AMBERLEY CASTLE, SUSSEX, A STRUCTURE, situated on the east side of the river Arun, at the foot of the South Downs, is four miles north-east from Arundel, having the south Downs on the south, a wide extent of level marsh land on the north, the river Arun at a small distance on the west, and Amberley village and church on the east. It was erected by William Rede, bishop of Chichester, in the reign of Edward III. A. D. 1368, as a residence for himself and his successors; but being afterwards leased out to several families, among whom were those of Goring, Butler, Briscow, Parker, &c. it ultimately came into the possession of lord Selsea. The episcopal castle is degraded to a farm-house. The building was constructed on a rock, and forms a parallelogram, with a southern entrance between two small round towers, with grooves for a portcullis. It is defended on the south by a foss, over which a bridge leads to the principal entrance. On the north and west sides, by the low rocky precipice on which it stands, it does not appear to have been of any great strength; the ruins of an arch within the walls, however, show the architecture to have been light and elegant. AMBERLEY CASTLE. The clump of trees near this ancient mansion, situated on the adjoining hill, serves as a sea-mark, and is called Fittleworth Tilt. Amberley, the village whence the Castle takes its name, consists of a long scattered street of mean buildings; but the land is rich and fertile. Adjoining to the Downs the soil is chalky; in the valley it consists of a rich black earth, producing crops of wheat in great quantities. The church of this village is a small structure, containing a body, chancel, and a square tower at the west end; and is kept in decent repair. The living is of very small value. |