Mayfield’s history is reflected in specific landmarks: St Dunstan’s Church has a 13th-century tower, while the rest of the building dates from the 15th century. Historic buildings also line the High Street; the oldest date back to the early 15th century. There are also traces of the iron and cannon industries, as well as walking routes of varying lengths and conditions. This lets you shape your stay around architectural history, local history and outdoor activity.
Architectural history and the High Street
Two different building periods can be distinguished at St Dunstan’s Church: the tower dates from the 13th century, while the rest of the building dates from the 15th century. The Gatehouse of the Old Palace reveals another layer of history. It contains a 15th-century gateway incorporated into a later extension. Edward Welby Pugin built this extension between 1863 and 1866. To understand the building, both the older gateway and the date of the extension are therefore important.
Different aspects of local history also meet along the High Street. Some of its historic buildings date back to the early 15th century. A cannon on the High Street recalls Mayfield’s local iron industry in the 16th century. The street’s shops offer local produce and crafts. Historic buildings, a reminder of industrial history and local goods can therefore all be found side by side.
Mayfield Furnace and walking routes
For thirty years, Mayfield Furnace was one of Europe’s most important centres for cannon production. Today, Mayfield Furnace is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is protected by English Heritage. For visitors interested in industrial history, the site is associated both with its former cannon production and its designated monument status.
The Mayfield High Street Walk is a straightforward option for a stroll along the High Street: it is half a mile long and flat. The two-mile circular route runs from Mayfield to Mayfield Furnace and back. This route has uneven and muddy sections. The two routes therefore differ both in length and in the terrain described. If you choose the circular route, factor the stated conditions into your plans. Conditions can change if paths or surfaces are altered, so it is worth checking the route before setting out.
Jubilee Wood offers another way to include nature and outdoor activity in your visit. The woodland is next to the Mayfield bypass and has a Woodland Nature Trail and a recreation area. The trail is a developing community nature facility. Mayfield’s walking options therefore vary: the High Street Walk is flat and passes through a historic area, while the circular route to the Furnace has uneven and muddy sections, and Jubilee Wood has a nature trail and a recreation area.
Festivals and local traditions
Events are also part of local culture. The Mayfield Festival of Music and Arts takes place every two years and includes choral and instrumental concerts as well as other events. The annual Mayfield Mayfair features traditional maypole dancing with Morris Men and Mummers. Check the dates and programme before travelling if you would like to plan your stay around one of these events.
Another tradition is the Bonfire Parade through the village. Up to 20 Bonfire Societies take part, and the procession features drums, bands and flaming torches. It commemorates the burning of martyrs in the 16th century. Along with the history of cannon-making, the historic buildings and the different walking routes, this offers a specific insight into Mayfield’s cultural history, although the experiences do not all share the same theme or setting.
Discover more destinations: Catsfield, East Dean, Alciston, Framfield, Hartfield, Hastings, Alfriston, Icklesham.
For the broader travel overview: East Sussex.
