Exploring the castle at St Ann’s Hill, Midhurst
All that remains of the Norman motte and bailey castle on St Ann’s Hill, Midhurst, are the foundation stones, nestled within the trees.
Thursday, 28th January 2021, 10:55 am
It is thought the castle was likely built around 1066, along with other nearby castles in Chichester and Pulborough, to help secure the Norman’s position within Sussex. It was built above the River Rother, a key transport route through Sussex, and was the reason for the development of the town of Midhurst.
It is not certain when the castle was first built, as it does not appear in the Domesday Book. We know that much of west Sussex was given to a friend of William the Conqueror, Roger de Montgomery. In an effort to ensure the Normans could strengthen their rule and stamp out retaliation, Roger de Montgomery built a number of castles, such as the impressive castle that still stands at Arundel.
ALMOST 20 new homes could be built on the site of a former orchard. Chichester District Council has agreed to an initial application for 17 private homes to be built in a paddock at Loxwood Place Farm in Loxwood. The proposed development by Martin Grant Homes would include a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes, including seven affordable properties. The three acre site, which is off the southern end of the High Street in the village near the Wey and Arun canal, has most recently been used for grazing animals. Historically it was an orchard, when Loxwood and Kirdford’s main industry was wholesale apple growing.
Updated
Wednesday, 6th January 2021, 10:54 am
Works began for a brand-new state-of-the-art skatepark in Carron Lane on Monday (December 12) and works are expected to be completed six to eight weeks later, the town council has said.
The new skatepark is being built on the site of the original Carron Lane Skatepark which was dedicated to one of its users, Steve McGill, who died.
His plaque will be removed and placed in the new park to commemorate him.
The site of the new skatepark in Carron Lane
With help from students at Midhurst Rother College who shared their designs, and pupils at Midhurst Primary School, Maverick Skateparks finalised designs for the new and improved skatepark which will be featuring a range of ramps and rails.
Updated
Thursday, 24th December 2020, 12:38 pm
From today (December 24) until Boxing Day, anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 can book a test at the drive-through site in Pound Street car park.
Petworth Town Council said it was informed by West Sussex County Council of the decision late on Tuesday night, adding: This happened all very quickly.
A spokesperson added: We have been working with Chichester District Council to manage the parking so that there is enough for those who plan to come and shop over the next few days.
The mobile testing site has been set up in Pound Street car park. Photo: Petworth Town Council