BRIGHTLING, a parish in the hundred of NETHERFIELD, rape of HASTINGS, county of SUSSEX, 4 miles (S. W.) from Battle, containing 641 inhabitants. The living is a rectory, in the archdeaconry .of Lewes, and diocese of Chichester, rated in the king's books at £11, and in the patronage of the Rev. J. B. Hayley. The church, dedicated to St. Thomas a Becket, is principally in the later 'style of English architecture. Mary Herbert, in 1728, gave £200, which, aided by other benefactions, now produces £ 10 per annum, for which eleven girls are instructed; and there is a fund kept in reserve for the future erection of a school-room.