Walks in England: From Stopham Bridge to the Toat Monument Pt3

[@kippen64]

I enjoy these multi part walks. Have been an Anglophile nearly all my life and really appreciate being able to see wonderful buildings, walks and countryside. You are showing a side of England not often seen overseas. Big thanks to yourself and your friends.

[@RichardVobes]

So pleased you are enjoying them. Thanks for watching as ever.

[@stephenrowell1137]

As a young lad we lived in Billingshurst, once we were old enough and our little group had bikes (in assorted states of repair) during holidays we would cycle down the A29 (probably a little less traffic) to the owners house and borrow the key to the Monument. We had to promise not to damage it, not play recklessly and RETURN THE KEY! I can tell you that in the early 60's the stairs/ladder was rickety even then, but the view was magnificent - we only ever went on fine weather days - and many many baddies, pirates, and assorted villains from tv shows and films were repelled from the battlements. Thank you so much for bringing a part of my childhood back to life. Re. Stopham Bridge, a 'pack bridge' I too have driven over it and remember going to see it (and the pub) flooded on at least a couple of occasions.

[@RichardVobes]

I am so pleased to hear that the video brought back all those memories. What fun you had. How brilliant. Thanks for sharing them.

[@Penny66Feest]

Now I live here in Pulborough and actually lived at Tullens Toat Fruit Farm for over twenty five years, as Housekeeper to the Lovely Atkins family, in a little, detached cottage at the bottom of the entrance to the farm. It was David Atkins who wrote the Apple book 'The Cuckoo in June'. David also wrote two other books of his time as Major in India during WW2. David was such a character,with a wonderful sense of humour. David's Apple book was read as book of the week on BBC Radio 4. The Toat Monument was on land belonging to Mr Parker ( ? I believe ?). Love the video...Brings back so many happy memories, thank you Richard Vobes.

[@Penny66Feest]

The book is Cuckoo in June, by David Atkins...!

[@RichardVobes]

Thanks Penny - I have that book and had read it before the trip. He described the characters and hardships so well of growing apples for market. It is a great read! Thanks for your comments. How interesting.

[@annosborne7365]

Thank you Richard and Richard, another lovely walk

[@RichardVobes]

A pleasure as always.

[@lesleycouch6557]

Great video, lovely walk. Thank you Richard V and Richard S.

[@RichardVobes]

So pleased you enjoyed it.

[@vestafairie]

another great video! thank you so very much!

[@RichardVobes]

Thanks for watching.

[@MrGreatplum]

Another great video, thanks both. I understand that you can visit the Monument if you visit the owner who will give the key.

[@RichardVobes]

Fingers crossed we might be able to do that.

[@georgetimperley8906]

There were a lot of gun emplacements and pill boxes along many railway lines because Britain relied on them heavily in the second and first world war and a lot still survived today because they were built so well Well done another great video

[@RichardVobes]

Yes, I must go in search of a few more sometime.

[@Penny66Feest]

Richard re my last post...You can find Barrie Feest my other half.' Barrie Feest Guitar Pulborough in the Snow' here on You Tube our cottage at the beginning... Barrie playing his guitar to the photos he took while walking over the gallops.

[@RichardVobes]

Oh lovely - I will have to hunt him out.

[@grumpybore863]

hi, Richard. I'm a yank, and while I can gather that Grade 2 listed monument means it's historical, what are the different grades all about?

[@RichardVobes]

Here you go: historicengland.org.uk/advice/your-home/owning-historic-property/listed-building/

[@ndroughrider1564]

Let me know if you'd like a picture of "Area 51", you can't go there either! LOL! All kidding aside, love the videos, keep up the good work!!!

[@RichardVobes]

I think there is an opportunity to get in the Toat Monument now actually. Not sure about Area 51 though :)

[@timspooner59]

Trainee jockeys are called apprentices.

[@RichardVobes]

Are they? Thanks for the extra info. :)

[@newspaniard]

Showing a few twigs does NOT constitute a Mott and Bailey castle. My neighbour has better twigs in his garden and he doesn't pretend to have a castle. A re-run of the first episode with a, (blank wall hit) Its like a helicopter only much smaller.