Hassocks, village in West Sussex, England, UK
Hassocks is a small civil parish in Mid Sussex, England, situated just north of the South Downs. The village comprises two historic areas called Clayton and Keymer and contains shops, restaurants, and Adastra Park, which features sports fields, play areas, and a garden of remembrance.
People settled in this region from the Stone Age onward, with evidence of Iron Age fortifications on Wolstonbury Hill and a Roman cemetery near Stonepound Crossroads. The railway arrived in 1841, originally named Hassocks Gate after a nearby toll gate, connecting the village to London and Brighton and spurring its modern growth.
The name Hassocks comes from tufts of grass that grew in nearby fields, reflecting the village's early ties to farming and the land. Today this rural character remains visible in the green spaces and community life centered around local parks and gatherings.
The village has two post offices, a library, and practical services including a busy health center nearby, making it convenient for residents and visitors. The railway station provides access to Brighton and London, while walking and cycling paths connect the village to surrounding countryside.
Clayton Tunnel is a notable railway construction beneath the South Downs with castle-like entrance towers, though it was the site of a devastating train accident in 1861 with many casualties. Visitors can also see two restored windmills: Jack, a tower mill built in the 1860s, and Jill, a post mill moved here from Brighton.
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