evidence of a Roman road from Leap Cross across the Common indicates some occupation prior to this. Market town status Henry III granted the town a Market Charter in 1252. Originally, the market was held in the High Street and in Market Square, only moving to its present location in 1868. Sheep and cattle were driven from miles around along the various ancient droves until the arrival of the railway station and motor lorries. Today, the weekly livestock markets, together with the monthly farmers’ market continue whilst stall markets are held weekly in the town centre on Saturdays or Thursdays. Dates of significance Hailsham was an ancient British settlement that existed before the Romans invaded Kent and Sussex in 43 AD. The Anglo Saxons invaded Sussex in the year 477 AD. 1154 to 1189: Sir Richard Covert of Bradbridge was Lord of the "Manor of Haylesham". 1228: Advowson of "Haylesham Church" granted to Michelham Priory. 1234: Salt pan workings extracted salt from the tidal waters (hence, the areas of Saltmarsh and Marshfoot). 1252: Henry III granted Market Charter to the Royal favourite, Peter of Savoy. 1263: Gilbert, son of Gilbert Godseb drowned while bathing in "Haylesham Pond" (now known as the Common Pond.) 1264: Benedict the Jew of "Heylesham" was "outlawed" would have been religious persecution for clipping the King's coin. 1399 to 1413: Troy weights were introduced to the Market. Early consumer protections move. 1425 to 1450: St Mary's Church, Hailsham built (present structure). 1540 to 1640: Hailsham was one of the chief centres of leatherwork and tanning (using local oak bark) due to being a thriving cattle market town. 1542: Fleur-de-Lys Inn built in Market Street (later to be the Parish Workhouse, and now Town Council Offices). 1559: Uprising of the inhabitants of Hailsham who burnt part of the church. 1581: Manor of "Haylesham" granted to Gregory, Lord Dacre of Herstmonceux. 1603: James VI of Scotland declared King of England - probably from the market cross in Market Square in "Haylysham". 1663: First five bells cast for Hailsham Church at Bellbanks (Common Pond) by John Hodson. 1708: Hailsham Vicarage built next to Parish Church (now known as "The Grange"). 1800: The Stone Cross in Market Square removed as being an obstacle to carts and wagons. 1803: Barracks established on Hailsham Common (between Summerfields Road and London Road) to house troops for the war with France (dismantled in 1815