Staplecross lies 9 miles north of Hastings on the B2165. Although it is little more than a hamlet on a T-junction, consisting of a handful of houses and a pub, it holds historical importance. During the middle ages and later it was the central point of the Hundred of Staple, consisting of the villages of Northiam , Ewhurst Green , Bodiam , and Sedlescombe , along with parts of Brede , Mountfield and Whatlington . The Hundred was a Saxon territorial subdivision, named possibly because it contained 100 families, or provided 100 men-at-arms for the area. In 1833 William Goodsell, a resident of Staplecross, was accused of starting a fire in a farm building at nearby Ewhurst Green . He was tried in Lewes, and found guilty. He confessed to the crime, claiming that he was carrying out his mothers wishes, as she had a grudge against the farmer. He was hanged at Horsham, and his body returned to Ewhurst Green for burial.

Services

The village has few services, and the market town of Battle provides many services. The main shopping area is in Hastings 9 miles South. The Hawkhurst to Hastings bus service travels through the village providing an infrequent service. The nearest trains can be caught at the stations in Battle about 6 miles South West, or Robertsbridge about 6 miles North West.

Views

For the nicest view in Staplecross , take the Bodiam road, and stop just past the buildings. Look north towards Bodiam , and the steep hills of the Rother valley lie in front of you. This view is spectacular on a late summer evening, when the sun is low in the sky.