Ancient Sussex

Embark on a captivating journey through the Ancient Sussex series, featuring five talks and tours showcasing the rich history and architectural wonders of the region. Begin in Chichester, where Roman walls and a beautiful cathedral await. Then, venture to Arundel, a town steeped in Roman and Saxon heritage, boasting the grand Arundel Cathedral and majestic Arundel Castle. In Petworth, explore the charming market town renowned for its antiques and links to renowned artist JMW Turner. Delve into the region's industrial past at the Amberley Industrial and Social Museum, with exhibits ranging from railways to printworks. Finally, discover Boxgrove Priory, a Benedictine gem housing historical remains and the intriguing discovery of Heidelbergensis man's ancient bones.

Chichester – county town of Sussex where we will view and walk along the Roman walls which are still very intact and consider the varied history of this city from then to modern times. We will see the cathedral and the beautiful Bishp’s Gardens, some interesting architecture of the city centre and the site of an ancient Priory in a beautiful park setting.

Arundel – Arundel’s history begins in Roman and Saxon times as an inland port and important market town. The skyline is now dominate by the gothic Arundel Cathedral and majestic Arundel Castle, which is the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk, set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds and gardens. We will walk from the Roman Catholic cathedral down through the town to the river where the ancient port was sited.

Petworth -Petworth is a perfectly preserved market town nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Steeped in history, Petworth has been voted Best Antiques Town and has links to the famous artist JMW Turner, a frequent visitor to Petworth House (National Trust). The town has many treasures to discover including Petworth Cottage Museum. The market town centre has some amazing architecture to explore together.

Amberley Industrial and Social museum - Travel back in time and explore the South’s working past in a former quarry and limeworks, located in the heart of the South Downs National Park. With over 40 exhibit areas to discover, including a narrow-gauge railway, historic buses, rural crafts and extensive communications displays, there is something for everyone. We can ride on the train and bus together and visit the printworks.

Boxgrove Priory - The small Benedictine priory of Boxgrove in West Sussex was founded in about 1107, originally for just three monks. In a beautiful setting at the foot of the South Downs, the principal remains include a fine two-storey guest house, roofless but standing to its full height at the gable ends. The priory church became Boxgrove’s parish church after the Suppression of the Monasteries and is still in use. We will also see the grave of an American pilot in the RAF shot down in his plane in WWII at nearby Tangmere airfield. Also we shall discuss the fascinating find of Heidelbergensis man. In a gravel pit at Boxgrove, just outside Chichester, the remains of a person have been discovered, half a million years old. Only a shin bone and two teeth were discovered, but the position, under thick layers of gravel, show that the remains are the oldest person so far discovered in Britain.