Lovingly created in the style of the Henfield Parish Magazine of old, this charming book reprints several tales of old Henfield first told in the Parish Magazine in 1916.
Told by the two unnamed inhabitants, the juxtaposed stories from the mid 19th and early 20th centuries are further brought to life in this edition with a selection of images from the Henfield museum collection. A Tour of Our Commons is available for £5.00 when bought with Henfield High Street: a History (choose this option when purchasing the latter). Published by the Friends of Henfield Museum, 2017. 2nd reprint 2019. |
A tour de force created for the Horsham District Year of Culture in 2019, this book was created as a collaborative project by museums and heritage groups across the district. The story of the area from the prehistoric until today is brought into sharp focus via themed chapters filled to the brim with a wide variety of fascinating objects representing all of Horsham District. |
Written and collated from a myriad of sources including many newspapers of the time by long time Henfield resident Eddie Colgate, this book provides a fascinating and unmatched insight into a period of great change in Henfield.
Told in a personal way, the stories range from the era of the Napoleonic wars to that when the new railway brought both social and economic disruption and opportunity. |
This book by Eddie Colgate, in paperback form, tells the story of the Sussex branch railway between Shoreham-by-Sea and Horsham: the people building it; the celebratory opening; the effect on village life; incidents and accidents; the development through the decades and its final demise. Intermingled are memories and anecdotes of the happy days along the “Steyning Line”, illustrated by contemporary photographs and archive material.
An accompanying DVD is also available for purchase. |
A collection of ghostly tales from Henfield and the surrounding area, compiled by local historian Graham du Heaume.
With its long history and fine collection of centuries old houses, Henfield has proven ripe for tales of the unknown. So turn off the lights, light a candle, sit back and open yourself to the chills... Published 2010, 2nd edition 2012. |
Discover the compelling tale of the RAF 345 Squadron Free French based at Shoreham Airport from 1944-45 during WW2.
Compiled by local historian and volunteer at Shoreham Airport Museum Graham du Heaume, this entertaining compilation features diaries from the men stationed there and many captivating sketches by squadron member Maurice 'Toto' Guerin. From Graham:“This book is a record of the emotions, pleasures and fears of a group of French fighter pilots of 345 Squadron during the Second World War. The original was published in 1946 and we at the Shoreham Airport Museum were presented with a copy in 1993. As a volunteer at the museum, I became aware of the texts a few weeks ago and the resulting book is a translation of those writings. I am delighted with the result as it portrays the daily life of these brave boys.” |
Dogfights, bombs, parades and Canadians... This powerful DVD delves into the story of Henfield during the Second World War from its time on the front line during the Battle of Britain through to the changes seen as D-Day approached.
With a mixture of dramatic, humorous and moving tales, the narration is accompanied by a wide range of images from the time. Produced by the Friends of Henfield Museum, 2019. With thanks to Toby Sharp and Graham du Heaume. |
Discover the century long tale of Henfield's railway from the Horsham-Shoreham branch line's opening in 1861 through to its closure in 1966. This collection of historical imagery is narrated by local historian Eddie Colgate who used the railway regularly in his youth. An accompanying book is also available for purchase. |
This photograph was taken c. 1908, probably by the locally based postcard publisher Edward Lionel Merrett (Henfield postmaster, chemist and fireman) or by his contemporary John Fenner. We visit Golden Square with the newspaper delivery boys - and canine friend peeking in from the side.
The image was recently restored and colourised by the Friends of Henfield Museum, to whom the proceeds of sale go to support the museum and local heritage projects. It is also part of the full ‘Edwardian Winter’ set of six different wintry images. Each set of *six* cards contains six of the same image and is blank inside. Two sets can be had for the reduced price of £10. Recycled paper (FSC/PEFC), Woodland Carbon Code accredited, Woodland Trust carbon offset. |
These six photographs were taken c. 1908, probably by the locally based postcard publisher Edward Lionel Merrett (Henfield postmaster, chemist and fireman) or by his contemporary John Fenner. We visit Golden Square and Barrow Hill with the newspaper delivery boys - and some canine friends. Then, we walk through the railway arch below Pear Tree Cottage and Black House, put on our ice skates and visit the frozen flood plain within view of Rye Farm.
The images were recently restored and colourised by the Friends of Henfield Museum, to whom the proceeds of sale go to support the museum and local heritage projects. Each set of *six* cards contains one of each image and is blank inside. Two sets can be had for the reduced price of £10. Recycled paper (FSC/PEFC), Woodland Carbon Code accredited, Woodland Trust carbon offset. |
The oil on canvas scene reflects the socialist realist style, likely painted in Sussex in earlier life when steam threshing was common. Born in 1909, Veronica was the daughter of Brighton artists Averill & Charles Burleigh. Studying at the Slade School of Fine Art from 1927-30 under artist (and surgeon) Henry Tonks, she moved to Blackstone near Henfield in 1970. Frequently visiting South Africa, she also made annual trips to Rhodesia, holding twenty-three showcases there.
Exhibitions of Burleigh’s work were also held at the New English Art Club; Royal Academy; Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour; Royal Institute of Oil Painters; Society of Women Artists; Sussex Women’s Art Club and with the Sussex Painters. Veronica died in 1999 and is buried at St. Peter's, Woodmancote, her gravestone stating ‘Sussex Artist’. Produced by the Friends of Henfield Museum, 2023, to which all proceeds go to support the museum and local heritage projects in the community. Each set of *five* cards contains one of each image and is blank inside. Two sets can be had for the reduced price of £10. Recycled paper (FSC/PEFC), Woodland Carbon Code accredited, Woodland Trust carbon offset. |
Four paintings from Malcolm Midwood Milne’s 1951 series.
The following set of four acrylic paintings shows Henfield’s progression over the centuries and were produced for the exhibition held here to mark the Festival of Britain in 1951. They recall long lost aspects such as the prehistoric broad river estuary, troubadours on the nearby Roman road, the Bishop of Chichester overseeing his Medieval deer park and a stagecoach passing the George Inn. Born in Cheshire, Malcolm Midwood Milne (1887-1954) arrived in Henfield in 1926, moving into Dykes, east of Henfield Common, alongside his sister and fellow painter Hilda. Produced by the Friends of Henfield Museum, 2023, to which all proceeds go to support the museum and local heritage projects in the community. Each set of *eight* cards contains two of each image and is blank inside. Two sets can be had for the reduced price of £10. Recycled paper (FSC/PEFC), Woodland Carbon Code accredited, Woodland Trust carbon offset. |
A wintry Victorian scene by the artist Lewis Pinhorn Wood shows the turning into Nep Town Road, Henfield, one snowy day long ago. 'Tipnoak', shown on the right, was soon afterwards demolished, leaving this painting as the only known record of the scene.
The greeting card is available is blank inside for your own greeting. Published by the Friends of Henfield Museum, 2019, £3.00 for 5, £5.00 for 10. |