A-Z Challenge 2025: April 14th: L for Literary Connections

Henry Kingsley, the Victorian novelist, was born in Nottinghamshire in 1830 and spent his final two years in Cuckfield. He lived at a house called Attrees (now Kingsleys) which is next to the Queens Hall.  He passed away there in 1876. Kingsley is buried in the churchyard of Holy Trinity Church in Cuckfield.

His most notable works include:
The Recollections of Geoffry Hamlyn (1859), The Hillyars and the Burtons (1865), Ravenshoe (1861) and Austin Elliot (1863).  Ravenshoe is considered his best work.

Kingsleys is located on the High Street in Cuckfield.  It was originally built in the 16th century with timber frames and infilled with plaster panels and later restored in the 20th century. The house is a Grade II listed building, recognized for its architectural and historical significance.

Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822) was an English writer who was born in Warnham, Sussex.  He is considered one of the major English Romantic poets and had connections to Cuckfield through his family and personal experiences.  Shelley's maternal uncle, Captain John Pilfold, a celebrated naval officer who fought at the Battle of Trafalgar, lived at Marshalls Manor on Cuckfield High Street from 1806 to 1813. Shelley often visited him during his youth, particularly during holidays.

During his time in Cuckfield, Shelley was interested in the occult and science, and developed radical political opinions during these years. It was during these early years that he wrote Zastrozzi, a gothic novel that reflects his early fascination with rebellion and dark themes.

Shelley is best known for his poetry but also wrote essays and pamphlets on political, social, and philosophical issues. During one of his stays in Cuckfield, Shelley recounted an amusing story about his uncle reading his controversial pamphlet, The Necessity of Atheism. This work, co-authored with his friend Thomas Jefferson Hogg, sparked debates and reflected Shelley's radical views. His rebellious nature and views were evident in works like The Necessity of Atheism and Queen Mab.

Marshall's is a historic manor house dating back to around 1575 and is a Grade II listed building. It is a timber-framed construction, Ardingly sandstone ashlar facade, and later brickwork additions. The building features unique elements such as a Horsham stone slab roof, Tudor rose motifs, and a 16th-century stone fireplace.

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium