The extent to which the Anglo-Saxons used and maintained the route, reflects the changes in government and economic activity which took place after the end of Roman rule in Britain. Although Londinium had been abandoned as a city by the 5th century, the sphere of influence of its successor, Lundenwick, was sufficiently large to ensure the retention of the stretch of road between Ewell and Southwark. The emergence of Sussex as a political entity, decreased the importance of the north-south roads leading across the Weald to the former Roman capital and so much of the rest of Stane Street was abandoned. The route between Alfoldean and Pulborough, which connects Billingshurst with two crossing points of the River Arun (and is followed by the A29 today), was probably maintained as a local link. Similarly, the 5-mile stretch of road to the east of Chichester was a useful route to ascend onto the South Downs (and is followed by the A285 today). Elsewhere the road was lightly used and, in some areas, all traces were eliminated by ploughing or urban development.