Rusper is an attractive village 4 miles north of Horsham and close to the Surrey border in fairly unspoilt countryside. The name derives from the Old English `ruh spaer` meaning `rough enclosure`. There is a central triangular space with many pleasant half-timber and tile hung cottages. In the 12th century there was established a small Benedictine convent - Rusper Priory. The church of St.Mary Magdalene has a sturdy Perpendicular C16th tower with large buttresses and a big, square stair-turret in one corner. The top 10ft and the west window are C19th put on when the rest of the church was rebuilt in 1855. Inside there are brasses to John de Kyggesford (1370) and to Thomas Challoner and his wife (1532). There is also an alabaster memorial to Lucy Broadwood who was born near Rusper, she spent most of her life collecting and recording old folk songs. The Priory closed some time in the C17th/18th and was finally demolished at the end of the C18th. A new house was built on the site of the Priory (called The Nunnery) and during construction the remains of a Prioress and four nuns were uncovered, they were re-interred at the foot of the tower. There several C16th and C17th buildings in the village including the Plough Inn, and the `L` shaped Avery`s; the large Ghyll Manor Hotel is built around a C17th building. This is fine walking country and from the top of the church tower can be seen Blackdown Hill; Leith Hill in Surrey and the Hampshire Downs.
Market
Rusper Car Boot Sale
Sussex Surrey Border Car Boot Sale
Pub and Bar
Lamb Inn
Plough & Attic Rooms
Royal Oak
Star Inn
Places to Stay near Rusper
Waterhall Country House (1.35 miles)
Russ Hill Hotel (2.12 miles)
Gatwick Little Foxes Hotel (2.13 miles)
Within easy reach of Gatwick Airport and Crawley. Ideal for travellers and business personnel. All rooms en-suite. Room price includes breakfast and VAT. Holiday parking and transfer packages available for overnight guests. Hotel restaurant within walking distance. ... More | visit website
Barrington Lodge (2.34 miles)
Barrington Lodge is a Historic Building offering a wealth of character. Newly Refurbished to a high level, all rooms have Hair Dryer, Safe, Lcd TV, Phone, Tea & Coffee facilities ... More
Da Vinci Guest House (2.40 miles)
Set within 2 acres of private grounds, screened by mature trees, this attractive residence provides an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, within a 10 minute drive of Gatwick Airport.
Whether you are ... More
Caprice Guest House (2.59 miles)
Premier Inn Crawley East (2.81 miles)
This newly refurbished modern hotel is conveniently located on the A23, 8 km (5 miles) from Gatwick Airport. Choose from 82 spacious clean and comfortable rooms away from the hustle and bustle of the airport. ... More | visit website
Stanhill Court Hotel (3.07 miles)
Set in 35 acres of ground and built in the Scottish Baronial style in 1881, this fascinating hotel retains much of its original character, though it has been extensively upgraded and improved. There is a ... More | visit website
Premier Inn Crawley South (3.27 miles)
Crowne Plaza Gatwick-Crawley (3.34 miles)
This newly renovated, modern hotel offers an informal but warm welcome in a prime location a few miles from Gatwick Airport and the M23.
The health and fitness facilities include a swimming ... More
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