Lodsworth

About

Lodsworth parish is in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It comprises Lodsworth village, the hamlet of Lickfold and part of Selham, with a population of some 60.

The beautiful parish has a long and ancient history with traces of habitation back to the Neolithic times. Henry I granted Lodsworth special status as a "liberty" village in the 12th century which gave the inhabitants special rights virtually amounting to exemption from the feudal system. Oliver Cromwell was known to have visited the village during the Civil War.
Places of interest include St Peter's Church, Lodsworth was built in the 13th century with a 14th century tower. The grave of E H Shepard, illustrator of "Winnie the Pooh" and "The Wind in the Willows" is in the churchyard. There is a commemorative plaque on the house in the village where he spent the last period of his life. St James' Church, Selham is a tiny beautiful and ancient place of worship. The Manor House, Lodsworth is near the church and has a history going back to medieval times when it was owned by the Bishop of London. St Peter's Well, Lodsworth is noteworthy as a place of pilgrimage in medieval times.
There are four pubs in the parish - the Hollist Arms in the centre of Lodsworth is named after the Hollist family, former major landowners in the parish. The Lickfold Inn in Lickfold. The Halfway Bridge Inn on A272 by the turning to Lodsworth. The Three Moles at Selham. All except the latter serve food with extensive menus.