Sussex Past

04/09/2026

Applications are open for The Sally Christian Fund.

Set up in memory of Sally Christian, who discovered her passion for archaeology as a mature student, this Fund supports individuals of all ages taking their first steps into archaeological research or study regardless of whether or not they're on a formal course.

The aim is to support as many people as possible, specifically those at the earlier stages of their studies and those who have had less exposure to archaeology.

Grants can help with funding towards training courses, fieldwork experience, attending conferences and workshops, as well as research projects and museum trips.

We're especially keen to hear from undergraduate students and those not currently in formal study, with a particular welcome given to those wanting to explore the archaeology of Sussex.

Funding is awarded twice a year, with the next deadline at 6pm, Monday 21 December 2026.

Find out more and apply here: https://sussexpast.co.uk/research/the-sally-christian-fund/

02/09/2026

28/08/2026

Fishbourne Roman Palace has some very exciting news for you!

On 9-11 October 2026 they are holding their very first Arts and Literature Festival!

The festival will feature talks and Q&As from award winning authors and historians including Lindsey Davis, Linda Proud-Smith, Andy Burnham, History with Jackson, Dr Jess Venner, Janet Pennington and Kevin Newman.

There will also be several specialist arts and crafts workshops taking place over the 3 days including needle felting, natural inks and eco brushes, and historic writing workshops.

They'll be releasing more information about the individual talks and workshops over the next few weeks so keep your eyes peeled 👀.

They'd absolutely love you to join them at this very special new event 📚🎨

Tickets for individual talks and workshops can be booked on our website https://sussexpast.co.uk/whats-on/art-and-literature-festival-fishbourne-roman-palace/ .

Attendees will also be able to visit the rest of the site at no extra charge.

28/08/2026

We are pleased to announce that at the Council’s August meeting, our trustees approved production of the next Sussex Archaeological Collections - Volume 163.

The Sussex Archaeological Collections is a scholarly journal about the history and archaeology of Sussex.

Since 1847 it has been providing archaeologists, historians and researchers with a platform to share their discoveries and is central to our purpose as a society.

Production is progressing at a pace, and we will let you know when Volume 163 is finished. Members of The Sussex Archaeological Society receive a copy as a membership benefit and past copies are available to non-members through various channels including our gift shops.

You can learn more about the journal here https://sussexpast.co.uk/research/the-sussex-archaeological-collections/

27/08/2026

We're really proud that Fishbourne Roman Palace have been working with Chichester Cathedral, to carefully clean this 2nd century section of mosaic, as part of their ongoing preservation work.

Discovered in 1966, it is believed this section formed part of the floor of a public building.

We highly recommend a visit to see this quite remarkable remnant.

27/08/2026

A statement from our Council of Trustees

Following some recent changes to our Council of Trustees, an update is available. To find out more, please read the full statement on our website:
https://sussexpast.co.uk/news/a-statement-from-our-council-of-trustees/

25/08/2026

We are looking for experienced new Trustees and Committee Members - and we've extended the application deadline to 6pm Tuesday 1 September. Many thanks to all those who have applied so far! Find out more and apply here: https://sussexpast.co.uk/news/new-trustees-and-committee-members-sought-for-the-sussex-archaeological-society/

21/08/2026

We are delighted to share the news that The Sussex Archaeological Society’s six museums have again secured Full Accreditation status from Arts Council England.

The achievement comes after a rigorous review process across: Fishbourne Roman Palace, Lewes Castle & Museum, Michelham Priory, Anne of Cleves House Museum, Priest House Museum, and Marlipins Museum.

We’re so proud of the whole team, but particular thanks go to Emma O’Connor, Rob Symmons, and Neil Couzens who dedicated so much of their time and expertise to this work.

Gaining accreditation is an endorsement. It demonstrates that a museum is professionally run, in a sustainable and trustworthy manner, inspiring the confidence of the public, as well as funding and governing bodies.

The UK Museum Accreditation Scheme provides a framework for ethical museum practice and is a handbook for running a successful, forward-looking museum, ensuring it has essential policies, plans, and procedures in place to safeguard long-term access to public collections.

In practice, it recognises our wonderful team and the work they do every day:

- Protecting and preserving our collections now and for the future.
- Demonstrating strong oversight and ethical governance.
- Connecting with our visitors in accessible and interesting ways.
- Creating engaging education and learning activities.
- Providing an excellent programme of events and exhibitions.

A huge thank you and congratulations to all our staff and volunteers. We are enormously proud of you!

If you would like to learn more about the UK Museum Accreditation Scheme, you can do so here: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/supporting-arts-museums-and-libraries/uk-museum-accreditation-scheme

18/08/2026

Here at Fishbourne Roman Palace, we are celebrating Heritage Open Days 2026 - England's biggest heritage festival of history and culture - by opening our doors for free for 3 days in September!

For the 11th, 12th and 13th September 2026 Fishbourne Roman Palace, the largest known Roman residential palace north of the Alps is entirely free to visit.

Built around AD 75, it features remarkably preserved mosaics, archaeological remains, reconstructed Roman gardens, and an on-site museum.

Visit our Collections Discovery Centre on site, which is home to over 300,000 artefacts from Fishbourne and the surrounding area, and explore our latest research in the Conservation Lab and glimpse into our Sensitive and Bulk Store.

If the weather is nice bring a picnic and enjoy the gardens too!

📆 11th, 12th, 13th September 2026
⏰ 10am - 4.30pm
🎟️ Book tickets on our website https://sussexpast.co.uk/whats-on/heritage-open-days-2026-fishbourne-roman-palace/

12/08/2026

Gladiators! Are you ready?

Join us for some spectacular gladiatorial combat at Fishbourne Roman Palace!

Experience the drama as the Gladiators of Britannia bring the 1st century AD to life. Witness epic clashes, decide fates, and hear tales of their world. Don't miss this unforgettable weekend!

Suitable for all ages.

📆 Date: 22 & 23 August
⏰ Time: 10am to 5pm
🎟️ Special offer on tickets: Adults - £5, Children up to 17 - Free

For more details and to book tickets visit our website https://sussexpast.co.uk/whats-on/gladiators-weekend/