The Priest's House, West Hoathley
A small village north of Haywards Heath, West Hoathly grew up around a crossroads of two ancient routes across the Weald. The parish church dates to the 11th century, and contains some medieval memorial slabs to the Infield's of nearby Gravetye Manor, a lovely, late Elizabethan house.
The manor is believed to be a part of the divorce settlement given by Henry VIII to Anne of Cleeves. It was later owned by influential gardener William Robinson. The house is now a hotel.
But back to the church! In the churchyard is a memorial to Anne Tree, one of the three 'East Grinstead Martyrs'. The martyrs were burned to death in 1556 because they refused to recant their Protestant faith despite the laws of Queen Mary I.
On a more pleasant note, West Hoathly is home to the Priest's House, a 15th century Wealden hall house built to house monks from Lewes Priory, who owned the manor. The house is now a museum of local life.
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