Plumpton

PLUMPTON, a parish, in the union of Chailey, hundred of Street, rape of Lewes, E. division of Sussex, 4¾ miles (N. W. by W.) from Lewes, on the road to Ditchelling; containing 294 inhabitants. The parish comprises 2423a. 2r. 38p., of which 218 acres are common or waste. The northern escarpment of the Downs, here, is extremely bold and precipitous; from the most elevated spot the views are peculiarly grand, embracing the Sussex coast, with great part of Hampshire, to the south and parts of Surrey and Kent to the north. The living is a rectory, valued in the king's books at £10, and in the patronage of the Rev. William Woodward: the tithes have been commuted for £375, and there are 20 acres of glebe. The church is in the early English style, with later additions, and has a tower at the west end. Here is a place of worship for Wesleyans. On Plumpton plain, Sir Simon de Montfort drew up his army previous to the sanguinary battle of Lewes.