Not only stocks, but a whipping post, too.

Few of these survive in East Sussex, presumably because they were made of perishable wood.   The Ninfield stocks are of cast and wrought-iron, possibly made at Ashbournham in the days when a furnace and a forge flourished there, as in so many parts of the Sussex weald.  There are four holes for ankles and four wrist clamps.

 

It was at this spot that a notable case of wife-selling occurred in 1790, when a man disposed of his soul-mate for half a pint of gin.  In accordance with tradition, she arrived in the company of two witnesses with a halter around her neck.  A contemporary report noted that 'she appeared mightily delighted about the ceremony, and the hopeful pair departed filled with joy and expectation from the happy union'.

 

Standard Hill, near Ninfield, is reputed to be the spot where William I erected his standard after the Battle of Hastings.

 

 

Access

On a small triangle of grass near to the church on the A271 towards Boreham Street.

 

 

 

 

 

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