Beckley
Beckley in East Sussex Village Guide
About Beckley in East Sussex
Nestled in the rolling East Sussex countryside is the genteel village of Beckley.
Beckley has an incredibly rich historical tapestry. A central part of the Wealden/East Sussex iron industry, Beckley manufactured a range of iron-based goods including guns and cannons for almost 200 years, with production starting in 1578 and grinding to a halt in 1770.
Beckley also has a small claim to fame; the etymological origination for a type of fruit. Maria Ann Sherwood of neighbouring Peasmarsh, East Sussex, married Thomas Smith of Beckley in 1818. After immigrating to New South Wales in Australia in 1838, the couple was particularly adept at growing a certain type of seedling apple; what we come to know today as the “Granny Smith” variety.
Similar to much of rural East Sussex, Beckley’s church (All Saints) is situated away from the main village; possibly down to relocation following the Black Death outbreak in the 14th century. The church itself is a temporal jumble, with a spire dating from the 11th century, a stunning 15th century stain glass window in the east of the building (Great East Window) and contains furnishings which are understood to be more than 800 years old.
Beckley has several cozy B&B’s as well as the popular Rose & Crown pub to unwind in. Beckley is a fantastic choice for a fact-finding journey amongst the stunning East Sussex countryside.
What’s new?
Rye Van & Rural Vehicle Servicing
– Electrical & Computer Fault Diagnostics – Local Area Breakdown & Non-Start – Welding & Fabrication – Tyres & Batteries … more
Listed in: Car Servicing
What’s on in Beckley
Rock and Rye Pop-Up
from 5:00pm
The Village Centre, Beckley
Category: Evening Events
Message Board
Skateboard left at Recreation Ground
I have a skateboard recently left at Recreation Ground. If it’s yours give me a call and describe it 07860 … more
Pines Meadow
Hi, Does anyone know where the little house ‘Pines Meadow’ used to be in Beckley please? More of a cabin. … more
Attractions and Activities
Peasmarsh Parish Church
The Church of St Peter & St Paul, Peasmarsh lies about a mile to the south of the village. It is sited on one of the only two areas in the parish to rise above 65 metres and commands fine … more
St Michael’s Church
St Michael’s is mentioned in the Domesday Survey, and sits near the summit of the plateau in which much of the parish of Playden is found. The Friends of Playden Church is a registered charity dedicated to helping to maintain … more
Accommodation
Coldharbour Cottage
Coldharbour Cottage won the National Silver Award for the best Self Catering Cottage in 2010. The cottage itself has been renovated to a high standard whilst retaining many original features. The original oak beams, inglenook fireplace, old bakers oven and … more
Jeake’s House
Indulge in the unique atmosphere of Jeake’s House Hotel. Standing on one of the most beautiful cobbled streets of Rye, it has the added bonus of private car parking nearby. We are a 5 star award winning establishment in the … more
Willow Tree House
Willow Tree House is a six bedroomed house a stones throw from the centre of Rye. Set over three floors, this Grade 2 listed home sleeps 12 people. Four bedrooms are ensuite with two bedrooms on the top floor, the … more
Restaurants
Haydens Coffee Shop
Fair trade and organic tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches and cakes served in a warm friendly atmosphere every day. Fully licensed.
The Ship Inn
In the centre of the small, charming town of Rye, the Ship is a modern take on the traditional English inn – a cosy pub, rich in original character, with simple, comfortable en suite rooms above. Originally built in 1592, … more
Globe Inn Marsh
A traditional but modern country inn located in the heart of Rye, just a couple of miles from the coast. Specialises in using fresh and local produce to create good innovative home cooked food from Field Farm Sea and offer … more