Local History
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The position of the village made it ideal as a centre for smuggling. It is close to the Cuckmere River, with the waterway leading down to Cuckmere Haven. In the mid nineteenth century. The most famous smuggler was Stanton Collins, landlord of the Market Cross Inne, otherwise known as The Smugglers. He and his men were known as the Alfriston Gang. The Inn is full of secret hiding places, false walls and doors that lead nowhere.There is a story of a tunnel leading down to the river and although my wife's uncle was the landlord at one time, giving her the opportunity to search, she never found it . |
| The National Trust bought its first property in February 1896, paying £10. It took two years to restore. It now has a gift shop at the rear and a well laid out, but rather small garden. It faces onto The Tye, which used to be farmland but is now a recreation area. A grand Fete is held once a year on The Tye. People come from all over the area to enjoy it. There are traditional games such as tilting the bucket, where everyone hopes the contestants will get soaked, bowling for a joint of pork (This used to be for a live pig,) guess the weight of a cake, and darts. Stalls sell local home made cakes and there are raffles for various bottles. At the northern end of The Tye is the War Memorial hall, which was at one time the local School. This has, with the aid of a Lottery Grant, been extended and improved and is now used as a theatre and general meeting hall. |
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My ancestors have lived in or around the village for generations, as far as records can be found. William Levett, my 9th GGrandfather, who died in 1620, owned a windmill in Winton Street, which burnt down in a storm. The Old Saddlers shop was once owned by my GGGrandfather, John Durrant, who had served an apprenticeship under William Marchant, commencing in 1829. His daughter, Mary Hannah Durrant, made a Sampler at Alfriston School when she was nine years old. It hangs on the hall in the hallway at my home.
This page produced by
R.A.Levett
