The small village of Firle lies just off the A27 about 4 miles south east of Lewes at the foot of the northern escarpment of the South Downs. The name Firle probably derives from the Old South Saxon `fiere` meaning a `place covered with oaks`; although at the bottom of the chalk downs Firle sits on greensand and geult, perfect for Oak trees. Sitting above the village is Firle Beacon (718ft), the beacon fires were lit in 1588 to warn of the Spanish Armada; along the ridge there the remains of more than fifty Bronze Age bowl barrows. After the conquest the manor was given to the Count de Mortain (who also had Pevensey Castle), by the 14th century the Cage family began their long association with Firle which still continues to this day. In 1440 Agnes Bolne married William Cage and with it the manor, the lands were added to in 1479 when their son Sir John Gage married Eleanor St.Clair; their son John (lots of John`s in the Gage family) was made ward of the Duke of Buckingham when his father died in 1497. In 1513 he accompanied Henry VIII to France on his expedition, he was made Henry`s Vice-Chancellor and was Constable of the Tower of London. It is this Sir John that built Firle Place, one of Sussex`s finest buildings; the house is arranged around two courtyards, the Great Hall is Tudor and the frontage dates from 1745. It was a later Gage, Thomas, a botanist and traveller who brought back to England a small green plum like fruit which he cultivated at Firle Place, later to be called the `Greengage` in his honour.
Camping
Pub and Bar
School
Activities
Skylark Paragliding(Airsports)
Southdown School of Hang Gliding(Airsports)
Places to Stay near Firle
Lewes Townhouse (3.04 miles)
Nestling in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Lewes Townhouse sits in the centre of town and set over three floors. The fully equipped kitchen/diner is on the ground floor. Upstairs is the ... More | visit website
Decoy Cottage (3.09 miles)
Click here to book this cottage with Hoseasons
In a lovely rural situation, close to the South Downs, this very comfortable, single storey cottage lies within grounds boasting a beautiful fishing lake and a charming ... More
Pelham House (3.47 miles)
Pelham House is a 16th Century Town House Hotel in East Sussex. Restored to create a stylish venue it combines elegance and history, and is just 10mins from Brighton.
Pelham House offers 31 ... More
Crown Inn (3.48 miles)
Thought to be the oldest inn in the picturesque town of Lewes, this 17th century property offers comfortable B&B accommodation in a welcoming and friendly environment. The Crown is a family-run property ... More
White Hart Hotel (3.49 miles)
This charming 16th century coaching inn with Tudor beams and log fire has been magnificently extended to include a leisure complex with swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gymnasium. Enjoy historic public rooms, carvery restaurant, ... More | visit website
Shelleys Hotel (3.68 miles)
Premier Inn Newhaven (3.96 miles)
The Roebuck Inn (3.99 miles)
The Roebuck Inn is family run and has a homecooked, locally sourced menu. Each room has ensuite facilities : Individual key card room entry system : Tea and Coffee facilities ... More
The Star Alfriston (4.43 miles)
Built in the 1260's, The Star Alfriston is one of England's oldest hostelries. Set in the idyllic village of Alfriston, the hotel is steps from the South Down's Trail, with easy ... More
Deans Place Hotel (4.52 miles)
With its origins in the 14th century this hotel is situated in one of England’s prettiest villages, set in extensive gardens with a stunning backdrop of the South Downs. An ideal ... More | visit website
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