James Gray: The reason for the people in the roadway and for the photographs being taken was the fallen telegraph posts. The story which was told to me was for some reason the pole seen in the photograph, lying in the road just above Ashford Road, collapsed and brought down with it several other poles lower down Ditchling Road until that seen in the next view. This one was supported by the central tram standard. I do not know the cause of this collapse. This view was taken near the junction with Ashford Road. Note the vacant land available for building above the railings of St Matthias Church. jgc_20_149
James Gray: Another view of the collapsed telegraph pole. [See also jgc_20_149 above.] jgc_20_150
2018: The junction is now controlled by traffic signals. The tram passenger shelter is no longer in front of what is now the Fiveways branch of the Co-op, on the corner of Ditchling Road and Preston Drove. (Photographer: Andrew Renaut)
James Gray: Yet another of the many photographs of the fallen standards in Ditchling Road, in June 1914. This was taken in the area we know as Five Ways today. At the left is Preston Drove, the corner shop being Steward’s, the Hosiers. On the same side, note the vacant land between Hythe and Sandgate Roads, with the board stating that the site was for a church and school, a project that never developed. jgc_20_153
2018: (Photographer: Andrew Renaut)
James Gray: At the turn of the century a few houses were being built in Ditchling Road above Hollingbury Road and the surrounding area was developing. A church was needed to serve this district and Mr C.W. Catt offered the land for it. Money was given and lent, and also raised on £1 Bonds. jgc_20_155
James Gray: On December 15, 1906 the foundation stone of the permanent church was laid and on 25 July 1907, Bishop Wilberforce dedicated this first portion (second stage, see previous photograph). jgc_20_157
2018: The side extension to 45 Hollingbury Park Avenue (the Vicarage) now obscures the view of the southern side of St Matthias Church. (Photographer: Andrew Renault)
James Gray: In 1910, the extension was started (third stage) and the completed church was consecrated on 11 January 1912. jgc_20_158
2018: St Matthias Church in 2018, little changed apart from the prominent banner for the Alpha courses held there. These courses explore the basics of the Christian faith in an informal environment. (Photographer: Andrew Renaut)
James Gray: This large rambling house, [Boundary House] was built at the end of the last century on the site of an old cottage which stood by the Ditchling Road toll-gate and which in its later years was occupied by a ladder maker. This cottage was on the site of the front room to the left of the entrance door, shown in the next photograph and stood about 15 feet beyond the old pre-1928 boundary wall that is still to be seen at the rear of the houses in Osbourne Road. This view shows the rear of Boundary House from the lawn of the extensive garden. Date of photographs 30 April 1956. The house was demolished in March 1957 prior to building of bungalows on the garden site. jgc_20_159
James Gray: [See caption for jgc_20_159 above.] jgc_20_160
2018: (Photographer: Max Page)
James Gray: [Hollingbury Court]: I do not know when this large house was built, but it was there by 1901. It became a school in 1928 after which the long western extension was added. About 1950 a portion of the grounds was detached and the house known as Hollingbury Copse were built there. The school was given up in 1961, the buildings were demolished and the whole area was laid out for building. jgc_20_169