A CASTLE AND A FISH POND
Only the foundations remain of St Ann’s Castle, one of the oldest structures here. A grid of stone walls, atop a low hill, overlook the river and landscape to the north and east. Tall oak and chestnut trees grow around and between the remains, many now mature. It is the site of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle dating from approximately 1120, which was itself built on the site of a Saxon settlement. The exact history is unclear, but it is estimated that an iron age hill fort once stood on this spot. The folk name of Tan Hill also suggests that this was the site of the pagan celebrations of Beltane, marking the beginning of May. The first recorded history, however, begins with Robert de Montgomery’s order to build the castle. The aim was to provide a strategic outlook over important Rother Valley travelling routes and to protect the crossing over the river. In Tudor times, the castle was abandoned in favour of Cowdray House, the ruins of which can be seen from the hill above. Though St Ann’s would once have dominated the burgeoning town, there is now little evidence of its history. Its influence, however, can still be noted in the streets bearing its name. It is also possible that it is from this leafy bluff that the town became known as Middeherst, meaning ‘among the wooded hills’. Downhill and to the west, South Pond, the former fish pond to the castle, is the second oldest monument in the town. Circa the mid 1100s, the pond was dammed and its waters stocked with perch, bream, tench, roach and carp for fishing by the Lord of Midhurst and his men. Few of those fish swim there today. Now, young willow leaves drift on the soft sheen of its surface, and ducks waddle, nipping at the turf by its edge. Visitors and residents stroll around the paths edging it on three sides.