Thakeham Cycle Route 1

Thakeham Off Road Circular Cycle Routes. Route 1 approx 22.3 miles
Suitable for all Age Groups and abilities; can be a little muddy in places but mainly good surfaces with some minor road work. Points of Interest
Blue Idol Meeting Room
Passed on route at the Northern end of Old House Lane, this was the Historic Quaker Meeting House dating from early 1600s that is responsible for strange lozenged shaped Northern extension of Thakeham Parish connected by South by a 15 Yard wide to South of Parish. The building is still in use being identified by William Penn then living close to Warminghurst Church, as suitable for a Meeting House in about 1680. The name is probably derived from the blue colour that out of use farm buildings were painted in order to avoid payment of land taxes, and ‘’idle’’ (modified to idol) meaning unused. In the garden is a framed barn used for a museum which is much older than meeting house.
Except for Sundays or when an event is being held, the gardens are open. The meeting House and museum are open on Fridays from March to November.
William Penn traveled to Pennsylvania in America taking a number of local residents with him hence the name Pennsylvania.
Sumners Pond (Barns Green) Campsite
The site is a family run, glamping Safari Tents, Shepherds Huts, camping pods’ static sites also camping pitches. The site also has 100 acres of farm land woodland walks & other footpaths, is open to the general public. The site has a number of fishing Lakes (Carp ponds), a restaurant providing a wide range of both hot & cold food, which can be a welcomed break.
12th Century Church of St Nicolas Itchingfield
The church is worth a visit, it has two walls and several windows of the original build 1125. The church was extended in the 18th & 19th century, where a Norman Alter was found onsite & installed on the Alter. The Tower is a separate Wooden structure built in the 15th century built on four post with crossmembers, inside the Tower are the original stairs but are not in use.
In the church yard is a 16th century Priests House for clergy, then used as Alms House in later times, the church yard is planted with wildflowers etc. and is a picture in spring & summer months.
Downs Links
An Old railway line from Guilford to Shoreham axed in the reorganization by Mr. Beeching in the mid-sixties. The surface has been upgraded and is used by cyclists, equestrians, & Walkers so respect is needed for all users.
Christs Hospital Railway St
The old railway station known as Stammerham station which had 7 platforms 3Guildford Link & 4 for the mainline which of course are closed. The station was originally built in 1902 for the expected influx of pupils attending Christ Hospital School on a daily basis. A review was carried out and on 10.06 1965 was closed because of declining numbers. Some of the old station buildings are currently being converted into accommodation. The main line station is still in use for regular commuters.
Shipley Windmill
Hillaire Belloc renowned local Poet, writer, Politician & historian lived nearby he bought the windmill in 1906. Shipley windmill was built in 1879 the estimated cost for build was £800 but actual costs were £2500. The windmill was the youngest and largest of 8 in the area which closed as steam power came on stream and farmers were able to transport grain further afield. The mill was active until 1926, Hillaire Belloc maintained it until the second world war materials were in short supply & not available so fell into disrepair. After Hilaire Belloc's death a charitable trust was formed in 1953 and got mill working for use and was opened to general public until 2008. The current own wouldn't renew lease so we find the Current state as requiring a coat of paint.
It was also famous for the TV series Jonathan Creek this was his headquarters; 22 episodes were filmed there it also starred Caroline Quentin.
Knep Castle Rewilding Estate.
In 1983 the current Owner Mr. Charles Burrows inherited the estate from his Grandfather, the estate has something like 3,500 acres of lland on very clay soil. The estate was mixed farming & dairy which was farmed until 2000, the estate was unprofitable losing millions as a result all farm stock and machinery were sold. A central portion of land 350 acres, the owner applied in 2002 for country stewardship scheme, then in 2010 the whole estate applied for government backing to rewild the estate. The estate was divided into plots and ringfenced to allow animals and land rewild naturally. Charlies wife Writer Isabella Tree who has written a book on the rewilding project both enthusiastic on the project. There was no more farming as we know it only allow estate to go back to nature naturally with the help of stock. The things you may see are Longhorn cattle, Exmoor Ponies, Tamworth Pigs, Red, Fallow & Roe Deer, with many species of rare birds coming back to their natural habit also butterflies. White Storks are a new venture, plus the Beavers (Nov 20)

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