Dating back to about 1585 this lovely old pub with it’s low beams and inglenook fireplace has a wealth of history.

During the 18th Century the Crown became the headquarters of the Groombridge Gang, ruthless smugglers who terrorised the country between the village and the South coast led by Robert Moreton and John Bowra. Using pack ponies they smuggled tea from Pevensey beaches and hid it in secret passages between the cellar and Groombridge Place .After many skirmishes with the Militia they were brought to justice in 1749.John Bowra was released and is said to have built a house in the village and become a cartographer.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, celebrated creator of the detective Sherlock Holmes, lived at Crowborough and was a frequent visitor to Groombridge Place in the late 19th century
taking part in séances which were popular at the time. He based his book Valley of Fear on Groombridge Place. He was known to visit the Crown (the inn with the ingle nook fire place) and reported seeing the ghost of Dave Fletcher standing in the doorway of the cottage on the moat . According to Conan Doyle the ghost appeared behind him and his friends as they walked and told them that he had drowned in the moat in 1808. People still report seeing Dave Fletcher today.

In 2005 the Crown was a favourite haunt of Keira Knightley and the cast of Pride and Prejudice during filming at Groombridge Place.

In 2006 Hayley Westerner classic singer stayed here while filming for her latest CD.

On the following pages there are photos of the old Groombridge village with it`s shops during the 19th century and early 20th century On the 1871 census there were 18 houses in Groombridge a thriving community until the coming of the railway which changed the village as it expanded into Sussex.