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Brightling, East Sussex

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

The village of Brightling is set in an elevated position in the High Weald, offering spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. The village is famous for its collection of fascinating follies, built by Brightling's  eccentric Victorian squire, John 'Mad Jack' Fuller (1757–1834).


Fuller was a prolific builder of follies. These include the Observatory, the Needle, the Sugarloaf, the Temple, and the Tower.In addition there is The Wall, which encloses Fullers manor of Rose Hill (now Brightling Park), beside the parish church of St Thomas a Becket. The Wall was said to have been a project created to provide work for soldiers returning from the Napoleonic Wars.

In the churchyard is Fuller's most famous folly, his own tomb, known as The Pyramid. As its name suggests, the tomb is shaped like an Egyptian pyramid. According to unsubstantiated legend, Fuller is buried within, in a sitting position, holding a glass of claret in his hand.

From the churchyard it is only a short walk across fields to The Observatory, a cylindrical tower folly in a farmer's field. You can climb stairs within the Observatory to get good views over the surrounding area.

On the hilltop above the village is the Sugarloaf folly. This conical structure was rumoured to be built as a result of a bet that Fuller lost. It seems that during a drinking session at his house, Fuller boasted to a guest that he could see the steeple of a nearby church from his window. When the light of day proved this impossible Fuller had the Sugaroaf built on top of the hill to simulate the shape of a distant spire.

Within the parish church are several intriguing medieval brasses, and remnants of medieval wall paintings. There is also a fine memorial to Mad Jack Fuller.

Brightling, East Sussex, England

About Brightling
Attraction Type: Village
Location: On a minor road 5 miles north west of Battle
Location map
Brightling Photos
OS TQ686205
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information Photos

Nearest Attractions St Thomas a Becket, Brightling - 0.3 miles (Church) Bateman's - 2.2 miles (Historic House) Battle Museum - 4.6 miles (Museum) Yesterdays World, Battle - 4.9 miles (Museum) Battle Abbey - 4.9 miles (Abbey) Merriments Garden - 5.5 miles (Garden) Pashley Manor Gardens - 5.7 miles (Garden) Herstmonceaux Castle - 6.8 miles (Castle)

Nearest Towns and Villages Battle - 4.4 miles away Hawkhurst - 6.7 miles away Sandhurst - 8.2 miles away Lamberhurst - 8.6 miles away Northiam - 8.9 miles away Newenden - 10.1 miles away Cranbrook - 10.3 miles away Benenden - 10.4 miles away

Photos of Brightling

The Pyramid

Mad Jack Fuller memorial

The Observatory

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Nearest Accommodation to Brightling

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

The Lodge - 1.7 miles from Brightling Dallington, East Sussex Sleeps: 3 Stay from: £300

The Stable - 8.4 miles from Brightling Hailsham, East Sussex Sleeps: 2 Stay from: £190

Seaview Cottage - 8.7 miles from Brightling Normans Bay, East Sussex Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £320

More Self Catering near Brightling

Nearest Hotels

The George Hotel - 4.6 miles from Brightling Battle, East Sussex Stay from: £35.00

Leeford Place Hotel - 4.6 miles from Brightling Battle, East Sussex Stay from: £75.00

Abbey Hotel - 4.8 miles from Brightling Battle, East Sussex Stay from: £60.00

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Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Claverton Country House - 7.2 miles from Brightling Battle, East Sussex From: £60.00

Little Tidebrook Farm - 7.3 miles from Brightling Wadhurst, Kent From: £55.00

Claverton Country House - 7.4 miles from Brightling Sedlescombe, East Sussex

More bed and breakfasts near Brightling

Battle
Tourist Information Centre
Battle Abbey
High Street
Battle
East Sussex
England
TN33 0AD
Tel: 01424 773721
Fax: 01424 773436
Email: battletic@rother.gov.uk
Web: http://www.battletown.co.uk/
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