Upper Beeding, West Sussex

Memories of a little boy in Upper Beeding 1952-1954

As I get older I remember some of my early childhood in the UK. I was asked by my Grandson about my early life so am writing it down in a form of a book.
My first memories are of going to the Downs with the farmer from behind where I lived, with him and his cattle and getting into... [more]

Bridge Inn

My grandma Edith Emily Alice Patching was born in the Bridge Inn on February 2nd 1885. Her father, Richard Elias Patching was the landlord.  He died in 1889 aged 32.  Edith and her mother moved to Brighton.  They were related to the Elms family of Beeding.

More on the Kings Head

My maternal grandparents, Ernest and Dorothy Bond had the Kings Head in 1955 and through to 1958

My mother was married from here at Christ the King in Steyning. I was born in 1958 and my parents then lived at a little cottage in the High Street called 'The Dilly'

Quite a few years have passed! and I... [more]

Publican Frank Langridge

According to research my Great Grandfather, Frank Langridge was Publican at the Kings Head in 1917, together with wife Elizabeth Jane. I have no information on when he took this pub or when he left but his son, Albert Edward Langridge was killed in Mesapotania on 9th March 1917 whilst serving with the 72nd Co Royal Engineers. I am interested in... [more]

The Fat Lady Sings

I attended The Convent of the Blessed Sacrament between the years of 1963 to 1965 (inclusive). I was a dreadufully wild child from Colonial Africa and rejoiced in the name of Carol Anne Bult. The Reverend Mother of "The Towers" at the time was Rev Mother Marie Helen (Sister Mary Bruno was the headmistress). "The Fat Lady Sings" is a manuscript... [more]

Sussex Revisited Photographic Memories

The High Street was named in the 13th century, when buildings were recorded east of Beeding Bridge. By the end of the 18th century, the western half of the High Street contained about fifteen houses, which by 1842 had increased to about twenty-five. Several of these still survive. The Bridge Inn on the eastern side of the bridge was recorded in... [more]

West Sussex Photographic Memories

The Bridge Inn and adjoining Beeding Bridge are well-known local landmarks. The bridge is mentioned in documents dating back to the reign of Henry III, and probably replaces the old Roman ford. The River Adur carves a passage between Upper Beeding and neighbouring Bamber.

Sussex Revisited Photographic Memories

Part of Beeding's Bridge is just visible on the small rise at the far western end of the High Street, next to the Bridge Inn on the left. The old King's Head was recorded by 1788, when the Burbeach Hundred Court first held their meetings there. The vestry meetings were also held there during the 1820s and later.