Sussex Past

16/06/2026

Happy Sussex Day! As we prepare to celebrate our 180th anniversary on 18 June, we're proud to say we've been championing Sussex and its heritage for the past 180 years.

15/06/2026

Last chance to book – limited spaces remain for tomorrow’s guided tours.

An Evening at Lewes Castle takes place tomorrow, Tuesday 16 June, as part of The Sussex Archaeological Society’s 180th anniversary celebrations, founded 18 June 1846.

Join us for an after-hours guided tour of Lewes Castle with our expert team, plus a glass of bubbly on arrival. Arrival from 5pm, tours from 5.30pm.

Booking is essential – reserve your space now by emailing [email protected].

Find out more: https://sussexpast.co.uk/event/lewes-castle-evening

10/06/2026

Did you know that Michelham Priory House & Gardens was home to Augustinian canons for more than 300 years?

This weekend, visitors to Michelham Priory will be treated to a fascinating programme of guided tours and activities as part of the Augustinian History Days, exploring the lives of the canons who called the Priory home for centuries.

Families can join in with a fun trail, keeping an eye out for hidden markers featuring the canons who once lived at Michelham Priory.

📅 Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 June
⏰ Tours are at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm on drop-in basis
🎟 Included with general admission or free for Members.

Find out more and book: https://sussexpast.co.uk/event/augustinian-history-days-at-michelham-priory-house-gardens/

07/06/2026

Michelham Priory’s Head Gardener, James Neal, recently featured on BBC’s Secret Sussex, speaking about one of Sussex’s most iconic and mysterious landmarks – the Long Man of Wilmington.

In the programme, James explores the enduring questions surrounding the figure’s origins, from possible ancient and religious connections to its evolving appearance over the centuries. Despite centuries of interest, the Long Man remains an enduring enigma in the East Sussex landscape.

Read more: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx219j341gpo

05/06/2026

This June, The Sussex Archaeological Society marks an important milestone: 180 years since its foundation on 18 June 1846.

Established in Lewes by a group of local historians and antiquarians, the Society was formed with the aim of preserving and understanding Sussex’s rich past. Since then, it has developed into a key heritage organisation, caring for historic buildings, museums, collections and archaeological sites across the county.

To mark the anniversary, we invite members and supporters to join us for:

An Evening at Lewes Castle – Celebrating 180 Years of the Society
Tuesday 16 June
Arrival from 5pm, with tours from 5.30pm

The evening will include an after-hours guided tour of Lewes Castle led by our expert team, with a glass of bubbly on arrival.

Booking is essential. Find out more and reserve your space here:

Join us for a special evening at Lewes Castle as we celebrate the 180th anniversary of The Sussex Archaeological Society

03/06/2026

Wonderful to see garden volunteer, Richard, in action at Lewes Castle in this video produced by the Good Space volunteering initiative. If you'd like to find out more about becoming a volunteer at one of our stunning historic sites, please click here: https://sussexpast.co.uk/become-a-volunteer/

01/06/2026

It’s Volunteers’ Week, and we’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our fantastic volunteers who do so much to support the work of the society.

From gardening and library volunteers to education and visitor experience, research and maintenance teams, every volunteer plays an important role and your hard work, enthusiasm and dedication are truly appreciated. Thank you for everything you do to help care for our heritage sites and create memorable experiences for our visitors.

If you’d like to find out more about volunteering with us and becoming part of our friendly team, take a look at our current volunteering opportunities: https://sussexpast.co.uk/become-a-volunteer/

27/05/2026

We couldn’t agree more - historic buildings really come into their own in this weather ☀️ Thick walls, cool interiors, and centuries of clever design… they knew what they were doing!

25/05/2026

May Half Term is here, and we’ve got plenty to keep young explorers entertained across Sussex 🏰🏺

Step back 2,000 years at Fishbourne Roman Palace, where Celts and Romans go head-to-head with hands-on family activities all week long. Build a roundhouse or Roman villa, try ancient games, spin wool, dress like a Roman and hunt for Celtic warriors hidden in the gardens.

Or head to Lewes Castle & Museum for a week of knights, castles and medieval adventure. Take on the Knight’s Shield Trail, complete challenges to earn your place among the castle’s newest knights, enjoy storytelling sessions and discover medieval life with the Sussex Medieval Society on 31 May.

Whether your family loves Romans, Celts, knights or castles, there’s lots to discover this half term 👑

Find out more and book tickets via our website: https://sussexpast.co.uk/whats-on/

20/05/2026

The Bank Holiday weekend and May Half Term are almost here, and with the forecast looking wonderful, it’s the perfect excuse for a day out exploring Sussex heritage ☀️

From castles and gardens to historic houses and family activities, there’s plenty to enjoy across our sites over the coming weeks. Whether you’re planning a relaxed wander, a family adventure, or simply somewhere different to spend the day, we’d love to welcome you.

Start planning your visit today: www.sussexpast.co.uk