History of Scaynes Hill and its villagers
Over the years this website has acquired quite a number of photographs, cuttings, documents and other information about the village and we continue to receive more. We would encourage anyone with such material to send us a copy for archiving here.
Click on any of the pictures or headings below to delve into further information.
We have in put together an archive of historical photographs of Scaynes Hill and these are included in our Gallery. If you have any old photographs taken in Scaynes Hill showing village life, buildings or any other aspects of village life, which you would be prepared to share we would like to hear from you.
A brief history of Scaynes Hill was prepared by William Coleman for the Village Plan published in January 2011 and is reproduced here. If you have more information that might be included here we would be very interested if you would Contact Us.
We have in put together an archive of historical photographs of Scaynes Hill and these are included in our Gallery. If you have any old photographs taken in Scaynes Hill showing village life, buildings or any other aspects of village life, which you would be prepared to share we would like to hear from you.
Three generations of the Gower family lived in Scaynes Hill for a period of about 90 years (c.1885 – 1975). Carol Hudson (daughter to Jean Gower), who is from the fourth generation and remembers visiting her grandparents in Scaynes Hill in the 1950s and 1970s, has sent to the website various documents and photographs of historical interest from the family papers.
Reverend Frederick Willett, the “Publican Parson”, who was vicar of St.Augustine’s Church in Scaynes Hill for 25 years (1881-1905) and also owned the Anchor Inn (now the Farmers), had an interesting life illustrated by a collection of contemporary documents.
Many residents of Scaynes Hill have lived here a long time and remember what the village was like 30, 50 or even more years ago. If you are one of those people, or have friends or relatives who may have such memories, we would love to hear from you and invite you to share your memories and/or submit photos via our Contact page.
Early history - a video presentation
Watch a 13 minute video presentation about the early history of Scaynes Hill researched and presented by Martin King in 2006. The video covers:-
- The Saxon Chapel of St Peter (765 – 1230 AD) located on the field formerly known as Chapel Plats at the bottom of Clearwater Lane
- Southenbury Saxon Fort (possibly located around the area of the Common)
- The Norman influence up to the 13th and 14th centuries on the building and naming of local farms.
- Costells Wood continuously wooded since the 17th century
- The River Ouse and the Sloop Inn in the 18th & 19th centuries..