Westham, East Sussex

Westham is a large village and civil parish in East Sussex, situated within the Wealden District. It lies just five miles north-east of Eastbourne and borders the village of Pevensey. The parish includes three settlements: Westham itself, Stone Cross, and Hankham, and forms part of the Greater Eastbourne conurbation, reflecting significant recent expansion.

The village has historical roots dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086, its name originating from its position west of Pevensey Castle. Westham is located along a ridge at the western edge of the Pevensey Levels, an area once covered by the sea and now recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its rich wetland flora and fauna.

Stone Cross, one of the parish’s settlements, is notable for its windmill built between 1875 and 1876. This tower mill, the last of its kind constructed in Sussex, ceased commercial operation in 1937 but has since been restored and is open to visitors. It is a Grade II* listed building.

Transport links include the Pevensey and Westham railway station on the East Coastway Line, and the A27 trunk road runs through the parish. Education is served by three primary schools: Pevensey and Westham School, Hankham County Primary School, and Stone Cross School.

Religious heritage is marked by two churches: St Mary’s Church in Westham, reputed to be the first Norman church in England, and St Luke’s Church in Stone Cross, built in 1926 and restored in the late 20th century. St Mary’s has been the subject of several paintings by Victorian artist Lewis Pinhorn Wood.