Growing Together - Horsham’s Town Allotments

In local Horsham historian Dr Maggie Weir-Wilson's latest book, we learn about her passion for allotmenteering and about the history and endurance which has ensured allotments continue to be available across our nation for its people to grow fresh, healthy food for their families, and increase their wellbeing. Maggie has been an allotment holder in Horsham for more than ten years and has spent much of the last two years researching the fascinating history of Horsham town's allotment sites, set in the context of our nations battle for the right to establish and hold allotments. From Gerrard Winstanley's initial determination, through to the Swing Riots and Mary Ann Gilbert's experimentation, Sussex, Kent and Surrey have been among the forerunners of the battle to ensure, in the words of Winstanley, "... the earth should be set free from the entanglements of priests and landlords and become a common treasury." In the 17th century Winstanley was determined that local communities would share land, growing their own food so no one went hungry. An equal society invested in their local land and community. In some circles, Winstanley is still seen as the earliest activist in the international allotment movement.

Maggie has delved into local archives to uncover the history of each of Horsham's allotment sites, and spoken to many of the committees and plot holders. Her book looks at a history of the establishment of allotments in England, but most importantly it is a celebration of Horsham's allotments. In addition to the local history it uncovers, the book considers the important social activities and exciting new environmentally friendly developments which take these allotment sites into the future.