TOWN HISTORY
Learn more about the Haywards Heath town history.
Mesolithic Period
Early Settlements
Evidence of human habitation in the Haywards Heath area dates back to the Mesolithic period, with discoveries of flint tools suggesting early activity. These ancient tools indicate that early hunter-gatherer societies used the land, marking it as one of the earliest known settled areas in West Sussex.
roman period
Roman Influence
Haywards Heath was once part of the Roman road network, linking London with the South Coast. The Romans established settlements and villas nearby, as the region was ideal for trade and movement. This infrastructure connected Haywards Heath to significant Roman sites and contributed to its historical importance.
Medieval Period
Agricultural Community
During medieval times, Haywards Heath was a small settlement primarily based on agriculture. Known by its Old English name, it was an area of open land for grazing and woodland controlled by the manor of Wakehurst. The Knights Hospitaller owned much of the land, with local life centred around farming, sheep rearing, and forestry.
1642
Battle of Muster Green
The Battle of Muster Green was a pivotal local skirmish during the English Civil War. Parliamentarian forces led by Colonel Herbert Morley faced off against the Royalists, led by Edward Ford. Despite being outnumbered, the Parliamentarians triumphed, with intense hand-to-hand combat reportedly causing over 200 Royalist casualties, safeguarding Sussex for the Parliamentarian side.
1841
Railway Arrival
The arrival of the London to Brighton railway line marked a new era for Haywards Heath. Originally, the railway was intended to bypass the town, but local lobbying led to the construction of a station. This development transformed Haywards Heath from a small agricultural village to a thriving market town, spurring trade, employment, and population growth.
1859
Sussex County Mental Health Facility Opens
The Sussex County Mental Health Facility, later known as St Francis Hospital, opened in 1859. Dr Lockhart Robertson was the first superintendent to implement progressive mental health treatments. This facility significantly boosted the local economy through construction, employment, and housing demand.
1868
Bannister's Cattle Market
Local farmer and auctioneer Thomas Bannister established a large cattle market in Haywards Heath in 1868. Located on Boltro Road, it became one of the largest markets in the UK, processing around 100,000 animals annually. The market brought considerable business to the town until 1989 when it closed to make way for a superstore.
1886
Priory of Our Lady of Good Counsel
Built in 1886, the Priory of Our Lady of Good Counsel became a notable structure in Haywards Heath. This Grade II listed building was a significant addition to the town’s religious and architectural heritage, representing the Victorian commitment to religious institutions in the area.
1894
Formation of Haywards Heath Civil Parish
Haywards Heath separated from Cuckfield to become its own civil parish in 1894. This change marked the start of independent governance, allowing the town to oversee its development as it continued to grow rapidly, especially with the influence of the railway.
1906
Eliot Memorial Hospital
Opened in 1906, the Eliot Cottage Hospital, later renamed King Edward VII Eliot Memorial Hospital, served Haywards Heath’s growing population. Named after Alice Annie Eliot, a local benefactor, it became a central institution for healthcare and community support for the town.
1930s
Franklands Village Development
Social programmes in the 1930s helped create Franklands Village, a housing initiative supporting families with limited incomes. This village was built to promote self-sufficiency and became a notable social housing example, fostering community and economic stability.
1960s-1970s
Industrial Expansion
The 1960s and 1970s saw Haywards Heath expand industrially with the establishment of two light industrial estates. This development attracted national companies and government agencies, positioning the town as a regional centre for employment and industry in West Sussex.
1974
Incorporation into West Sussex
In 1974, a boundary change moved Haywards Heath from East Sussex to West Sussex, reshaping its governance. This change integrated Haywards Heath more closely with West Sussex’s planning and infrastructure, facilitating further growth and access to regional resources.
1989
Market Closure
The historic Bannister's Cattle Market, once among the largest in the UK, closed in 1989 to make room for a Sainsbury’s supermarket. This marked the end of an era in Haywards Heath’s agricultural legacy and demonstrated the town’s shift towards retail and modern development.
1990
Town Hall Completion
Haywards Heath’s Town Hall was completed in 1990, providing a new hub for local governance. It served as a community centre for civic activities, meetings, and events, supporting the town’s administrative functions and reflecting its growing urban population.
2001
Population Growth
The 2001 census recorded a population of 22,800, highlighting Haywards Heath’s rapid growth from its early days as a small settlement. This expansion positioned it as a key town in West Sussex, both in population and economic importance.
2015
Battle of Muster Green Plaque
In 2015, a commemorative plaque was installed on Muster Green to mark the historical importance of the Battle of Muster Green. The plaque honours those who fought and informs the public about the significance of this Civil War battle in Sussex.
