The Sussex Archaeological Society was founded in 1846. It’s a registered charity dedicated to researching and preserving the history and archaeology of Sussex. If you’re looking for an interesting Sussex experience or historic places to visit, their sites are an excellent place to start.
You may know the Sussex Archaeological Society online via its website, Sussex Past. They have six museums with extensive collections, they care for 10 listed buildings, six scheduled monuments, a registered park and garden and have a dedicated research library. They also host various walks, talks, and conferences on Sussex’s archaeology and history. You’ll find their properties spread across Sussex.
Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens, Chichester
A must visit for any Roman lovers is Fishbourne Roman Palace. This is the largest Roman home in Britain and dates to about 75 AD. It was rediscovered in 1805 and has yielded up thousands of artefacts. The palace had four residential wings surrounding a formal courtyard garden of 250 by 320 feet (75 by 100 metres). There was also a large aisled assembly hall, state rooms, a ceremonial reception room and a gallery, and the palace had mosaic floors, under-floor central heating and a bathhouse. There is more information about it at the Novium Museum in Chichester built over the remains of a Roman bathhouse and if you love Roman history don’t forget to also visit Bignor Roman Villa (although these latter two sites are not owned or run by The Sussex Archaeological Society).
Marlipins Museum, Shoreham
Marlipins is a striking Grade II listed Norman building in the High Street in Shoreham. It is the oldest secular building in Britain and is thought to have been a custom house. These days it houses a fantastic selection of items which include maritime artefacts, medical instruments and old photos.
The Priest House & Gardens, West Hoathly
Hopelessly pretty (even on a bleak day), the Priest House is a 15th century property probably first occupied by a bailiff or steward who managed the surrounding estate and manor. It has been owned by Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell, Anne of Cleves, Mary I and Elizabeth I. It’s small but contains some diverse and fascinating collections in the downstairs rooms and bedrooms upstairs.
Lewes
Lewes has so much history, it’s no surprise that the Sussex Archaeological Society has a foothold here. In fact, a discovery at Lewes Priory is what sparked the original idea for the Society way back in 1845. The priory is free to visit and is an important part of a historical visit to the town (although it is not owned or run by The Sussex Archaeological Society).
Lewes Castle & Museum
Lewes Castle is a Norman castle first built shortly after 1066 by William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey. It’s a motte and bailey design but has two mottes which is unusual. It also housed soldiers who fought in the Battle of Lewes in 1264. You can climb the two towers which both have amazing views of Lewes and the South Downs. There’s also a small museum (you pass through it when you get your tickets to the castle) with all sorts of archaeological artefacts.
Anne of Cleves House
The Anne of Cleves House is a moderate walk from the castle. It’s a timber-framed, 15th century house that was given to Anne of Cleves as part of her divorce settlement with Henry VIII – although she never lived there. These days you can visit the Tudor kitchen, the parlour, a bedroom and a Tudor inspired garden as well as see various domestic artefacts.
The Lewes property is not the only property Anne of Cleves received as Henry VIII also gave her Wing’s Place in Ditchling, although this reverted to the Crown after her death in 1557. It’s now privately owned and came on the market at a mere £2.25 million in 2023. And of course, as mentioned above, The Priest House was also owned by Anne of Cleves for a while.
Bull House
Bull House in Lewes High Street reopened to the public in 2023 after nearly 50 years. It’s the former residence of the influential radical thinker and pamphleteer Thomas Paine and is a 15th century timber-framed house, with 17th century satyr carvings.
Michelham Priory House & Gardens, near Eastbourne
Michelham Priory was founded in 1229 and happened to play quite a pivotal role as the backdrop to my youth (but that’s another story). It sits in seven acres of grounds with kitchen, physic and Medieval herb gardens complete with sculptures. You enter via the 15th century gatehouse and can visit a variety of different rooms including the kitchen, dining rooms and bedrooms. There are different collections that cover the Medieval period right up to WWII.
The Long Man of Wilmington, near Eastbourne
The Long Man of Wilmington is free to visit. He is 235 feet (72 m) tall, holds two “staves” and is carved into the chalk on the side of the South Downs. Shrouded in mystery about his origins, there is a car park nearby and you can walk to the base of his feet and on up past him. He certainly adds a touch of something special to a walk.
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