On the road running from Heathfield to Winchester is the small town of Petworth West Sussex. With a population of less than 3,000 people this little town is easily missed when looking at places in England. Just because it is a small diversion on the road to Heathfield or Winchester doesn't mean there is absolutely nothing to see or do. Petworth may be small but it's historical significance make it an interesting detour.
The town of Petworth has been in existence since at least 1086 since it was mentioned in the famous Domesday Book. Because of that it is home to a couple of historical sites. One of the most well known sites is the stately Petworth House. This home was built in the 17th Century, with some rebuilding in 1688. The mansion was then altered by Anthony Salvin in 1870. The site was previously home to a fortified manor. The chapel, built in the 13th Century still survives today. Probably the most notable thing about this house is the collection of paintings. There are 19 paintings by Turner, several paintings by Van Dyck, carvings by Ben Harms, and Grinling Gibbons and several neo-classical and classical sculptures. There is also wall and ceiling paintings throughout the home as well. The Petworth House is also home to one of the only remaining 1592 Emery Molyneux terrestrial globes. This glob has been kept in its original state.
While you are at Petworth House enjoy the Petworth Park that the estate resides on. This 700 acre park is fully landscaped and is considered one of the most famous in all of England. While you are there you will probably see some of the many fallow deer that inhabit the park. Be sure to tour the 30 acre Pleasure Ground that is part of the park. This woodland park is very relaxing to enjoy and you might see many more wildlife sightings.
Another interesting stop in Petworth is the Petworth Cottage Museum. Here you can see a fully restored Petworth cottage. The Cottage is furnished in the way it might have been back in the early 1900s, say around 1910. The museum gives visitors an idea of what it was like for domestics of estates. This one in particular is set up as it was when Mrs. Cummings was resident, she worked as a seamstress for the Petworth House. You can see the sewing machine and area that she used as well as many other items of daily life back then.
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