| The Haywaggon Inn at Hartfield, formerly named The Dorset Arms until the 1970’s because of the Inn’s affiliation with the Duke of Dorset’s Estate, dates back to approximately 1540 and, like many properties in this Historic village, is a fine example of an unspoilt, timber framed period building.
The Inn, which is mentioned in the Doomsday Book has had a colourful history over the years and has come to the aid of many a weary traveller on route between London and the Coast. Amongst it’s more notable associations: King Henry VIII who would travel through the village from his Hunting Lodge – Bolbroke Castle to his hunting grounds on what is now known as Ashdown Forest. More recently, The Dorset Arms, having been acquired at one time by the Trust house group, boasted to be the smallest Trust house Hotel in the country until the late 1950’s having 6 letting rooms!
In recent years, Hartfield has become a centre for lovers of the AA Milne books about Winnie the Pooh, whom, having lived on the forest not far from the village, wrote the stories for his son, Christopher Robin. Another occupant of the Former Milne residence, Brian Jones has also been a notable patron in the past!
|
