On Saturday 21st June, the Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Amanda Grimshaw unveiled a Blue Plaque in Medina Villas Hove, placed in honour of E. Cecil Curwen, the much-respected pioneering archaeologist and prehistorian. The plaque was the passion-project of Richard Bianco who now lives in the house and who discovered and then meticulously researched E. … Continued
Celebrating our incredible volunteers at Sussex Past during Volunteers Week 2025! Happy Volunteers’ Week 2025! We’re so grateful for the amazing volunteers who make a huge difference at Sussex Past. Their skills and dedication hugely impact the work we do. Whether caring for gardens, supporting our collections, archiving, creating memorable visitor experiences, or running our … Continued
To mark the anniversary of the Battle of Lewes, we’re offering a special 2-for-1 entry to Lewes Castle and Anne of Cleves House – the cheapest ticket is free! No need to pre-book, but if you do, just book for the number of paying guests and we’ll issue the free tickets upon arrival. Valid on 10th … Continued
A warm welcome to the Blue Door Café at Michelham Priory – Now open! Visitors to Michelham Priory House & Gardens are in for an extra treat with the grand opening of The Blue Door Café – a beautifully transformed space offering delicious homemade lunches, sweet treats, and expertly crafted barista coffee. Locally sourced, lovingly … Continued
Hop into history this Easter with Sussex Past – Family fun across our historic sites! This Easter, Sussex Past invites families to spring into action with a range of egg-citing events across three of Sussex’s most fascinating heritage sites: Fishbourne Roman Palace, Michelham Priory, and Lewes Castle & Museum. With engaging activities, captivating history and … Continued
Visitors to Michelham Priory House & Gardens are in for a treat this Easter with the grand opening of The Blue Door Café. This brand-new addition to the historic site promises to serve up delicious homemade lunches, sweet treats, and expertly crafted barista coffee, all made with the finest local ingredients. The cafe opens in … Continued
Members of Sussex Past are invited to take part in a fantastic opportunity this April, as part of the Changing Chalk Partnership Running on Wednesday 16th April from 10am to 3pm, Members can take part in a Downs From Above session at Saddlescombe Farm, near Brighton. Session Overview: The day will be split into two … Continued
A Gift for Her: Mums Go Free This Mother’s Day This Mother’s Day, we’re saying a big thank you to all the mums, grandmas, and female role models by offering free entry for mums at our Sussex Past sites on Sunday 30th March. Bring her along for a special day out – whether she loves … Continued
Renowned cultural historian Professor Alexandra Harris to deliver the second annual Long Man Lecture on behalf of The Sussex Archaeological Society: Neighbours Through Time – Local Lives, Infinite Visions Who has been here before us, looking up at the Sussex hills? What did they see? In the lecture, the perspectives of poets will mix with … Continued
Today is Gooding Day! Observed on 21st December, St. Thomas’s Day, this traditional custom was prevalent in parts of Sussex and other regions of England. On this day, it was customary for poorer parishioners to visit wealthier neighbours to receive gifts or ‘doles’ of food or money. In return, they might offer sprigs of holly … Continued