Bramber facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bramber |
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 Church of St. Nicholas |
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 Bramber
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| Area | 7.19 km2 (2.78 sq mi) |
| Population | 757 2001 Census 785 (2011 Census including Botolphs) |
| • Density | 105/km2 (270/sq mi) |
| OS grid reference | TQ186106 |
| • London | 44 miles (71 km) NNE |
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| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | STEYNING |
| Postcode district | BN44 |
| Dialling code | 01903 |
| Police | Sussex |
| Fire | West Sussex |
| Ambulance | South East Coast |
| EU Parliament | South East England |
| UK Parliament |
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Bramber is a historic village in the Horsham District of West Sussex, England. It used to be a very important area with its own castle. This castle was the main base for a powerful family who controlled a large area of land.
Bramber is found at the northern edge of the South Downs, which are beautiful hills. It sits on the west side of the River Adur. Nearby villages include Steyning to the west and Upper Beeding to the east. Historically, Bramber has strong ties with the small village of Botolphs to its south.
The churches of Bramber and Botolphs joined together a long time ago, around the 1500s. Later, the local councils for both villages also united in 1933.
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Exploring Bramber Castle
Bramber was once the most important place for a large area of land called a "feudal barony." This land was controlled by the Braose family from the 11th to the 14th centuries. They were very influential in medieval times.
On a small hill, you can still see the remains of Bramber Castle. This castle was built by the Braose family during the Norman period. It's a great example of Norman architecture.
The Bramber Parish Church of St Nicholas was originally part of the castle. It was built as the castle's own chapel. This church is the only part of the castle site that is not in ruins. It attracts many visitors and is the oldest Norman church in Sussex built after the Norman Conquest. Bramber Castle helped protect the Rape of Bramber, which was an old way of dividing up the county of Sussex.
Who Ruled Bramber? The Barons
The powerful lords who ruled Bramber were called "feudal barons." Here are some of the most famous ones:
- William de Braose, who was the first lord (died around 1093-1096).
- William de Braose, a later lord (1140-1211). He was known for a sad event where Welsh princes were killed at Abergavenny Castle in 1175.
- Many other members of the Braose family followed, including Giles, Reginald, and John.
- Later, the Mowbray family took over, including John de Mowbray, 3rd Baron Mowbray and Thomas de Mowbray.
After these families, the control of Bramber passed to the powerful Dukes of Norfolk.
Discovering St Mary's House
Another amazing old building in Bramber is St Mary's House. This house was built around 1470 and has a unique timber frame. It stands on land that was once connected to the Knights Templar, a famous medieval order.
The house was built by William of Waynflete, who was a bishop and founded Magdalen College, Oxford. St Mary's House has beautiful gardens with cool topiary figures, which are bushes shaped into animals or other designs. There's also a large secret garden at the back.
You can visit the house during certain times of the year. It even has a tearoom where you can get a snack. Inside, the music room has two old stone tombs from the 14th century that are now used as fireplaces. This room is often used for concerts.
Originally, St Mary's House was a place for pilgrims and monks to stay. They would collect tolls from people crossing Bramber bridge. This bridge was once very long and had a chapel dedicated to St Mary the Virgin on it. Now, the bridge is much smaller because the river has changed course.
It's said that King Charles II stayed at St Mary's House while he was escaping to France after losing the Battle of Worcester. The Monarch's Way, a long walking path that follows Charles's escape route, crosses the River Adur right here in Bramber.
St Mary's House has even been used in TV shows! An episode of Doctor Who showed the TARDIS landing inside.
The Maudlin District
Just outside Bramber, towards Botolphs village, there used to be a medieval hospital and a nunnery. This place cared for people suffering from leprosy. It was dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene.
Even though the hospital closed a long time ago, this part of Bramber is still called the "Maudlin District." This name comes from an old way of saying "Magdalene." Today, Maudlyn House stands where the hospital once was, and nearby roads have similar names like Maudlin Lane and Maudlyn Park.
Walter Potter's Museum of Animals
Walter Potter was a taxidermist, which means he prepared, stuffed, and mounted animal skins to make them look alive. He was born in Bramber and is buried in the churchyard. His museum, which showed off his amazing taxidermy displays, used to be very popular.
The building where his museum was located is still there today. Part of it has been turned into an Indian restaurant, and another part is now garages for houses.
