History

A Wealden Hall House in Uckfield, East Sussex

History

Built around 1436, Bridge Cottage is one of the largest Wealden hall houses in the area. Its distinctive features, such as its high-quality timberwork and three-sectioned layout, suggest it was once a home for a person of local importance. The house was once divided into two cottages but has been restored to resemble its appearance around 1600.

Features

• Wealden hall house: A traditional type of house found in the Weald region of England, characterized by its timber frame construction, open hall, and open fireplace.

• High-quality timberwork: Bridge Cottage boasts intricate and well-preserved timber beams and carvings, typical of its period.

• Three-sectioned layout: The house is divided into three main sections: the hall, the solar (a private room for the owner), and  the service rooms, pantry and buttery.

Restoration

In the 1970s, Bridge Cottage was saved from demolition by the Uckfield District Preservation Society. Thanks to a £1 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2014, the cottage underwent a major restoration project. This included modernizing the building with features like underfloor heating, sheep's wool insulation, and LED lighting while preserving its historic character.

Use

Today, Bridge Cottage serves as the Uckfield Heritage Centre. This community hub hosts a variety of activities, including:

• Educational programs: Workshops and lectures on local history and heritage

• Heritage events: Exhibitions, talks, and demonstrations

• Local history and craft activities: Opportunities for residents to learn about and participate in traditional crafts

Archaeological Work

Archaeological excavations at Bridge Cottage have uncovered evidence of an older building on the site, suggesting that the house has a long and rich history. These findings provide valuable insights into the development of the local area from the late medieval to post-medieval periods.