Bignor
Although not as grand as Fishbourne Roman Palace near Chichester, which really was a genuine palace, the villa at Bignor, which is more manorial than palatial, is an important historical building and has provided historians with much knowledge of how the ruling classes lived during the Roman occupation of Sussex.
There are some great walks around Bignor with very varied country and widely different views depending on whether you are looking north or south. The South Downs Way runs along the ridge above Bignor and intersects Stane Street the great old Roman Road which runs straight from Chichester to London.
The walk up Bignor Hill to the top of the Slindon Estate is lung-bustingly steep, but the views you get from the South Downs Way and the other footpaths and bridleways around Glatting Beacon are worth it - but only just. It is a very, very steep climb.
You can find out more about the South Downs Way near Bignor here.
Happily you can drive to the top of the Downs at Gumber Corner car park though, saving your breath, if not the planet.
BIGNOR INFORMATION
Bignor Church
Bignor has a well-restored pre Norman Church which is mentioned in the Domesday Book. And a good church website too.
Bignor Park
Bignor Park is a private estate which is open from time to time under the NGS.
Bignor Roman Villa
One of the great treasures of Sussex - the partially excavated remains of the Roman farmstead at Bignor.
PLACES NEAR BIGNOR
Amberley | Arundel | Bury | Duncton | Fittleworth | Pulborough | Slindon | Storrington | West Chiltington |
- What did the Romans ever do for us Sussexites?
- Fishbourne - location of the other great Roman site in Sussex
- Where the Romans fit in to the history of Sussex
- Hardham and Stane Street
- More vineyards and wine estates in West Sussex