Thakeham Cycle Route 1

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 lozenge-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 travelled 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 and 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 cross-members, 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 Link
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 and walkers - so respect is needed for all users.
Christs Hospital Railway St
The old railway station known as Stammerham station which had 7 platforms 3 Guildford 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 the station 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 and historian lived nearby and 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 all 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, but then materials were in short supply and not available so the windmill fell into disrepair. After Hillaire Belloc's death a charitable trust was formed in 1953 and got the 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.
Knepp Wilding
In the current Owner Mr Charles Burrell inherited the estate from his grandfather, the estate covers something like 3,500 acres of agricultural very heavy clay soil. The estate at that time was mixed farming dairy and arable, a decision in 2,000 was taken and the estate stopped farming all stock and machinery were sold. The central 350 acres, the owner applied in 2002 for a country stewardship, then in 2010 the whole estate applied for government backing to rewild the whole estate. The estate was divided into plots ring fenced to allow animals and land to rewild naturally. Charlie’s wife is Isabella Tree, who has written a book on the rewilding project. The couple are very enthusiastic on the project. The estate stopped farming, then allowed the estate to rewild naturally with the help of wild and rare breeds of stock. On your ride you may see Longhorn cattle, Exmoor Ponies, Tamworth Pigs, Fallow, Red & Roe Deer. There are many rare species that have flourished as well as butterflies, flourishing in the restored natural environment. The latest projects are White Storks which bred in 2020, and the reintroduction of beaver in November 2020.

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