The town of Horsham is pleasantly situated on the liver Arun, in the
county of Sussex, about 36 miles S. by W. of London. It is a borough,
and contains the county gaol. The spring assizes are likewise held here.
Horsham is of considerable antiquity. It was founded by Horsa, the
Saxon, about the year A.D. 450, to employ his soldiers while he was
enslaved by the captivating chains of a lovely country girl, the
daughter of a woodman in the forest. The town was named after himself,
Horsa, and the Saxon word Ham, signifying a home. Horsa was killed in
Kent, in a battle fought between the Britons and the Saxons, and was
buried at Horsted, named also after him, Horsa, and Sted, signifying a
place. The foundation of the church is uncertain; but it can be traced
as far back as the reign of Henry I. A.D. 1100. The oldest tombstone in
the church is to the memory of Robert Hurst, of Hurst Hill, in this
county, who died 1483.[1] The church is at the southern extremity of the
town, at the foot of Denne, or Dane Hill, on the summit of which is an
artificial mound, raised by the Danes after the death of Guthrum, their
chief, to defend themselves from Alfred the Great. The top of this mound
commands an extensive view, a most prominent feature of which is a part
of the forest of St. Leonard, called Mike Mills' Race, a beautiful
avenue, a mile and a quarter long, containing about 15,000 full-grown
trees. There is a legend connected with this "race," viz. that this
part of Horsham Forest was the haunt of Mike Mills, a noted smuggler,
whom his Satanic Majesty had often endeavoured to carry off in vain.
He therefore determined on attacking him in his strong hold; and
accordingly met Mike one night accompanied by other more congenial
spirits, when old Nick challenged Mike as his property. Mike, nothing
daunted, set down his tubs, took advantage of Nick's old age, and
challenged him to a race. "If you can catch me, Nick, before I get to
the end of the avenue, you shall have me; if not, you'll have nothing
more to do with me."--"Agreed," says Nick. Away ran Mike--away ran Nick.
Nick being of too hot a temperament was soon knocked up, and Mike won
the race by half a mile; from which circumstance the place was named,
and Mike Mills rendered immortal.