This humble stand-pipe is the last remnant of Heathfield's natural gas industry, which produced some 15 million cubic feet a day in its heyday and provided the railway station with lighting until the 1930s.

A commemorative medallion struck for the coronation of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra had the royal heads on one side and, on the other, 'Heathfield, Sussex 1902. Natural gas used for light and power.'

 

The gas field had been discovered in 1895 while engineers were looking for water. Unfortunately the operation never proved commercially viable.

 

Access

In the trees near the bridge in Ghyll Road, north-west from Sandy Cross on the B2203

 

 

 

 

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