Standing next to St. Andrew's church in Alfriston by the village green, it gives the impression of having been here forever. Whilst not eternal, the house can certainly boast of a long history.

 

Built as early as 1350, the house is not large but is a fine example of a timber-framed 'Wealdon' house as your likely to see. The National Trust has done a marvellous job in it's restoration and it is well worth a visit. The house was probably built by a yeoman farmer who had prospered after the Black Death epidemic of 1348 which killed 1.5 million people out of a population of some 4 million.

 

By the 15th century possession of the house was given to Michelam Priory and it remained the property of the priory for the next 500 years. By the late nineteenth century the house was in such a poor state it was decided to demolish it, but for the intervention of one man in particular the house may been lost forever.

 

The Rev. F.W. Beynon was the local vicar and it is thanks to his foresight and tenacity that the house was saved and restored to its former glory, here now for generations to view and enjoy such a close link with the past. After much negotiation, the house was sold by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners for the nominal sum of £10 to the then newly formed National Trust. The house holds a unique distinction of being the first historical building purchased by the Trust and it's second property.

 

The plan of the house is laid out very simply; a central, communal hall open to the rafters, flanked to the east by the family rooms, a parlour and lavatory (garderobe) placed conveniently on the south-east corner, with a solar (living-room) on the floor above; at the opposite end were two floors of humbler service rooms, where food would had been prepared and stored, and there was servants accommodation above.

 

 

Side view showing the fine timber work

 

The mid 16th century saw the western service end demolished and replaced by a new cross-wing of two bays, which projected to the rear. Many of the original window openings have survived and up until the 1600's they had no glass and were closed with shutters or cloth to keep out the weather. The large hall was divided into two floors when lofty rooms became unfashionable and evidence of this can still be seen even though the hall has been put back in its original condition.

 

The house is definetly worth a visit along with the church and the village of Alriston. There are many old and fine buildings throughout the village with fine eateries and public houses.

 

The village consists of a main street with side streets of that and the village green is on the east side of the village where you will find the church and the Clergy house together. The only real car park is to the north as you enter the village coming from the A27 so do not think you will be able to park further down - there is nowhere to park pass the main car parks.

 

View from the garden

 

 

 

 

 

 

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