Publications
The Cowfold and Henfield Turnpike Trust, 1771-1877. Part 1 - The Old Road, by John D. R. Townsend, published 2007 in Sussex Industrial History (issue no. 37, article, pp.29-39, ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506535] Download PDF
Abstract:An advertisement in the Sussex Weekly Advertiser of 18 June 1770 announced a meeting on the 26 June at the George in Henfield to consider the establishment of a turnpike road "from the South Downs, through the town of Henfield, over Mockbridge, into the Turnpike-road now leading to Horsham". The road envisaged using existing highways in the main and it was proposed to commence the turnpike at the foot of Seeding Hill where a junction would be made with the Beeding and Horsham Turnpike of 1764. From this point the road would run north to Henfield and Corner House in the parish of Shermanbury, where a short branch to the west would extend to Partridge Green and a further connection would be made with the Seeding to Horsham Trust road. The proposed turnpike would then proceed north again to Cowfold and then northeast across St Leonard's Forest to connect with the newly established (1770) turnpike to Brighton via Cuckfield at Handcross. The next meeting at the King's Arms, Cowfold, on 22 August considered the report of the surveyor and it was now time to prepare the petition to Parliament and the details of the expected bill. It was not until the 13 December 1770 at a meeting at Cowfold that the matter was finally decided.
The Cowfold and Henfield Turnpike Trust, 1771-1877. Part 1 - The Branch Road and Later, by John D. R. Townsend, published 2008 in Sussex Industrial History (issue no. 38, article, pp.30-37, ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506536] Download PDF
Abstract:When established, the Trust controlled the road from Henfield through Cowfold terminating at Handcross where it made a junction with the Brighton and Cuckfield and West Grinstead Trust which connected north of Crawley with the Reigate Trust and access to London. A short branch from Corner House, Shermanbury, to Partridge Green gave access to the Horsham and Steyning Trust. However, in 1792, the Cowfold and Henfield Trust received powers to extend their road northwards to gain direct access to Horsham. This extension of just over four miles was, from the renewal Act of 1830, administered separately from the main line of the Trust. It was referred to as the 'Branch Road', the original line being distinguished as the 'Old Road'. The Act of 1830 also authorised the construction of a short connecting road from Lower Beeding westwards to meet the Branch Road. Separate minute books and financial accounts were maintained by the Branch and the Old lines.