On Sunday October 9, visitors to Winchelsea will have a chance to walk through the abandoned areas of the medieval Ancient Town guided by the Winchelsea Archaeological Society.
The walk traces the little-known remains of the southern and western suburbs and defences of Winchelsea, following a lost highway that pre-dated Winchelsea and long-forgotten streets such as Pook Lane and Budge Lane. Key sites will be identified including the Monday Market, Holyrood, St Barthomolew’s Hospital, the town ditch, the gallows hill and the missing Pewis Gate. Oddities such as the St John’s Hospital Wall will be explained.
The walk will start from Castle Street at 2pm and head to the New Gate, the southernmost point of the medieval town, before cutting back along the western slopes, through lovely open countryside (not normally open to the public), alongside what was once the town ditch and then following the line of the town wall to the site of the abandoned village of South Iham below the former windmill site, to finish at the Blackfriars Convent on Mill Lane. Along the way, you’ll hear some of the lesser-known facts about Winchelsea and some of the more fanciful stories.
WAS advises that you come dressed for the weather and to bring some water. The going can be rough. Dogs on leads are welcome. The cost is £5 a head towards the society’s work.
Photo: Richard Comotto