Lewes History Group

This symposium showcases the wide and varied nature of archeological projects and research in the Borough of Eastbourne and environs. Many of the talks relate to work closely associated with the Eastbourne Natural History and Archaeology Society.

The six speakers will cover the following topics:

• David Rudling – Rural settlements in Roman East Sussex; Eastbourne, Beddingham and Barcombe villa, Bullock Down, Beachy Head
• Mike Allen – Drylands and wetlands; 35 years of research in the past landscape of the Eastbourne area
• Lisa Fisher – New excavations at Bishopstone
• Elizabeth Hughes – Historical Sources for Archaeologists; Eastbourne & the surrounding area
• Stephanie Smith – The Portable Antquities Scheme; Eastbourne
• John Bleach – The Medieval Landscape of the Cuckmere Region

Venue: The Court Room, The Town Hall, Eastbourne BN21 4UG

Tickets: £10, bookable in advance email: enhas.info@gmail.com

Symposium Booking Form

Non-members are welcome

Cuckmere Meanders
© Copyright Debbie Milton and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

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John Turley – Racing into History: the Inside Track on Lewes’ Horseracing Industry

Lewes Racecourse is the fourth oldest in England and from the early 1700s until September 1964 it attracted top thoroughbreds, famous jockeys and large crowds of race-goers. We are very fortunate that the course is still largely intact and used by current racehorse trainers.

Probably few people in Lewes are now aware that racing became the biggest employer in the town, even outclassing the local iron and brewing industries in the 19th Century. John Turley’s talk traces the history and fluctuating fortunes of Lewes Racecourse and its impact on the town. It will also look at some of the characters associated with this once-thriving industry, ranging from royalty and the elite of society through to infamous razor gangs.

John grew up in a close-knit racing community and the sport is very much in his blood. He will combine this experience with his keen interest in the rich history of racing to produce a fascinating talk for people with or without any prior knowledge of the ‘Sport of Kings’.

The talk is part of a series of events taking place in the town to mark the closure of the racecourse fifty years ago, including an exhibition at the White Hart Hotel on Saturday, 13th September and a parade through the town and a fete on Race Hill on Sunday, 14th September.

With kind permission of Barry Foulkes

All are welcome from 7.00pm for free refreshments and updates on the Group’s activities. The talk will begin promptly at 7:30pm and will finish by 9.00pm.

There is an entry fee for these meetings, payable at the door, of £2 for members, and £3 for non-members.

Venue: The King’s Church building on Brooks Road, Lewes, BN7 2BY. (Between Tesco car park and Homebase)

See the Meetings page for a list of  forthcoming monthly talks organised by the Lewes History Group.

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This tour is a special opening of the Old Police Cells Museum for the Lewes History Group. The Old Police Cells Museum is housed in the basement of Brighton Town Hall and offers visitors a unique insight into the history of policing in Sussex which is both educational and entertaining.

It provides an opportunity to visit Brighton Borough main police station for the period 1830 to 1967, and learn about the murder of Chief Constable Henry Solomon in 1844 by a prisoner. See some of the old cells with their graffiti from the Mods and Rockers era, the policemen’s wash room and uniform store areas, police memorabilia and artefacts.

The museum also houses a unique collection of truncheons and tip staves, one of the largest in the country. This collection was made by Alderman Caffyn throughout his lifetime and is on permanent loan to the museum from the Sussex police authority.

More information on the Museum website

The museum will be open from 2.00 pm for Lewes History Group members

Admission is by ticket at £4.00

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 or bus to Brighton may be an excellent way to travel on this occasion. The 13.14 from Lewes arrives at Brighton 13.30. The Nos. 28 or 29 leave the Lewes Bus Station at 13.16 and arrive on the Steine at 13.50.

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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