Westfield, East Sussex

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Known as Westewelle in the Domesday survey, Westfield in East Sussex is one of the largest villages in the area; and also a civil parish, the latter with a population of around 2,750. The village lies 6 miles inland and 2 miles to the north of the ‘Ridge’ which overlooks Hastings. Westfield has not suffered a population drift that has affected many villages as there is local employment such as the Wheel Farm Business Park where small companies have created 120 jobs. Carr-Taylor Vineyards is another success story, competing with the French to produce sparkling wine; it is also a popular tourist attraction with vineyard walks, tours and wine tasting. There is still a village shop, newsagents, butchers and hairdressers,although the post office recently closed. There are two pubs - The New Inn and The Plough. Lunches are available from both establishments and also evening meals at The Plough. The Wild Mushroom restaurant on the southern edge of the village will take dinner reservations.

A prominent sight as you enter the village from the south is that of the church - St. John the Baptist, which has served the parishioners for over 800 years. Its many features include extensive buttressing, a 12th Century porch and a 14th Century font with an elaborate 17th Century cover. Above the door to the tower there is carved a Royal Coat of Arms with the list of vicars since 1250 set below. As you look towards the nave you see a Norman arch with squint windows to the side, cut through the 32 inches of stone. Another feature at the road entrance is the lych-gate,with its four carved angels; this was added in 1887 as a memorial to a deceased child.