Willingdon

WILLINGDON, a parish, in the union of Eastbourne, hundred of Willingdon, rape of Pevensey, E. division of Sussex, 2¼ miles (N. by W.) from Eastbourne; containing 621 inhabitants. This parish comprises 3822 acres, of which about 600 are common or waste. The village is pleasantly situated on elevated ground, on the road from London to Eastbourne, commanding very extensive views of the surrounding country. Langley Point, with its forts and martello towers, on the coast, is in the parish. The living is a discharged vicarage, valued in the king's books at £12; net income, £67; patrons, the Dean and Chapter of Chichester; impropriators, Inigo Thomas, and R. Newman, Esqrs. The glebe consists of about 3 acres, with a small house. The church, principally in the early English style, contains portions in the decorated and later styles, with a square tower, and some interesting monuments to the Parker family. Henry Parker, who was secretary to Cromwell, and author of various tracts on religion and politics, was born at Ratton, in the parish. On the downs are several barrows; and in 1825, on lowering the road over Ocklynge, several skeletons were discovered, lying in rows, side by side, with their feet towards the east.