by scenic East Sussex countryside. It features a modern leisure centre, award-winning restaurant and 2 18-hole golf courses. The 4-star bedrooms at Dale Hill have private bathrooms, cosy … more
Set in Battle, 24 km from Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park, Chequers Inn offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. Offering a bar, the property is located within 24 km of Eastbourne Pier. … more
Recently refurbished, this Grade II listed hotel is situated in the heart of the small market town of Battle, opposite the historic site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. There is free Optic WiFi. The restaurant offers locally sourced produce … more