This pretty village lies 9 miles north of Hastings off the A229. Built along a ridge south of the River Rother, it has spectacular views across the valley towards Bodiam Castle. Its name translates into the modern "Yew Wood" and is derived from the Anglo Saxon Ew a "Yew" as in the tree and Hurst meaning wood. The church of St James the Great forms an attractive group with the cluster of old houses around it. The church is a sturdy building, the 12th century Norman west tower is built mostly of local ironstone. It has a curious wood-shingled spire, which looks askew when viewd from afar. Inside the church, the rounded nave arcades are also Norman. The only major additions to the church are 13th century. On the west wall is a grotesque medieval carving, depicting a man blowing out his cheeks. This is the sole piece of decorative carving on the church. The recreation ground was left to the parish, by Lieutenant A. Herdman who was killed in the First World War. Ewhurst residents were either very prosperous or very generous, 3 centuries ago, as apparently, after the Great Fire of London in 1666, they contributed seven shillings and eight pence for the relief of the poor of St Bartholomews Exchange and St Bene't Fink of London, for their losses sustained by the fire. A generous gesture for a remote community whose inhabitants had probably never been to London!

Services

Ewhurst Green is a very small hamlet, with only the church, and a restaurant providing any services. The nearest small town is Battle about 7 miles to the South West, with Hastings about 10 miles South providing a major shopping centre. No public transport goes through the village, so a car is essential. The nearest infrequent bus route is found on the Bodiam to Staplecross road. For trains, the nearest stations are Battle or Robertsbridge about 5 miles West.

Views

The village has a very quiet tree lined vista, which is in all its glory in autumn when the trees turn yellow and golden brown. If you live in the north facing houses, you can see the castle at Bodiam.