Haywards Heath, St Wilfrid's Church 1963

Photo ref: H252053

More about this scene

Apart from the railway and asylum, the erection of any additional buildings was hampered by a settlement clause in Warden Sergison's will. He was an influential member of the Sergison family when he died in 1806. However, it would be over 50 years before the General Enclosure Act was passed in 1858, which would enable further parts of the Heath to be enclosed, and the skeletal structure of the town to be laid down. The developers of this early period really gave a 'kick- start' to the local economy. Richard Pannett was a local man, a carpenter and later a builder. In 1865, he had obtained the half-acre freehold of the former windmill site, which is probably the highest geographical point in the immediate area, and built his house there. Adjacent to it, St Wilfrid's Church was built; the foundation stone was laid on St Wilfrid's Day (12 October) 1863. The church was finished in just two years, although the clock and the lych gate would be later additions. It was designed by G F Bodley and built by John Fabian. The church also has some small stained glass windows, dated 1867, designed and executed by William Morris. The chancel windows, depicting St Raphael, St Wilfrid, and St Michael, are typical of the Morris style. The churchyard had previously been a brickfield, a geological reminder of the heavy Wealden clay that covers most of the local area. The 88-foot tower is still a landmark today.