LOVELIEST SUSSEX VILLAGE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 16 February 1935, Page 7

LOVELIEST SUSSEX VILLAGE

Amberley has been chosen by popular vote as tlie most picturesque village in Sussex, the reasons being beautifully stated in the following letter by Mr Gerald M. Burn:—This muchpainted jewel of Sussex villages—the happy sketching ground and resort of generations of artists—is pre-eminently the most picturesque in the whole county. None can compare with its variety and number of thatched cottages —iormer homes of sturdy Sussex yeomen. It nestles peacefully in a cul-de-sac away from the busy high road—built on the solid rock which the forbears quarried out of the roads to build their homesteads, and perched their gardens on the toji of tlie walls. What other village in the county can boast of a large Norman church with architectural features and an ancient castle at the end of the street, governed by an amiable and distinguished Lady Chatelain? Massive walls and towering gateway protect this lady’s slumbers during the night. Where can be found a village with such lovely views and charming surroundings? The gentle Downs on one side and Amberley Mount where King Charles 11. paused on his flight through Sussex to look down with longing eyes on this peaceful village. On the ether side stretches the valley of the winding A run—dotted with hopeful fishermen at intervals on its banks—a tidal river—soon to pass the foot of the great castle of Arundel. On the third side Amberley Wild Brooks —with its herds of grazing cattle and distant woods, hills and lovely sylvan scenes. Tlie fourth side is hounded by Parham Park and the ancient mansion, now the home of the Hon. Clive Pearson. That is the setting of this pearl of Sussex villages.