Retirement Properties Spotlight in Newhaven

Newhaven is now where a small village called 'Meeching' once stood. Its original name 'Meeching' probably came from 'Mece's people' but its new name comes as a result of the newly built harbour in the 16th century. A massive storm diverted the River Ouse to the village of Meeching and in consequence new trade developed and the town of Newhaven was born. At this time trade was largely confined to barges travelling up the Ouse to Lewes but in time Newhaven developed into a well used port. In the mid 19th century with the arrival of the railways and subsequent steamer service to Dieppe the town grew rapidly.

Nearby is Newhaven Fort Museum housed in a Victorian fort originally built as a defence against Napoleon. It is now a scheduled monument and demonstrates the fort's role as a defensive fortification during the two World Wars and within the ten acre site are many tunnels.