We recently had a meeting based on the history of Horsham.
‘Waking The Dead’. by Susan C Djabi is a very interesting pocket guide to Denne Cemetery. It was produced by The Friends of Horsham Museum and it reveals a lot of detail on former inhabitants of Horsham; where they lived; their lives and influence on the town. It is a fascinating read and contains many photographs of notable residents and how Horsham used to look with specific streets and buildings shown. Our next intention is to visit the cemetery.
Southwater members of NWR covered historical aspects of Horsham from 1086 when it was first mentioned in the Doomsday Book and the principal land-owning family of the De Braoses who entertained kings at Knepp castle and at Chesworth Farm.
Statistics were shared on the growth of the town and the meaning of the Carfax as a place where four roads meet. ‘Carrefour’. In older records the area was known as ‘Scarfoulkes’ which some interpret as ‘scare of folks’.
St Mary’s church was mentioned as the oldest building in Horsham and that it has been in continuous use for eight centuries. The Causeway where it is situated is considered to be one of the most picturesque and undisturbed areas of the town.
At the heart of the town is the shopping Mall known as Swan Walk. It takes its name from the Swan Inn which once stood in West Street. Horsham has been known in the past for its many public houses and as a town where travelers passed through.
Our meeting also included the details on Horsham’s history over the centuries when trading and equestrian connections shaped the town. Hors indicates this connection and ham which means home, homestead, farm or village. One member also covered Horsham connections in Farming and Agriculture… taken from Jeremy Knights excellent two part blog in Horsham museum.
Farming & Agriculture in Horsham Part 2: the 18th Century Onwards | Horsham Museum
