This pretty Sussex village has a long and fascinating history and is home to a well-known British actor.
Located in East Sussex, Barcombe can be found in the Lewes District.
Barcombe is known for Barcombe Mills, a former water-mill complex on the River Ouse, which burned down before the Second World War.
Despite this, the area remains popular with visitors from nearby towns such as Lewes and Brighton, and here is all to know about it and why it is worth a visit.
History of Barcombe
Barcombe’s history stretches back centuries, with its name recorded as “Berchamp” in the Domesday Book of 1086.
The name is believed to have Saxon and Latin origins, combining “Berecampe,” meaning barley land, with the Latin “campus,” meaning field.
The original village centre, located by the church, was largely abandoned during the Black Death in the 14th century, prompting villagers to relocate to Barcombe Cross.
Barcombe Cross is now the heart of the village, offering views south to the South Downs near Lewes.
The church remains about one and a half miles from Barcombe Cross, surrounded by historic buildings including a thatched open pound, an ancient barn and a duck pond.
The parish is also home to tributaries of the River Ouse that serve as vital spawning grounds for Sussex sea trout.
Milling has long been important to the area, and in the 19th century, the arrival of the railway further boosted Barcombe’s fortunes.
Barcombe Mills station opened in 1858 as part of the Uckfield to Lewes line and provided vital transport for agricultural and mill products.
It was open for many years before closing in 1969.
Today, the nearby Lavender Line Preservation Society operates 600 yards of track at Isfield to commemorate the Southern Region Railway.
Things to do in Barcombe
Barcombe offers a range of attractions and activities for residents and visitors alike.
The Sussex Ouse Valley Way, a popular walking trail, passes through the parish.
The Royal Oak Barcombe is a traditional pub offering food and drink in a cosy setting.
The village is known for its active community, with a community-owned shop and post office serving as a hub for residents.
Barcombe Mills remains a favourite destination for a Sunday stroll along the river.
The surrounding countryside offers further walking routes, with views across the South Downs.
The disused Bluebell Line remains a favourite among walkers and nature lovers, passing through Camoiscourt Shaw, a woodland area north of the old village.
The area is home to wildflowers including wild carrot, corn mint, pepper saxifrage, agrimony, and meadow-sweet.
Barcombe is home to famous actor
Barcombe also has a connection to one of Britain’s best-loved comedians and actors.
Steve Coogan, known for his character Alan Partridge, lives on the outskirts of the village.
Mr Coogan is a British actor, comedian, screenwriter and producer with six BAFTA Awards and nominations for two Academy Awards and a Golden Globe.
He is best known for creating Alan Partridge, a socially awkward media personality featured in I’m Alan Partridge, Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa and many other TV and radio shows.
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His film credits include Around the World in 80 Days, the Night at the Museum trilogy, Tropic Thunder, The Other Guys and Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.
Before moving to Barcombe, Mr Coogan lived at Ovingdean Grange in Ovingdean, East Sussex, until 2017, before moving to the village a few years later.
Have you visited Barcombe before? Let us know in the comments.
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