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

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

Mary Stanford Lifeboat House

The Mary Stanford Lifeboat House is a historic building located in Rye Harbour, East Sussex, England. This iconic structure serves as a memorial to the tragic events that unfolded during a daring rescue attempt in 1928. The lifeboat house is … more

Yoga with JoJo

Move | Breathe | Restore Join JoJo, founder of Yoga Creative, for classes that nourish and transform body mind and soul. Move, breathe and restore an inner sense of wellbeing this Autumn. See website for full class schedule in Rye, … more

St Mary’s Church Tower

Climb the Church Tower for amazing views of Rye and the surrounding countryside! View the mechanism of the oldest working church turret clock in the UK. Gift Aiding your donation gives you free access for one year as many times … more

Accommodation

The Mermaid Inn

One of England’s oldest and loveliest inns, with Norman cellars dating from 1156, the Mermaid, rebuilt in 1420, offers tradition and charm in abundance. A jewel in the crown of Rye, the inn has a wide range of accommodation including … more

Rye Windmill B&B

Rye’s white smock windmill is a grade II listed building and one of its most famous landmarks. Tucked away in one of England’s quaintest coastal towns, our welcoming Bed and Breakfast is ideally located with the High Street and the … more

Rye Harbour Cottage

A cosy 2 bedroomed cottage in Rye Harbour. Offers Lounge, kitchen/dining room, shower room downstairs, with one double bedroom + one twin room upstairs. Well situated to access local places of interest and close to the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. … more

Restaurants

Webbe’s at the Fish Café

Welcome to Webbe’s in Rye. A vibrant lively restaurant atmosphere with open plan kitchen area where you can view your meal in its creation, for serious diners and families alike. This upbeat eatery will meet your every need when you … more

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

Towns and villages near Beckley …

Explore Beckley ...