Horsham
The River Arun rises in St Leonard’s Forest to the east of Horsham. The market town was first mentioned in AD 947 and the centre has many fine medieval buildings. The oldest existing building is the parish church of St. Mary the Virgin, the current structure dating from the 13th century, it is notable for its twisted spire.
The name Horsham either originates from "Horse Ham", meaning a place where horses were kept, or "Horsa's Ham", named for a Saxon warrior who was granted land in the area. The town has historically been known for horse trading in early medieval times, iron and brick making up until the 20th century, and brewing more recently.
At the centre of the town is the Carfax the name is likely to be of Norman origin – a corruption of 'Quatre Voies'(four ways) or 'Carrefour', a place where four roads meet. The main shopping area for the town extends out from the Carfax. As well as the many well known high street names Horsham has a large number of independent shops offering a shopper with a unique range of choices.
Probably Horsham’s most famous son was Percy Shelly, the poet. The water sculpture in the town centre known as the Rising Universe commemorates him.
Horsham Museum on the Causeway (close to the Carfax and leading down to St May's Church) is free and offers a diverting couple of hours insight into the history of the town and the surrounding area.
Useful links
Visit Horsham
Horsham Museum
The Horsham Society
St. Mary's Church
The name Horsham either originates from "Horse Ham", meaning a place where horses were kept, or "Horsa's Ham", named for a Saxon warrior who was granted land in the area. The town has historically been known for horse trading in early medieval times, iron and brick making up until the 20th century, and brewing more recently.
At the centre of the town is the Carfax the name is likely to be of Norman origin – a corruption of 'Quatre Voies'(four ways) or 'Carrefour', a place where four roads meet. The main shopping area for the town extends out from the Carfax. As well as the many well known high street names Horsham has a large number of independent shops offering a shopper with a unique range of choices.
Probably Horsham’s most famous son was Percy Shelly, the poet. The water sculpture in the town centre known as the Rising Universe commemorates him.
Horsham Museum on the Causeway (close to the Carfax and leading down to St May's Church) is free and offers a diverting couple of hours insight into the history of the town and the surrounding area.
Useful links
Visit Horsham
Horsham Museum
The Horsham Society
St. Mary's Church