Henfield Museum

Unveiling the new Henfield Museum website, funded and developed by the Friends of Henfield Museum during lockdown. Collections, exhibitions, tales of Henfieldians Past, projects and more - please take a look and help to spread the word! henfieldmuseum.org @SussexMuseums

Arthur Hodges, Parish Clerk and St. Peter's church sexton, prepares to present the traditional 'April duck' to assembled schoolchildren in 1908. Part of an ancient ritual leading up to May Day, they would dance in a circle around the bemused duck, loudly shouting 'QUACK'.

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Ever wondered when walking up Station Road how Henfield Railway Station fitted into its locale? Our like-for-like model made by Bob Munnery shows you! One element still remains visible today...

Did you know that oxen wore shoes? Here a pair of two-part cloven 'kews' c. 1870-1910, with yoked-up ploughing team at Waldron behind. The last Sussex ox teams were black Welsh stock. Spencer Mugridge of Stanmer continued longer than most. The age-old practice ended before WW2.

From the Costume Curator, well worn C20th baby clothes of crepe, rayon and ivory knit, There is evidence of insect damage and the constant washing has made those in flannel go thick and matted. These were rescued from a Scouts jumble sale in 2000 and donated to the museum.

West Hill, Findon. A landscape rich in history. Foreground: Rogers Farm with crowning Lebanon Cedars atop. Background: probable Medieval 'lynchet' noted as 12 feet wide, likely relating to ploughing gradually moving earth downhill. Location today (July 2022 Google Street View).

Not the 'Hay Wain, but a traditional Sussex waggon outside the 16th century Dears Farm House on West End Lane (pictured 1971). With broad wheels for Sussexian mud -, these waggons were in use from around 1700 to the 1950s. The farmyard is a now rare 'double loose' arrangement.

Today's job @henfieldmuseum 1927 headdress and its wearer.

Don't miss it - display at St. Peter's Church, Henfield - 'Harvest'. On until 15th October. Ever a time critical for the gathering of grain - and for survival. The ancient term for the season came via the Saxon hærfest from the Proto Indo-European 'kerp' - to gather, pluck.

Some glorious lacework from the costume collection.

Chuff chuff! Don't miss the chance to see this exclusive preview screening from our friends @TracingtheRails on Sat 11th. Some fine work done bringing the story of the #steyningline to life. #railway #steam #beeching

Henfieldian Rosie Morris, soldiers and family on the home front. Draughts amidst the Frist World War c. 1915. With soldiers from three regiments (Norfolk, Essex and another unclear), a couple of grins show through.

VJ 80. Sub-Lieutenant Colin Backhouse is pictured in uniform and with his younger brothers by Marjorie Baker in 1941. Colin was marked 'missing presumed killed' on 21st July 1944 while commanding Landing Craft Mechanised 226, part of a post D-Day supply flotilla. #thosewhoserved

A highly fitted 1890s 'C' from our current display, 'An Alphabet of Costume & Fabric'. #Victorian #fashion

What a find! This early Anglo-Saxon ring lost one day one and a half millennia ago, was to be discovered on Henfield Common by a first time metal detectorist in 1978. View the 3D model: skfb.ly/pytKT @3dify

A vision in violet! This fine Edwardian dress with intricate floral detailing is currently on display - drop by.

Victory in Europe and Japan 80th Anniversary exhibition, St. Peter's Church, Henfield till 8th of June. Photos & accounts from the museum collection, Buckingham Palace, newspapers & several accounts covering events from here to Burma & from the end of the war till today.

'Those Who Served' - Marking Victory in Europe 80. Two portraits by Marjorie Baker. Signalman A. H. (Tony) Sayers is pictured in the uniform of the Royal Corps of Signals. Mrs. Olive Mayston (nee Parsons) of 2 Southview Terrace is seen in the uniform of the Women's Land Army.

New costume display - 'An Alphabet of Costume & Fabric'. All twenty-six letters of the alphabet can be matched with items as different as a waistcoat, an ostrich feather fan and a plaid doll's dress. Many pieces date to the Victorian era - drop by and choose your favourite!

Wishing a Happy Easter weekend to all! Here we see a sunlit scene of Sussex trugs, some floral displays - and bunnies! These were part of the exhibition for the Festival of Britain exhibition, held at the boys' school on Henfield Common in 1951. (Photo colourised, 2025).