Stane Street

Stane Street is a Roman road in Mole Valley, England, running from the bridge in London to Chichester on the southern coast. The route follows the contours of the land to avoid climbing sharply through the hills between the two settlements.

The route was built around the year 70, when Roman forces occupied Britain and needed better connections between settlements. Construction linked the capital with coastal areas to the south, supporting both military operations and commerce.

The name Stane Street first appeared in medieval documents from 1270, derived from the Old English word 'stan' meaning stone, distinguishing it from unpaved paths.

Several sections remain visible today and are protected by law, while others have been absorbed into modern roads. Some stretches can be walked on foot, while others are only noticeable from a car as you drive along the modern route.

Stations at Alfoldean and Hardham provided rest and fresh horses for travelers moving between the two ends of the route. These stops offered shelter and food for messengers and traders crossing the distance in stages rather than all at once.