Sussex Past

This time next week, we’ll be welcoming Daryl Holter, Sussex Police’s Heritage Crime Officer, to kick off our first Autumn Talk of the season!

Join us as Daryl shares insights on “Heritage Crime: The Threats to Our Shared Heritage”.

14 October, 7.30pm via Zoom. More: https://loom.ly/PabgNA8

We're delighted to announce the first instalment of our Autumn Talk Series. Join us on Tuesday 14th October, as we're joined by Daryl Holter, Heritage Crime Officer for Sussex Police. Book your ticket here:
https://loom.ly/PabgNA8

Speaker Spotlight: Sue Harrington

At our Annual Conference, Sūþseaxna: New Research from the Early Medieval Record, Sue will explore the 5th–6th century burials at Highdown Hill - a site famed for its exquisite glass vessels and Quoit Brooch Style artefacts.

Book now: https://loom.ly/rqlnFNI

Autumn has arrived at The Priest House in West Hoathly 🍄

Find out more about visiting: https://loom.ly/HVDpaOY

New Trustees and Committee Members Sought for The Sussex Archaeological Society - Sussex Past Could you play an integral role in providing strategic oversight and governance to The Sussex Archaeological Society? If so, we would love to hear from you! The Sussex Archaeological Society (a company limited by guarantee and registered as a charity) was founded in 1846 and is believed to be the oldest society of its type … Continued

We are recruiting new Trustees and Committee Members! Play a key role in shaping the future of our historic sites across Sussex. We're especially seeking experience in fundraising, education, or heritage property, or a particular interest in one of our properties. More: https://loom.ly/_2uYlP4

The Sussex Archaeological Society Conference - Sūþseaxna: New Research from the Early Medieval Record - Sussex Past The Sussex Archaeological Society's Annual Conference: Sūþseaxna: New Research from the Early Medieval Record on Saturday 8 November at University of Sussex.

What can the cemeteries, landscapes, and artefacts of Sussex tell us about life between the end of Roman Britain and the eve of the Norman Conquest? 🏺 Join us on Sat 8 Nov for our Annual Conference - Sūþseaxna: New Research from the Early Medieval Record.

More here: https://loom.ly/rqlnFNI

We are very pleased to announce that Natasha Williams, joining us from English Heritage, has been appointed as the Society’s new Director of Lewes Properties, starting in September. We can't wait to welcome her to the team!

New Trustees and Committee Members Sought for The Sussex Archaeological Society - Sussex Past Could you play an integral role in providing strategic oversight and governance to The Sussex Archaeological Society? If so, we would love to hear from you! The Sussex Archaeological Society (a company limited by guarantee and registered as a charity) was founded in 1846 and is believed to be the oldest society of its type … Continued

We are recruiting new Trustees and Committee Members! Play a key role in shaping the future of our historic sites across Sussex. We're especially seeking experience in fundraising, education, or heritage property, or a particular interest in one of our properties. More: https://loom.ly/_2uYlP4

The Sussex Archaeological Society Conference - Sūþseaxna: New Research from the Early Medieval Record - Sussex Past The Sussex Archaeological Society's Annual Conference: Sūþseaxna: New Research from the Early Medieval Record on Saturday 8 November at University of Sussex.

Just announced 📣 The Sussex Archaeological Society Annual Conference: Sūþseaxna: New Research from the Early Medieval Record
Join us for a day of fascinating insight into the Early Medieval period in Sussex. Tickets start at £20, and can be booked here: https://loom.ly/rqlnFNI

Are you ready for a new challenge?

We're looking for two senior leaders ready to drive meaningful change at one of Sussex’s oldest heritage organisations. Deadline for applications is 4 August at midnight.

Find out more and apply: https://loom.ly/IMnoQpY

Dr Matt Pope giving a short speech at the unveiling of the Blue Plaque to E. Cecil Curwen in Median Villas Hove. Also shown are (from left to right): Richard Bianco, Dr Keith Sharpe, chairman of the Brighton and Hove Commemorative Plaque Panel and Cllr Amanda Grimshaw, Mayor of Brighton and Hove.

Dr Matt Pope, Vice Chair of The Sussex Archaeological Society, spoke at a Blue Plaque unveiling on 21st June in Hove, celebrating E. Cecil Curwen’s legacy in British #archaeology. Discover more about this tribute and Richard's efforts here: https://loom.ly/896_IS4

The Priest House Open Garden tomorrow, Sat 28 June 🌼
As part of the #NationalGardenScheme, which raises money for charities like Macmillan Cancer Support and Parkinson's UK, our beautiful cottage garden will be open for visitors, and there'll be tea and cake to enjoy ☕🍰 https://loom.ly/CoC0RbQ

Volunteering with Sussex Past - Sussex Past Want to make friends, contribute to the community and help preserve Sussex’s past? Volunteer with The Sussex Archaeological Society. Recruiting now!

Love Sussex’s history? Join our amazing volunteer team at Sussex Past! Whether you’re welcoming visitors, helping in our gift shops, or supporting behind the scenes, you’ll gain new skills, meet like-minded people, and help preserve our local heritage. Find out more: https://loom.ly/WX8UtX8

Could you be our next Membership Officer? This temporary part-time role is based in Lewes, hybrid working available. You'll be the primary point of contact for our Members, engaging with supporters and contributing to the Society's future direction. Apply by 2nd July. More: https://loom.ly/IMnoQpY

It’s #VolunteersWeek and we’re celebrating the amazing people who donate their time to bring Sussex’s history to life.

From tours to gardening, our volunteers do it all – thank you!

Want to join them? Explore our current roles across #Sussex:
🔗 sussexpast.co.uk/become-a-vol...

Volunteering with Sussex Past - Sussex Past Want to make friends, contribute to the community and help preserve Sussex’s past? Volunteer with The Sussex Archaeological Society. Recruiting now!

Exciting news – we’ve launched a brand new volunteering initiative! 🎉

Got a few hours to spare each week? Whether you’re passionate about helping visitors create memories, getting stuck in with maintenance, or supporting educational activities, there’s a role to suit everyone. Find out more 👇

What an evening! Huge thanks to all who joined the Long Man Lecture. Prof. Alexandra Harris shared rich, moving insights into how landscapes shape memory and imagination.

Hop into history this Easter with Sussex Past - Sussex Past 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

Hop into history this Easter with Sussex Past 🐣🏰

From dino egg hunts & Roman rabbit trails to animal encounters & hands-on crafts – family fun awaits at @romanpalace.bsky.social, Michelham Priory & Lewes Castle.

Explore, play, discover: sussexpast.co.uk/easter-susse...

Who walked these hills before us, and what stories did they leave behind?

The Long Man Lecture is just around the corner! Join Prof Alexandra Harris on Tue 8 Apr. Discover how generations have shaped Sussex at our annual fundraiser.

Book now: sussexpast.co.uk/event/the-long-man-lecture-2025/

Incredible achievement! Well done @romanpalace.bsky.social 👏

One of our beloved heritage properties, The Priest House in West Hoathly reopens for the season this weekend and we can't wait to welcome visitors once again.

Plan your visit here: sussexpast.co.uk/attraction/t...

Join us for the final Spring Talk of the season, all about the Long Man of Wilmington! 🏛️ Prof. Martin Bell & Chris Butler explore its origins, context & new theories.

📅 Tues 25 Feb, 7.30pm (Zoom)
🔗 Book now: sussexpast.co.uk/event/spring...

Learn more: finds.org.uk/database/art...

This #ValentinesDay, discover a love token from the past, recorded by the Sussex Finds Liaison Team. From the 15th-17th centuries, lovers exchanged posy rings - gold or silver bands engraved with romantic messages. This 17th C ring, found near Chichester reads: "Hurt not ye ❤️ hoos joy thou art."

#OnThisDay 200 years ago, Gideon Mantell’s paper introduced Iguanodon as the first identified herbivorous dinosaur, recognised from its teeth! His discovery began in 1822 when he & his wife Mary-Ann found large fossilised teeth in #WestSussex

sussexpast.co.uk/event/spring...

Why were wild boar so important in ancient Sussex?

This tiny copper-alloy boar (50 BC–100 AD) is one of many found in Sussex - but was it a statue, a sacred object, or something more?

Join Dr Reb Ellis-Haken tomorrow for our next Spring Talk!

📅 Tues 4 Feb, 7.30pm via Zoom

Definitely counts as research!

Spring Talk: Dr Reb Ellis-Haken 'Porcines in the Late Iron Age Art of Sussex' - Sussex Past Explore the significance of late Iron Age and early Roman porcine figurines discovered in Sussex, as this talk delves into their cultural, ritual, and artistic importance, drawing on insights from a r...

🐷 Why were pig figurines so popular in Iron Age & Roman Sussex? Fashion, ritual, or local identity?

Join Dr Reb Ellis-Haken for a fascinating talk exploring these mysterious finds!

📅 Tues 4 Feb, 7. 30pm, Zoom
🔗 Book here: sussexpast.co.uk/event/spring...

The Long Man Lecture 2025: Professor Alexandra Harris: Neighbours Through Time - Local Lives, Infinite Visions - Sussex Past Join us at the second annual Long Man Lecture, hosted by cultural historian and University of Birmingham professor, Alexandra Harris - Tuesday 8th April.

Book your Early Bird discounted tickets here: sussexpast.co.uk/event/the-lo...