Historically the present day estate was divided between Friston manor and Parish and Birling manor and East Dean parish. These land divisions were probably created during the Anglo-Saxon years and then were strengthened during the medieval period.
The land was split into different uses with the coastal strip retained as sheep walk and inland was arable, now reverted to pasture. This division can be seen today at Gayles farm with the arable occupying the site of the airfield and sheep walk along the coast.
Ownership
The stability of the landscape during this time was due to the continuity of ownership. For instance Crowlink remained the property of the Gage family from the mid 1500’s to late 1900’s. It was then purchased by the Gilbert Family who had owned Birling Manor from the early 1800’s.