Haywards Heath, Perrymont Road c.1950

Photo ref: H252586

More about this scene

TODAY IT IS still possible to see some vestiges of buildings that were known to those who lived through the English Civil War almost 400 years ago; one example is Pennies, a half-timbered house thought to have been built in 1606 and mentioned on a map of 1638, and currently incorporated within Dinnages garage in Sussex/ Wivelsfield Road. Another is the Sergison Arms/Dolphin pub that was mentioned in 1599, as well as several times in the preceding chapters of this book! Buildings as old as these are few in present-day Haywards Heath; they must remain protected, together with some of the 19th-century houses - these are naturally more widespread throughout the town. The conservation area around Muster Green is of particular importance to the public face that Haywards Heath shows to both its residents and people passing through. By retaining these buildings and vistas, future generations will also then have a tangible link with Haywards Heath's past and its historical development. Some older buildings are currently being adapted to increasingly innovative uses - the Priory buildings are being used as offices, for example. It is particularly gratifying that these historical buildings are helping to sustain the town's economic base today.