Wilmington - (The Long Man)

General Details

Wilmington in East Sussex lies just south of the busy A27 Eastbourne to Lewes road.

The name is recorded in the Domesday Book as Wineltone .

The village has been occupied from pre Saxon times as burial barrows have been found on the Downs above the village on windover hill.

Earl Godwin the father of Harold II (who was killed in 1066 by William the Conqueror) owned all the land in this area, and Wilmington is included in his holding. In the late 1100's a Priory was built at Wilmington by the Abbot of Grestein from Honfleur in France. The church was constructed slightly later for the local peasants to use. On the downs lies a figure of a man, he is 226ft high is cut in chalk and outlined with white bricks. It is believed that he existed before the Saxons , however no one has proof of his age, he is known as ' The Long Man of Wilmington '.

Views

Wilmington in East Sussex lies on the northern edge of the South Downs along with a number of other villages just south of the main A27 Eastbourne to Lewes road.

The church and some of the Priory still exist and within the churchyard sits an old Yew tree which is felt to be over 2000 years old. Its age is starting to show, as it needs wooden poles to hold its branches up.

The major attraction of the village is 'The Long Man' a chalk figure which sits on the downs above the village, this is accessible by parking in the Car Park near the church and walking up the hill.

Services

Wilmington in East Sussex has a few local services including a Public House/Restaurant to provide nourishment to the visitors.

The major shopping centre of Eastbourne lies about 5 miles to the east with Lewes about 8 miles west.

The A27 is close to the village, and trains can be caught at nearby Berwick .

Map

Wilmington is shown as the red symbol on the map.

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