In Search of the Abandoned Medieval Village of Barpham

In Search of the Abandoned Medieval Village of Barpham

During the medieval period many villages depopulated and vanished. Some of these have left little or no trace. Why did this happen? Often it claimed the Black Death was responsible, but although the catastrophe may not have helped, it wasn’t always the cause. Bad weather, terrible harvests and famine was more likely a cause. In […]

In Search of Rudgwick Castle and the old Railway Tunnel

In Search of Rudgwick Castle and the old Railway Tunnel

The Normans were prolific with their castle building once they had defeated Harold in 1066. Defensive mounds called mottes were quickly flung up with timber castles built on top. Some of these later were rebuilt in stone. Many were not and now are lost. However, often the motte survives. Today I am in search of […]