Sussex
Bluecoat Pond, Christ's Hospital, Horsham
Christ’s Hospital has its roots in Newgate, in the City of London. In 1552, encouraged by a sermon by the Bishop of London Nicholas Ridley (later one of the Oxford martyrs burnt at the stake), Edward VI founded a school to keep the poor of London off the streets. Since its formation the school has been heavily endowed by the Livery Companies, making it the richest in the country. In 1897 Christ’s Hospital moved to a new, purpose built site near Horsham. In 1985 it was joined by the girls school from Hertford, making it once again co-educational. The magnificent chapel, Globe style theatre, Olympic size swimming pool, fitness suite and 5 hole practice golf course may all, on occasion, be enjoyed by local residents. On school days Christ’s Hospital’s renowned band may be seen playing the students into lunch. The founders’ principles of supporting disadvantaged children remain as strong to-day as ever.
Christ’s Hospital has its own railway station: trains go to London, Victoria and good road links exist via the A24. A wealth of shops and cultural pursuits are also available in the pleasant market town of nearby Horsham.
Crittles Court, Wadhurst
Wadhurst, a wooded Wealden hill top market town, probably derives its name from Wada, the name of the Saxon tribe that occupied the area and began clearing the forests in the 7th and 8th centuries. Henry III granted Wadhurst its charter in 1253. This allowed the town to hold a market each Saturday and a fair on the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul on the 29th June each year. Wadhurst’s busy High Street offers an excellent array of shops and includes two banks, a Post Office and a doctors’ surgery. Wadhurst is surrounded by attractive villages and good restaurants. Places of beauty and interest include the Bewl reservoir and Scotney Castle, whilst Royal Tunbridge Wells is only 7 miles away. For the commuter, London is 45 miles by car - and one hour and ten minutes to Charing Cross from Wadhurst station. Trains go every hour.
Turnpike Court, Ardingly
Turnpike Court is situated in Ardingly, an award winning “best kept” village within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Ardingly has its own Post Office and bakery. It is close to Haywards Heath with its excellent rail connections and only 20 minutes drive to Gatwick Airport
Ardingly hosts the South of England Agricultural Society Showground and Wakehurst Place, the country branch of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and is well served for communications with good rail and road links to London.