Horsley

Horsley is a charming little village, complete with traditional village green and spreading chestnut tree. Walking is a popular activity for locals thanks to the beautiful surrounding countryside. Horsley boasts one of the most attractive village churches in the county, sitting on a hill, set amongst flowers and trees. The Parish Church of St Clement and St James is a real gem dating back to the 13th century with later additions. It has a broach spire, mid-15th century battlements and a pretty porch with a medieval crucifix. The interior is much restored but there are some scraps of ancient glass in one window.

The village pillar box is one of the most unusual in England, as it is made of stone. The village also has three wells, called Blanche, Sophie and Rosamund. They were given to the village in 1824 by the local vicar, Reverend Sitwell.

There once was a castle, but few traces of it remain today. Horsley Castle, also known as Horston or Horeston Castle, was a Norman earthwork motte and bailey fortress, built in the 12th century with a rectangular great tower which was in ruins from the late 16th century. It was owned by the Crown from 1268 to 1514. The site has a dense cover of trees and is best viewed in winter.