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272 THE SUSSEX COAST |
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The next village is Lullington on the side of the Downs; trees surround its churchyard, in which remains only the small chancel of Early English date, a tiny tower and spire having been erected on its west gable. Though the whole population, to the number of about sixteen, might be comfortably seated there, it claims (with many others) to be the least commodious church in England.
Just below, down in the valley, is the large village of Alfriston, which still retains the steps and a part of the shaft of the cross, features common enough in parts of the country but rare in Sussex (p. 180). Near by is the Star Inn, a famous hostelry that dates apparently from the fifteenth century, but has been altered since. The upper story projects both in front and at the side, and the massive corner-post represents some animals grasping a staff. On either side of the door brackets rise from shafts, and each has an ecclesiastical figure in relief. The three windows of the upper story project as oriels, and on their supports are carved a soldier at war with a dragon, a shield, and a couple of serpents. A classic cornice runs along the eaves; the pipes are dated 1766; the roof is covered with stone slabs. The interior has fine old beams, and in one place the monogram I.H.S. It is clear that the founders were more ecclesiastical in their tastes than the builders of most modern hotels, and its principal purpose may well have been to shelter pilgrims. Its walls still echo at times with the shouts of as happy a company as those who attended Chaucer to Canterbury. At the corner is the curious wooden monster that once formed the figure-head of a ship, which appears by the initial |
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