great betley
On either side of the old railway line stand two farmhouses - Great Betley to the west, and Little Betley to the east. In 1841 the farmer was 35-year old Henry Wood, his wife Ann and daughter Mary. Brighton-born Thomas Williams farmed Great Betley in 1851, 1861, 1871 and 1881 with wife Sophia. In 1881 he was aged 70, farmed 220 acres and employed 8 men. In 1891 the farmer was James Dudney from Cowfold, and his wife Lillian. In 1901 the farmer was 46-year old George Goodere.
A more recent tenant of Great Betley, who sadly died in 2014, was Raf Ravenscroft, notable for playing the memorable saxophone riff on Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street".
HOUSES 2
Great Betley: A photo from 2005.The photo was taken from just off a footpath which runs from the old railway line ("Downs link") round by Great Betley to the river. You can also walk up the road from Stonepit Lane.
A more recent tenant of Great Betley, who sadly died in 2014, was Raf Ravenscroft, notable for playing the memorable saxophone riff on Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street".
HOUSES 2
Great Betley: A photo from 2005.The photo was taken from just off a footpath which runs from the old railway line ("Downs link") round by Great Betley to the river. You can also walk up the road from Stonepit Lane.