The history of Falmer Pond
This iconic pond has a long history, from Saxon times to tadpoles during WW2.
The Friends are committed to securing that history for future generations.
Background - Skaters on Falmer Pond, 1990s
Origin
Falmer is a small downland village which retains its rural attractiveness despite its close proximity to Brighton and Hove city. It is a recognised beauty spot.
The village is recorded in the Domesday Book as 'Falemere' which is a Saxon name. There are two possible meanings for the name. One is Fala's Mere, a pond belonging to Fala who may have been a Saxon chieftain. Or possibly Fallows Mere, which means a dark pool.
Both of these possible meanings confirm that Falmer Pond was in existence in Saxon times.
Voices
“Oh, happy memories of Falmer pond before the war. Tadpoles, newts, frogs and a wonderful way to spend a Saturday with the ‘gang’. Out all day from early morning, Mum’s last call before we left, “Enjoy yourselves and don’t be late for tea.” A never to be forgotten past…”
“My tadpole collection spot was Falmer pond and the dew ponds on the road to the Beacon. Punch lots of holes in the bottom of a baked bean tin with a meat skewer, tie a length of string to it, and rush to the other side of the pond and pull it through the water. Didn’t matter if you never caught anything, it was just a fun way for kid to spend an entire day…”
“Happy memories of the pond at Falmer catching newts and frogs spawn to take home and frighten my aunts, really good fun, until i got caught…”
“They drove Bren Gun Carriers through the pond during the war which helped ‘puddle’ the clay and keep a good seal…”
