Heath
Common sits to the north of the A283 between Washington and Sullington.
It is an attractive area of mainly detached homes in a wooded series of
lanes, sitting on a greensand ridge, and bordered on the East by Warren
Hill and on the West by Sullington Warren, both managed by the National
Trust.
The
area has a colourful history. In 1922 Vera Pragnell, the 25 year old
daughter of textile magnate Sir George Pragnell, used an inheritance
from her father to buy 50 acres of land.
Her
aim was to establish a commune, known as “The Sanctuary”, where people
of all classes could thrive as a community, and settlers soon arrived
from all over England. They included various religious groups, atheists,
revolutionaries, and mystics. None were conventional, and all were
seeking a different way of living.
Initially
some lived in caravans or tents, but Vera, gave them plots of land on
which to build wooden shacks, grow vegetables and tend livestock.
Water
was drawn from a well or rainwater-collection tanks and there was no
electricity. Conditions were Spartan but people gelled, holding
community events such as concerts and dancing.
This
curious settlement attracted sensational press coverage, and there was
great public suspicion about the area’s unconventional residents.
But
soon the cracks began to show. People became possessive about their
plots and started putting up fences. As the original settlers died,
their relatives started selling off the real estate to outsiders. Some of the original settlers became disillusioned and moved away.
Historian
Chris Hare, whose book The Washington Story devotes a chapter to rise
and fall of The Sanctuary, said Vera bought the original 50 acres for
just £850.
Today,
traces of Heath Common’s fascinating past remain. At the junction of
Sanctuary Lane with Vera’s Walk, a shelter sits on what remains of the
original village green, with an information board relating the story of
Vera Pragnell. Almost opposite, by the red telephone kiosk, stands
Sanctuary Cottage – Vera’s original home.
The
heart of the original Sanctuary is now known as “Sleepy Hollow”. The
area attracts many walkers, who can enjoy the nearby woods and
heathland, including Sandgate Park – 30 acres of land offering
delightful walks.
Credits:
Evening Argus
The Washington Story – Chris Hare