Selmeston - (Tomb to store the Contraband)

General Details

Selmeston in East Sussex is a long straggling village running from the main A27 down to the railway crossing about 1 mile to the north.

This is one of the few villages that has a priest mentioned against it in the Domesday book of 1086 , and was owned by William de Cahanges.

In the 1100's the church was transferred to the Bishop of Chichester, similar to many other villages in the area.

During the days of smuggling the churchyard was used as a temporary store for smuggled goods from Europe . The goods were brought up the Cuckmere into Alfriston where they were distributed throughout the area.

A tomb in Selmeston churchyard was used as a temporary store for the contraband by the Alfriston Gang of smugglers, to secrete it from the Excise men .

Views

Selmeston in East Sussex has a fine old church which is worth looking around.

To the south lies the wide vistas of the South Downs with their walks and beautiful scenery.

Services

Selmeston in East Sussex has a few services mostly near the main A27.

Busses regularly pass along the A27 and the trains can be caught at nearby Glynde or Berwick .

Major town shopping services can be found at nearby Lewes about 6 miles to the west.

Map

Selmeston is shown as the red symbol on the map.

Nearby Villages
(click on symbol to see the village page)