Geoff Mead: Hearth & Home – Sussex Vernacular Architecture
Geoff Mead looks at the variety of vernacular buildings across Sussex and the origins of their distinctive building materials in the landscape of the county
Until the arrival of the railways into Sussex in the mid-19th century most buildings were constructed using local raw materials. The variety of stone, clay and timber in the county gave distinctive vernacular styles to Weald, Coast, and Downland.
Difficulties of transport, especially in the Weald, ensured that the bulky and ubiquitous materials were not moved far, unless the houseowner needed to make a social impression. Coastal communities and those in the accessible river valleys had an easier transport route and materials could be moved considerable distances as in Lewes and Shoreham…does that constitute vernacular?
The wealth of vernacular styles influenced later building designs, and the timbering, brickwork and tile hanging used by architects such as Webb, Norman-Shaw and Lutyens are the direct descendants of Sussex vernacular.
Bignor Old Shop
Venue: The King’s Church building on Brooks Road, Lewes, BN7 2BY. (Between Tesco car park and Homebase)
Entry: Due to limited seating, admission will be by advance ticketing only – no payments on the door. Please book in advance at https://ticketsource.co.uk/lhg
Tickets are FREE for LHG members, and £4 for non-members. We will have lists of ticket-holders at the door and will check you in.
Member tickets are available now, non-members from 25 May. Ticket sales will close at 5:30pm on the day of the talk.
Covid precautions: We would prefer it if you wore a mask while in the hall. We will provide hand-gel dispensers at the door, but we will not be able to serve tea/coffee.
See the Talks page for a list of forthcoming monthly events organised by the Lewes History Group.
Lewes History Group 