Handcross had a wayside cross at the intersection of the highways, as was common at the time of the Reformation. Such crosses served the double purpose of exciting the devotion of wayfarers and of directing them on the road. Another fanciful derivation of the name is that the Balcombe Road and the four other roads represent the thumb and four fingers of the hand. Of an even greater age are three bronze loops. These loops belong to the third period of the Bronze Age, about 1,000 B.C. One - described as elegant bronze ornament- is held by the Society of Antiquaries, Newcastle-on-Tyne where it is labeled "Found at Handcross, Sussex". All Saint's Church Handcross The Red Lion Handcross The village of Handcross houses the greater part of the Parish population. Its High Street accommodates a variety of shops including, Hardware, Confectionery, Carpets, Antiques, Supermarket, Animal Husbandry, Florist, Butchers, Public House, Carvery/Pub, Post Office, Forge, and Kitchen Design Studio. Two Doctors Surgeries are also in the High Street, as well as the Parish Hall and Social Club. Nymans Gardens (National Trust) and High Beeches Gardens are in the village. Nymans Gardens Village activities are numerous including: Help at Hand, Handcross Association, Handcross Youth Club, Royal British Legion, Church Mustard Seed Group, Handcross and District Outing Club, Tiddlywinks Toddlers Group, The Dorcas Group, Rosemary Club, W.I., Gardeners Club, Allotment Association, Les Bonnes Boules, Rifle Club, Cricket Club, Village Football Club, Junior Football Club, Stoolball Club.