“ALFRISTON”: From ‘Tun’ (Farmstead) belonging to ‘Aelfric’ (South Saxon Name). Originally ‘Alvricestone’ (Doomsday 1086). Traditionally pronounced ‘Awlfriston’, and earlier ‘Ahson town’.
Nestling within the South Downs and around the River Cuckmere, settlement in the area really took off in the Saxon period beginning in the 5th century and later in the Middle Ages as a market town. Alfriston became quite prosperous at one stage having a Tannery, a Tallow-Chandlery and a Glove Factory.
Alfriston’s entry in Wikipedia
More information on Alfriston and the surrounding area
Alfriston's Market Cross is northwest of the church in Waterloo Square and is now only one of two surviving examples. The cross was probably first erected about 1405 when King Henry IV allowed a market in Alfriston every Tuesday and two annual fairs on the feasts of Saint Andrew and Saints Philip and James. In 1955 a lorry crashed into it destroying the shaft. Today’s shaft is a modern replica topped by a carving of a ‘Shepherds Crown’.
Alfriston’s 14th century church also known as the ‘Cathedral of the Downs’ stands in a graveyard within a circular wall, a usual indication of pre-Christian use of the site as is built on an old Saxon mound. The church itself is dedicated to St. Andrew. The church records are notable for starting in 1504, much earlier than when it was legally required, while the list of Rectors and Vicars goes back to 1272.
St Andrew’s Church (Sussex County Heritage)
St Andrew’s Church in Wikipedia
The 14th century timber framed Clergy House near Alfriston’s church is the first building to be acquired by the National Trust, back in 1896 for the sum of £10 in a ruinous state before further renovation in 1977.
