If you love a little History read on.... If you're all about the now skip to Today, just below. 

THE PLACE:  

The name Rotherfield is recorded from the 8th century and is likely to relate to the area and to predate any nucleated settlement. The Old English form of feld – means ‘open country of the cattle’. In the Weald, the field (Old English feld) element is strongly associated with ridges and, more specifically, areas of later medieval ‘downland’ or common. The ‘open country’ sense of feld suggests that woodland was thinner than elsewhere in the Weald or had been cleared and kept so by grazing. 

THE BUILDINGS: 

 Rotherfield has 22 surviving buildings, or groups of buildings, that have been identified as dating from between 1500 and 1800: two from the 16th century, nine from the 17th century, and 11 from the 18th century. Timber framing dominates this period, even being used into the 18th century, but the Catts Inn, is unusual for the pre-1800 buildings in Rotherfield in that it is entirely of brick. 

THE PUB:

Since 1741, the Catts has been at the heart of the community. But did you know it is rumoured to pre-date that as a drinking house, apparently it was formerly a Tavern known as the Swan, so a tipple may have been enjoyed here since around 1635. What we do know is many generations have lived and loved the Catts Inn! 

THE PEOPLE:

Be a part of History, enjoy the company of our friendly village and a visit a truly historic Inn!