History at Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber Hill

This fertile valley in the shadow of the South Downs has attracted settlers for thousands of years. Their stories chart the evolution of farming from the labour-intensive activities of early communities to today's widespread used of machinery.

Early Settlements

Close up view of a selection of small stone tools displayed in rows

Prehistoric artefacts on display at Saddlescombe Farm

A collection of prehistoric artefacts suggests human activity as early as the Stone Age in the Saddlescombe area.

Image of Domesday text relating to Saddlescombe

Saddlescombe Farm in the Domesday Book

Domesday Book was the result of a huge land valuation survey undertaken for William the Conqueror who wanted to know how much his kingdom was worth and therefore how much tax he could ask for.

Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber Hill West Sussex

1000 years of rural life

Saddlescombe Farm has a rich and varied history from medieval times to the present day.

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The Robinson family at Saddlescombe Farm

In 1853 Martin Robinson became the tenant farmer at Saddlescombe and his daughter Maude has left us with a wealth of historical detail in her account of life on this South Downs farm.

A black and white view taken in the 1960s of Saddlescombe Farm from the road, framed by a tree, with rolling hills on the horizon — A view of Saddlescombe Farm from the old road, taken in the 1960s

Country tales

A lifelong resident describes his life on the farm and the changes that he witnessed.

The Shadow of War

Second World War Memories

Saddlescombe residents share their memories of the farm in times of conflict.

Sgt Wünsche's daughter and granddaughter examine pieces of his plane

Digging the Hurricane in the South Downs

The story behind the excavation of a Second World War Hurricane fighter plane from a hillside at Saddlescombe Farm.