Steyning

Steyning has more beautiful houses than it is possible to imagine, with many evocative names and stories. The Old Brewery House, The Granary and Smugglers Cottage all tell their own stories while Saxon House stands shakily tall displaying a wonderful catslide roof.

Steyning’s history is darker, more dangerous, and more courageous than its tea rooms and delis might suggest. On Chantry Green in 1555, the Protestant John Lander was burnt to death – another victim of Bloody Mary’s reign.

In a more bohemian vein, Chantry House was where Irish poet WB Yeats stayed with his final mistress and muse Edith Shackleton Heald. After his death, in 1944, the artist Gluck (born Hannah Gluckstein) – famed for cross-dressing, pipe-smoking and opening doors for ladies – became Edith’s lover and moved into the same house.

Spend a day here, and soak it all up!

Parking: BN44 3LB (2 hours free with disc available from local shops)

More info: http://steyningpc.gov.uk/