Since its inception in 1977 Sussex Heritage Trust has successfully carried out projects to restore buildings in Lewes, Brighton, Burwash. Littlehampton, Hastings and Clapham, near Worthing.

It has also helped in many cases elsewhere, either by assisting owners or their advisers, or by negotiating on their behalf with local planning authorities.

A future for the past for Old St Helen’s Ore, Hastings

The Ancient Monument and ruin of Old St Helen’s Church near Hastings now faces its best chance of rescue from decay. A new Feasibility Study commissioned by Sussex Heritage Trust has won the backing of English Heritage. Discussions are ongoing with local interested parties preparatory to submitting a bid application for Heritage Lottery Funding during early 2009. The Trust will then be seeking matched funding from its supporters and well-wishers.

The Ashcombe Toll House/Booth, owned by Sussex Heritage Trust since 2001, is a domed, circular building, 10ft high and 15ft in diameter, with a vaulted brick roof.

Built in 1820 as one of a pair of matching booths on either side of the Brighton Turnpike, it was originally used for road maintenance as well as for the collection of tolls. The interior, currently used for storage, contains a fire place and oven.

The Ashcombe Toll House is situated 200 yards west of the Ashcombe Roundabout, on the south side of the A27. There is limited car parking behind the Toll House (on the right of minor road leading off the roundabout, signposted Kingston).

Public transport is available on buses 28 and 29 to Brighton from Waitrose or the Post Office in Lewes.

Tea/coffee etc. available from mobile cafe.