Icklesham

Icklesham in East Sussex Village Guide

About Icklesham in East Sussex

Icklesham village is located approximately six miles east of Hastings on the A259, Hastings to Rye Road. The village has several public houses. The church is dedicated to All Saints and St Nicolas and dates back to the 12th century.

Icklesham stands on the ridge between the coast and river Brede, offering views to the hills at Fairlight to the south and the Brede valley on the other side. The name Icklesham (which was possibly derived from Anglo Saxon – Iclingas Ham the home of the Iclas family) was recorded in 772 as Icoleshamme, in a land charter signed by Offa, King of Mercia. The village was probably a prime target during the invasion by the Normans in 1066 as in earlier times it dominated the river Brede. This strategic importance led, some seven hundred years later to evacuation plans being drawn up in case of invasion by Napoleon.

There is an old smock windmill on Hogs Hill which has been restored and used as a recording studio by Sir Paul McCartney. The 1066 walk (which runs from Pevensey to Rye via Battle) goes through the village.

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Rye Town Hall
Rye Town Hall

Built in 1742, the elegant Georgian Town Hall in Rye is an ideal venue for your special day. A unique … more

Listed in: Town Halls

Message Board

Missing Cat

Geronimo is a 9 month old neutered male cat who has gone missing from the Goldhurst Green area of Icklesham. … more

Elm Tree Farm Information

Interested in your boot fair. Are there toilet facilities available?

Attractions and Activities

Mary Stanford Lifeboat House

The Mary Stanford Lifeboat House is a historic building located in Rye Harbour, East Sussex, England. This iconic structure serves as a memorial to the tragic events that unfolded during a daring rescue attempt in 1928. The lifeboat house is … more

Rye Town Hall

Built in 1742, the elegant Georgian Town Hall in Rye is an ideal venue for your special day. A unique and historic setting in the heart of Rye, the Town Hall is within walking distance, over the cobbled streets, of … more

Church of the Holy Spirit

In the churchyard stands the memorial to the men of Rye Harbour who died when the Mary Stanford lifeboat sank in 1928. Services at Rye Harbour Church are usually on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 5pm for Evening … more

Accommodation

Manor Farm Oast

Built in 1860, Manor Farm Oast is situated in the middle of a working farmland and features a garden and free on-site parking.

Grace Dieu

A very comfortable four bedroomed beach house with direct sea views and a sheltered sunny garden.

Quarter House

Enjoy stylish, romantic beamed surroundings in the heart of the historic walled Citadel of Medieval Rye. This unusual, converted Grade II listed two-storey apartment retains original features including an open log fire, original wooden floors & beams dating back to … more

Restaurants

Big Guys French Fries

We’re an independent small restaurant located steps from the centre of town. We’re proud to be the favourite for locals to meet friends for a beer or call for a fresh “big guy burger”. We serve juicy big burgers and … more

The Ship Inn

In the centre of the small, charming town of Rye, the Ship is a modern take on the traditional English inn – a cosy pub, rich in original character, with simple, comfortable en suite rooms above. Originally built in 1592, … more

The Mermaid Inn

One of England’s oldest and loveliest inns, with Norman cellars dating from 1156, the Mermaid, rebuilt in 1420, offers tradition and charm in abundance. A jewel in the crown of Rye, the inn has a wide range of accommodation including … more

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