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An Introduction to East Sussex

East Sussex is situated in the extreme South/East of England.  The county borders the English Channel and contains the South Downs which form a chalky ridge on the coast. Farming is a major industry here as is cattle rearing and some light industry; but the area is mainly oriented toward tourism and resort towns that provide a playground for those from London.

For the visitor, history and entrtainment combine in this county to offer something for all ages to enjoy. William I - ‘The Conqueror’ fought the battle of Hastings here in 1066; with many records, artefacts and historic remains in the area for the modern visitor to explore. The remains of 12th- and 13th-century castles, churches and abbeys are found throughout the region; many remain well cared for by heritage societies and are open for viewing.

A particularly well known sight is Beachy Head, which represents the highest chalk cliff in England, with magnificent views up to nearly 40 miles over the Channel! If you get bored of stunning views from the top of the cliff and the great countryside walks, you can always take a trip to nearby Eastbourne and embark on a bit of a shopping spreeIn 1961 the University of Sussex was opened near Brighton, bringing with it an abundance of youth culture and an excellent nightlife.

A further particularly well know sight is The Long Man of Wilmington. As many other chalk carved figures in England, The Long Man of Wilmington, mysterious guardian of the South Downs, has baffled archaeologists and historians for hundreds of years.  Until recently the earliest record of Europe's largest representation of the human form was in a drawing made by William Burrell when he visited Wilmington Priory, nestling under the steep slopes of Windover Hill, home of the 235 feet high Wilmington Giant. In 1993, however, a new drawing of the Long Man was discovered, made by surveyor, John Rowley, in 1710.

Many Sussex people are convinced that he is prehistoric, other believe that he is the work of an artistic monk from the nearby Priory between the 11th and 15th centuries. Roman coins bearing a similar figure suggest that he belonged to the 4th century AD and there may be plausible parallels with a helmeted figure found on Anglo-Saxon ornaments. Fertility symbol? Ancient Warrior? Early 18th century folly? Who knows??

The central & northern East Sussex is famous for the unspoilt villages offering insights into English country life, some of the better known are: Heathfield, Mayfield and Uckfield.

Principal towns:

Brighton - the most popular of the seaside resorts on the south east coast of England with a single beach with a long promenade with 3 piers and 3 open air swimming pools. Brighton's history began back in times when it was a small fishing port called Brighthelmstone. It started to become a haven for holidaymakers when Dr Russell prescribed sea-air, sea-water and sea-bathing as a cure for all ills in 1754. After the Prince of Wales built his Royal Pavilion there in 1783, fashionable Londoners began to flock to Brighton. The Royal Pavilion assumed its famous Indian palace look in 1812. In recent years the vast modern marina with moorings for more than 2000 boats has given the area a whole new lease of life.

Eastbourne - a unique seaside resort with exciting events for you to enjoy in a fantastic setting. The seafront promenade virtually leading straight on to the foot of Beachy Head and the town centre just a few yards walk from the centrally located Victorian Pier

Hastings - a charming town boasting rich history from the Roman and Saxon Times. Apart from the William the Conqueror and Battle of Hastings historical importance, the 18th century Hastings was a popular costal resort for the rich and famous, yet at the same time it was also a popular refuge to smugglers. Although punishable by imprisonment,(in some cases the offenders would be hung), smuggling was unfortunately the main source of income in East Sussex during the 18th century. Smugglers that were caught using preventative measures were placed in the Bo-Peep Martello Tower in Hastings, (there is a public house opposite called 'The Bo-Peep'). As a result, many of the buildings in Hastings have tunnels in them which lead to caves in the cliffs, an example of this is at the Sandringham Hotel, where a tunnel leads to an opening in the castle cliff and the castle.