Hailsham

The town originally grew as an agricultural centre but is now mostly a commuter town. There is currently much controversy over the sale of Hailsham Cattle Market and its redevelopment into a supermarket. Hailsham was originally granted its charter for a market in 1252 by Henry III. The market is one of few remaining cattle markets along the south coast, and if closed, would probably be a great loss to the town. The local MP, Charles Hendry, has got involved and is fighting to keep the market open.

Local public houses and inns that have vanished over the years include: The Good Intent, The Fox, The Black Horse Inn, The Swan Inn, The Market House, The Cow, and The Brewers Arms (formerly the Railway Arms).

The Quintins shopping centre was opened in the late 1980s and was named after Quintin Hogg, Baron Hailsham of St Marylebone. At the centre of the centre is the Co-op (supermarket). There is a Waitrose supermarket nearby in Vicarage Fields, which was previously Somerfield.

The town has several primary schools. It has one secondary comprehensive school, Hailsham Community College.

1 Railways
2 Entertainment
3 Twinnings
4 External links

[edit] Railways

Hailsham used to have a railway station on the Cuckoo line, running from Polegate to Tunbridge Wells. The line from Polegate was opened in May 1849 and closed as part of the Beeching cuts in 1968. The southern 12 miles of disused line is now a valued cycleway and footpath between Polegate and Heathfield.

[edit] Entertainment

Hailsham Pavillion is a Grade II listed cinema and concert hall built in 1921. After remaining empty, the Pavillion was refurbished in 1993 and reopened in 2000

Hailsham is the home of Wealden Brass, a brass band which rehearses at Union Corner Hall.

The 'Freedom Leisure' entertainment complex is in the town. Its facilities include a gym and a pool with a flume and water slide, and several bowling lanes have been added in 2006.