Sat 11 Sept: Annual Conference - Sussex in Roman Britain
This conference will explore the experience of Roman-ness in Sussex throughout the four centuries that Britain was part of the Roman Empire, and how its distinctive experience varied between large settlements like Chichester, the countryside and the iron-rich areas of the Weald. Our speakers are Ernest Black, John Manley, David Rudling, Tony King, Jeremy Hodgkinson, James Kenny and Miles Russell. For more information see here
Time: 10am – 5pm
Meet: Chichester Lecture Theatre, University of Sussex, Falmer
Cost: £30 (£20 student rate)
Sat 25 Sept: World War I discoveries at the Devil's Dyke
Leader: Martin Snow
This is an opportunity to view the recently identified remains of the 1918 bomb testing range that challenge previously held ideas. The tour will also consider some of the other uses and features of the area, from the prehistoric, medieval myths, Victorian pleasure ground, military use in two world wars and the conflicts of modern ideals.
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Cost: £5 (price does not include £2 parking fee. NT members may park for free)
Maximum no: 25
Meet: Viewpoint seat north of the Dyke Hotel car park, TQ258111
Thurs 30 Sept: Bishopstone Tidemills
Leader: Luke Barber
This year’s tour will be in two parts. A general tour of the whole site (1.30 – 3pm) for those who have not visited before or want a refresher, and a specific tour (3.15 – 4.15pm) of the most recent discoveries of the ongoing research project. For both tours, park in car park on south side of A259 Newhaven to Seaford (NGR 464 005) but meet by railway level crossing (a short walk south, down the concrete road from the car park).
General Tour
Time: 1.30pm – 3pm
Cost: £5
Maximum no: 20
Recent Discoveries
Time: 3.15pm – 4.15pm
Cost: £5
Maximum no: 20
You may book for both if you wish, at a combined cost of £6.
Sun 17 October: A Stroll around Falmer village
Leader: Margaret Thorburn
The stroll around Falmer village will identify earlier locations and the Pelham influence of the 18th and 19th centuries. There will be an introductory explanation of the parish from the medieval period, not forgetting the Mesolithic activity found on the new stadium site.
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Cost: £6 (includes £1 donation to Falmer church)
Maximum no: 25
Meet: Falmer Pond 354 088
Sat 23 October: Found and Lost: Southwick Roman Villa
Speaker: Jeff Leigh (rescheduled from June)
The Roman villa at Southwick was gradually uncovered during the nineteenth century, and even excavated in about 1845. Modern excavations took place in 1931, 1965 and 1981, but most of the finds have been lost. Although an anonymous donor bought the site for the Sussex Archaeological Trust in 1932, it could not be safeguarded, and the site was sold for development. Today a Methodist church covers the site of the villa.
Time: 4pm – 5pm
Meet: The Exhibition Gallery, Marlipins Museum, 36 High Street, Shoreham
Cost: £4
Maximum number: 50
Sunday 24 October: Medieval and 16th century Rye
Leader: David Martin
After the recent publication of ‘Rye Rebuilt’, this will be an opportunity to be guided around the street of the town, hearing about the buildings at first hand. Rye was a significant and wealthy town in the late medieval period, but rose to particular importance following the collapse of adjacent Winchelsea around 1500. Sadly, because of access difficulties, the interiors of buildings will not be visited.
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Meet: The Rope Walk entrance to Market car park, off Cinque Ports Street. NGR TQ 9208 2061
Cost: £5
Maximum number: 20
Sun 7 November: Visit to the Middle Street Synagogue, Brighton
Leader: Godfrey Gould
Brighton has some interesting but little known buildings of which this synagogue is one, described by Anthony Dale in The Churches of Brighton (1989) as "certainly, after the Royal Pavilion, the most spectacular interior in Brighton". It is now thought by specialists to be one of the best of its period in Europe. Designed and built in 1874-75, the fairly austere façade (although the yellow brick is enlivened by stone and red and blue tile details) conceals a rich interior of mosaic, marble and brass on a basilican plan with rare surviving galleries.
The Sassoons (who owned houses in Brighton and Hove) were the chief but not the only well known patrons. The interior is laid out still as it was by 1912. The role of the Ark in the apse and the elaborate structure called an almemmar or bima in the centre of the building are amongst the features which will be explained by Godfrey Gould and his team of supporters who will give a very good summary of the history of the Jewish Community in Brighton, of how this building developed and how it is used for worship.
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Meet: At the Synagaogue
Cost: £8 (includes £5 a head to the Synagogue)
Maximum number: 40
Sat 13 November: Archaeology of woodland talk
Speaker: Vivienne Blandford
There can be a wealth of archaeological features hidden in woodland. In almost every wood it is possible to find evidence of past human activity from woodland management and related enterprises to evidence of pre woodland settlement and field systems. This talk will focus on what can be found in woodlands and how the use of LiDar surveys can enhance the exploration of woodland archaeology.
Time: 11am – midday
Meet: Education Resource Centre, Barbican House, 169 High Street, Lewes
Cost: £5
Maximum no: 35
Sat 29 January 2011: Talk on Sussex Folklore
Speaker: Dr Geoff Doel
Some of the most ancient and fascinating folk customs are rooted in seasonal practices – observances of the farming calendar often linked with religious associations. We will explore their early significance and current survivals and revivals. Festivals include Shrovetide, Easter, May Day, Rogationtide, Harvest, Bonfire Night and Christmas and genres include May garlands, the Jack in the Green, Beating the Bounds, Bonfire Societies, Mummers Plays and Apple Wassailing.
Time: 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Meet: Education Resource Centre, Barbican House, 169 High Street, Lewes
Cost: £5
Maximum no: 35
