Here are some ideas to explore the history of the local area. Just click on the photograph to find out more.
Windmill Hill
The windmill at Windmill Hill dates back to 1814. It’s a fine example of a Sussex post mill and has been the subject of an extraordinary restoration project since 2003, the largest and most ambitious windmill restoration project in the UK. The sweeps have now been restored, complete with shutters. Guided tours are a splendid way to appreciate the mill and the process of flour milling.
Burtons’ St Leonards Society
The Burtons’ St Leonards Society, centred around the historic core of St Leonards on Sea, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the unique heritage and community of St Leonards on Sea, offering membership to individuals interested in supporting these goals.
Battle and District Historical Society
There’s a wealth of information to be found on website of the Battle and District Historical Society. As well as hosting guest speakers, the society has published a large number of historical papers relevant to the local area and these can be accessed from the Collectanea archive on the website.
Bexhill Museum
Bexhill Museum opened in 1914 with one gallery, and has grown its collection to match its style ever since. After 2003 the Egerton Road building incorporated the Bexhill Old Town Costume Museum for a rebuild that established the unique mix of the modern and Edwardian that it is today. Its four galleries and unique artefacts are maintained by Bexhill Museum Ltd, a UK registered charity.
Herstmonceux Castle
300 acres of managed woodland and beautiful gardens, all surrounding a red brick, 15th century, moated castle. It is one of the oldest significant brick buildings still standing in England. A descendant of the Monceux family, Roger Fiennes, was responsible for the construction of the castle . Sir Roger was appointed Treasurer of the Household of Henry VI and needing a house fitting a man of his position, construction of the castle on the site of the old manor house began in 1441.
The UK Saxon Resource
A comprehensive website providing information relating to the Saxon invasion in the 5th century and also including s significant Roman contribution. Invaluable for researching the derivation of Sussex place names and understanding changes in the coastline of Sussex over the centuries.
Sussex Mills Group
Sussex Mills Group promotes the study and the restoration of mills and associated artifacts within the counties of East and West Sussex in the United Kingdom. Members are actively involved in the restoration and maintenance of Sussex mills. The group also organise occasional working parties, when Members get together for specific projects, such as clearing out a mill pond, painting weatherboarding, assisting with the fitting or removal of a windmill’s sweeps, or just tidying up in advance of an open day.
Winchelsea Medieval Cellars
Winchelsea is a medieval town with a large collection of vaulted cellars or undercrofts. Concentrated within the north-eastern corner of the town, a tour of some of the cellars makes for a fascinating morning in a delightful historic town.
Battle Abbey
Discover the story of the famous battle with interactive displays in the visitor centre. Then, accompanied by an audio tour, you can see where the Normans advanced against the English, and walk the battlefield, hunting out dramatic wooden figures.
The abbey was founded by William soon after the conquest, said to be in the exact spot where King Harold died. You can explore its ruins then climb to the gatehouse rooftop for panoramic views. Inside the gatehouse, an exhibition explores stories from the abbey’s history.