The insignia as so described, has become generally accepted as Hailsham’s official Town Crest and is sported by many of the town’s clubs and societies. It is also included on the Badge of the Town Mayor, which is worn on all official occasions and at local functions.
The Hailsham Town Crest was originally designed by a parish councillor (unknown) and adopted by the Town Council for use on all official documents. It was created by a local resident in the form of a shield, which was presented to the council, and now hangs in the Town Council Offices at The Inglenook in Market Square. The resident responsible for painting the shield was Mr P.V. Collings, a reitired artist assigned to produce work for the The Royal Family.
The shield is divided into four sectors. The upper left of these shows the six gold martlets and crown of the armorial bearings of the County of East Sussex. The remaining three quadrants each depict a facet of the town’s history or culture.
The upper right shows a sheaf of corn, crook and rake, to illustrate the agricultural and rural connection from which Hailsham derived its status as a market town.
The lower right shows a mill, of which Hailsham originally had several of this type – although it is believed that this represents the last surviving mill – Hamlin’s Mill in Mill Road (the remains of ancillary buildings can still be seen) and again represents Hailsham’s close connection with the farming industry.
Finally, the lower left quadrant depicts a ball of twine and rope “dolly”, representing Hailsham’s later entry into light industry, in the form of ropemaking, which supported several factories and numerous “ropewalks” within the town’s boundaries. These have all but disappeared, with the Marlow Ropes factory in South Road, relocating in 2006.
If you require additional information about the Hailsham Town Crest, please contact the Town Council on 01323 841702.