Lewes History Group

Having learnt all about flint as a a building material at our last outing, we are now to visit one of the oldest Norman buildings in Sussex, which features a striking chequerboard flint and Caen limestone facade.

The Marlipins Museum tells the story of Shoreham’s maritime and local history from prehistoric to medieval times.

Also on show is the museum’s collection of historical photographs. This illustrates two unexpected local industries: Shoreham airport, and the Shoreham Beach film industry. Once the centre of the UK’s silent movie industry, the film companies set up here in 1914, drawn by the special quality of the light.

Thus we have a fascinating opportunity to see historic buildings, photos, and enjoy the “special light” of Shoreham.

More information on the Marlipins Museum website

This is an exclusive day for Lewes History Group members and numbers are limited to 40.

Admission is by ticket at £2.00

Tickets are available for this and other LHG outings from Paul Waller (Outings Organiser) on meeting nights at The King’s Church in Lewes, by contacting him on 01323 872088, or by using the contact form below.

It is essential that you book well in advance for these trips

The outings are primarily for Lewes History Group members only, but they may purchase tickets for accompanying non-members. When possible tours will be exclusively for LHG.

All members are asked to make their own way to the venue in good time. Regrettably we are not able to to arrange transportation for these trips.

The train via Brighton may be an excellent way to travel on this occasion. The 13.07 from Lewes Train Station arrives at Brighton Station at 13.20. Change to the train for Shoreham by Sea, leaving at 13.33 and arriving at 13.46. A return train leaves at 16.07 to get you back in Lewes by 16.43, or stay in Shoreham for a look around and a meal at one of the excellent restaurants overlooking the river!

See the Members’ Visits page for a list of  forthcoming monthly trips organised by the Lewes History Group.

Contact Paul Waller for tickets using this form:

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Dr Sue Berry: The Royal Pavilion and its Grounds – from Lodging House to Public Ownership, c. 1780-1855

When George, Prince of Wales, decided that he would like a house in Brighton, his steward leased Kemp’s lodging house which subsequently became part of Holland’s development of a small and attractive Pavilion.

From the 1780s until about 1830 the site was developed as a royal home, more land being bought periodically to accommodate the Prince’s increasing aspirations. When the Town bought the estate, parts of the Pavilion were sold to help offset the bill.

This lecture will look at how the estate developed and ended with the sale to Brighton and the impact on the palace we see today.

Dr Sue Berry, a former vice chair of the Regency Society, is well known in Brighton and Hove and beyond for her writing and her lectures on local history.

Venue: Brighton City College, Pelham Street, Brighton

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A Lewes Archaeological Group event

Historian Dr Sue Berry will talk about the Pelham family and its development of the house and grounds at Stanmer. She will set the Pelham family into the broader context of their wider ambitions and their expenditure in order to meet them.

Venue: Lecture Room, Lewes Town Hall (Fisher Street entrance)

Entrance: Members £3/£2 (conc); non-members £4/£3 (conc), 18 and under FREE, includes tea/coffee

Stanmer Place image © Sue Berry, from the Victoria County History website

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