Beacon Road, Crowborough, East Sussex, TN6 1AF
This landmark building stands at the busy crossroads in the middle of Crowborough. It is the only ‘listed’ building in the town centre. The two-storey property, with an attic, two dormers and a tiled roof, is described in the listing text as ‘late 18th or early 19th century’. There is a late Victorian extension on the side of the building facing High Street.
A plaque documenting the history of The Crowborough Cross.
The plaque reads: This landmark building was Grade II listed in 1953. Around that time it was renamed The Crowborough Cross, as a result of legislation. It had long been the Red Cross, but the use of the emblem of the red cross was protected by the Geneva Conventions of 1949. It is likely that the inn was built in 1791. This date can be seen above the side door in the late Victorian extension at the side of the building facing High Street. It is thought to have got its named from the stopping places marked on maps by a red cross to help coachmen who were unable to read or write.
A photograph and text about The Crowborough Cross.
The text reads: This landmark building stands at the busy crossroads in the middle of Crowborough. It is the only listed building in the town centre. It is described in the listing text as ‘late 18th or early 19th century’. There is a late Victorian extension on the side facing High Street. The public house became The Crowborough Cross in the 1950s. It had long been the Red Cross. The old coaching inn was one of several mentioned in the will of the brewery owner William Verrall, dated 1836. Verrall had acquired the Red Cross from George Baker Camfield in 1827. The date 1791 can be seen above the door in the late Victorian extension. It is likely this is when the Red Cross was established. The Cross is thought to have got its name from the stopping places marked on maps by a red cross to help coachmen who were unable to read or write.
External photograph of the building – main entrance.
If you have information on the history of this pub, then we’d like you to share it with us. Please e-mail all information to: pubhistories@jdwetherspoon.co.uk