228 'THE TERRACE AT FITTLEWORTH'
by E. Wilkins Waite (1854-1924)

Fittleworth lies approximately midway between Petworth and Pulbrough in deepest Sussex. Those who visit Arundel Castle and Roman Bignor, will make a point of routing their journey through this tiny, almost untouched and engaging village.

A valuable detour, this is one of many which show the beauty of the southern county that boasts tranquillity even today. Recognised for its climatic benefits, and protected from the ravages of bad weather along the English Channel by the high contours of the South Downs, English kings as well as Roman dignitaries have held this part of England with much affection.

The climate of the local region encourages the finest flowers to bloom into profusion, and even vines bore grapes fomented into palatable wines for Roman husbandry. The heady Victorian days when this prolific artist lived and worked, offered the real beauty of peace in the rural countryside. There were no machines here. Even the local steam railway found it uneconomic to include Fittleworth as an important halt.

Perhaps peace was less valued than it is today because work was so hard. Individuals endured long working hours seven days a week. Hardship was common and deep Winter's cold ensured life-span to be far shorter than today.

Historically, the village name claims a very interesting origin in etimological terms. Annually selected players would recreate 'King George and the Dragon', the so-called Fittleworth Play. 'Fytte' or 'fitt' is the division of a song or Ballad. Though occasionally performed between the two wars, the ballad was an annual event until 1914. Garishley costumed 'Mummers' or 'Tipteers' (Tippled Quoits players?) performed parts of this rather obscure re-creation of their unique Christmas-time pantomime sketch. The Tipteers would travel the surrounding villages visiting door-to-door, politely requesting a performance before family audiences. The net result from receiving the reward of a few pence and a drink in each home was inevitable!

Edward Wilkins Waite was a prolific landscape painter who lived just outside Blackheath, and later at Reigate and Dorking. He was a member of the New Watercolour Society and exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1878. His picture titles include 'The Daisy Field, Fittleworth', 'The Pineapple Inn', 'Boxhill Bridge', 'Hatch Farm', 'Silent Highway', 'The Water Mill' and 'Autumn at the Mill' amongst many others.