Brightling

Brightling in East Sussex Village Guide

About Brightling in East Sussex

Brightling is a small village, which lies about 5 miles north-east of Battle off the B2096.
The church, St Thomas a Becket, has several interesting features. In the churchyard is a pyramid where Brightling’s most famous resident John Fuller was buried in 1834. Local legend had it that he was buried seated at a table dressed in full evening dress with a bottle of claret. These stories were fund to be untrue during restoration on the tomb many years later. Mad Jack Fuller as he was known gave the church a unique barrel organ and a peal of bells.

Mad Jack Fuller was a larger than life man who lived at Brightling Park. The family fortune had been made from the iron industry. Mad Jack became MP for East Sussex and seems to have fostered an image of eccentricity. He was also quite a philanthropist and supported the arts and science. He was a patron of JMW Turner who painted views of Brightling. But perhaps Mad Jack is most famous for collection of follies he built around Brightling.

Fullers Follies

Brightling Needle, an obelisk over 65 feet (20m) high was built on the second highest point in East Sussex and was erected around 1810. The reason for its construction is not clear but it said that it was to commemorate Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar in 1805 or Wellington’s victory over Napoleon in 1815.

The Sugar Loaf, which is sometimes known as Fuller’s Point, is in a meadow and stands 35 feet (10.7m. The name comes from the conical shaped loaf that sugar was sold in at that time. It was apparently built to win a bet that Mad Jack made whilst in London. He claimed he could see Dallington Church (a nearby village) from his house in Brightling. When he returned he discovered that he couldn’t as a hill blocked his view, so the Sugar Loaf was hastily erected to win the bet.

The Tower or Watch Tower built by Fuller in the middle of a field, stands 35 feet (10.6m) high and 12 feet (3.7m) in diameter. There are several stories attached to it but it was built in the late 1820’s.

The Temple or Rotunda was built in the grounds of Brightling Park perhaps to add a classical element to the gardens. This was erected around 1810.

The Observatory, now a private residence was completed in 1810. It was equipped with all the equipment of the time including a Camera Obscura. It is thought that Turner may have used this on his visits to Rose Hill.

What’s new?

Battenhurst Meadow B&B
Battenhurst Meadow B&B

Set in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Battenhurst Meadow Bed and Breakfast is a contemporary house with far reaching … more

Listed in: Bed and Breakfast

What’s on in Brightling

Yoga Classes

, 6:45pm – 8:00pm
Whatlington Village Hall, Whatlington

New evening yoga class at Whatlington Village Hall. Beginners welcome. This is a chill out evening class. Let go of … more

Category: Health Events

Message Board

1 Grants Cottage

To: Nicola Bennett I am related to Constance May Selmes who died last year. I am a Relf decendant. Please … more

Grants Cottages

Hi, During the war my Mother was evacuated to Brightling and stayed with a couple called Bert and Eva at … more

Attractions and Activities

1066 Cycle Club

Group of local people who enjoy cycling and want to improve cycling facilities in Battle, Robertsbridge, and the surrounding “1066” area.

1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield

Fantastic family fun – 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey & Battlefield is an incredible day out where visitors can relive one of the most famous dates in history. Discover the events that took place with interactive exhibits and the dramatic … more

The Observatory Science Centre

Once home of the Royal Greenwich Observatory (RGO), The Observatory Science Centre is now a thriving visitor attraction. The giant historic telescopes left behind by the RGO form just a small part of this science and discovery centre. Over 100 … more

Accommodation

Battenhurst Meadow B&B

Set in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Battenhurst Meadow Bed and Breakfast is a contemporary house with far reaching views across the High Weald of Sussex, with grounds of just under an acre and ample parking available for guests. … more

Poppinghole Farm Cottages

Poppinghole Farm Cottages are situated on a farm in rural Robertsbridge, in an area of outstanding natural beauty at the heart of Sussex countryside. It is close to many places of interest including glorious gardens, ancient castles and historic towns; … more

The Bear Inn and Burwash Motel

Located in the rural village of Burwash, The Bear Inn is just a 10-minute drive from the ancient woodland of Dallington Forest.

Towns and villages near Brightling …

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