Historic Sussex
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Sussex from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover Sussex's listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Sussex's most significant historic sites, curated from the National Heritage List for England.
The New House, including orangery, Millennium Pavilion, t…
Wadhurst
The New House, built from 1982, is a rare and idiosyncratic post-modern country house designed by the architect John Outram for the Rausing family,...
Tudor Close
Rottingdean
Built in around 1929, the houses of Tudor Close incorporated two former barns and a cow shed from nearby Court Farm.
Old Lifeboat Station (Mary Stanford Boathouse)
Icklesham
The Old Lifeboat Station, Rye Harbour is designated at Grade II for the following principal reasons: C19 lifeboat stations, like this one, are...
Hillfort, the possible remains of a Romano-Celtic temple …
Brighton and Hove
Slight univallate hillforts are defined as enclosures of various shapes, generally between 1ha and 10ha in size, situated on or close to hilltops and...
Shoreham Airfield dome trainer, 240m south west of Sussex…
Lancing
Dome trainers are dome-shaped buildings housing training apparatus, including a projector, for training ground gunners in the art of airfield defence.
The Old Mint House and Mint Cottage
Pevensey
The Old Mint House and Mint Cottage, Pevensey, originally built in about the early to mid-C16 with later additions, are listed at Grade II for the...
Former Singleton Railway Station
West Dean
Former railway station of 1880, by T H Myres, consisting of the station house, toilet block and a water tower.
Wooden Wreck on Camber Sands
Camber
Remains of a substantial oak-built sailing vessel lying parallel to the beach in the intertidal zone on Camber Sands, Rother, East Sussex.
Shinewater Bronze Age settlement
Eastbourne
The Bronze Age platform and trackway at Shinewater are scheduled for the following principal reasons: Fragility: the waterlogged deposits are...
Madeira Terrace, Madeira Walk, lift tower and related bui…
Brighton and Hove
An 865m long, cast-iron covered terrace and walkway, with integral former shelter hall and a 3-stage lift tower, built between 1890-1897 and designed...
Picturedrome
Bognor Regis
The Picturedrome is designated at Grade II, for the following principal reasons: It is an unusual example of an early cinema, derived from an assembly...
Saltdean Lido
Brighton and Hove
Lido with ancillary building. 1938, designed by RWH Jones in Moderne style, refurbished c1964 and c1997.
Parish Church of St Peter
Bexhill-on-Sea
Probably C11 in origin, the tower is late C11 or very early C12. The two western bays of the aisles were added in the 3rd quarter of the C12.
Lime kiln
Pulborough
The early-C18 lime kiln on the riverbank behind Waterside House, 17 Lower Street, Pulborough, is listed at Grade II for the following principal...
Bedfordwell Pumping Station, Eastbourne
Eastbourne
1881-83 engine house and attached boiler house built for Eastbourne Waterworks Co. Ltd. in Classical style; architect Henry Currey.
Palace Court Including Former Arthur Green,34 White Rock
Hastings
Former hotel set over shops, built as Palace Hotel by Arthur Wells for the Spiers and Ponds Group.
Alexandra Park
Hastings
Alexandra Park, Hastings, opened in 1864, is designated at Grade II for the following principal reasons: Structures: a number of later C19 park...
Former Worthing Library, Museum and Art Gallery
Worthing
Former Worthing library, museum and art gallery, by the architects Crouch, Butler and Savage, the library funded by Andrew Carnegie, opened on 14th...
Roman amphitheatre
Chichester
Amphitheatres were used throughout the Roman period for mass entertainment, public ceremonies and/or military training.
Carlisle Parade Car Park including the subway, entrance r…
Hastings
The 2.2km length of two-tier promenade in Hastings from Carlisle Parade to Marine Court was constructed between 1925 and 1939, under the aegis of...
Martello tower no 66, 320m north east of Langney Point
Eastbourne
Martello towers are gun towers constructed to defend the vulnerable south eastern coast of England against the threat of ship-borne invasion by...
The Theatre Royal and the Colonnade Public House (Number …
Brighton and Hove
The Theatre Royal, Brighton, built in 1807 possibly by Edward Hide or Hides, with 1866 auditorium by C J Phipps, refronted circa 1894 by C E Clayton...
Queens Arcade, Hastings
Hastings
Shopping arcade with assembly room of around 1881, by Philip Tree and Charles Val Hunter, erected by F Cruttenden.
Eastbourne Pier
Eastbourne
Seaside pier. It opened on 13th June 1870 and was designed by Eugenius Birch, the contractors Messrs Head, Wrighton and Co of Stockton on Tees.
Long Burgh long barrow, Alfriston.
Alfriston
Long barrows were constructed as earthen or drystone mounds with flanking ditches and acted as funerary monuments during the Early and Middle...
1-12, 12a and 12b Pelham Arcade
Hastings
Semi-subterranean arcade of shops, developed by Joseph Kay (1775-1847) for Thomas Pelham, 2nd Earl of Chichester in 1823-5, the first phase of the...
Lewes Quaker Meeting House
Lewes
Quaker Meeting House built in 1784 on a site which had been a Quaker burial ground since 1697.
Bronze Age and Anglo-Saxon barrow cemeteries south of Jug…
Kingston Near Lewes
Bowl barrows, the most numerous form of round barrow, are funerary monuments dating from the Late Neolithic period to the Late Bronze Age, with most...
Windleshaw House and associated garden structures
Withyham
Windleshaw House, 1906-1908, by W A S Benson for himself and his wife; the builder was a Mr Holland.
Robertson War Memorial Bequest Obelisk at Michel Dene, Cr…
East Dean and Friston
First World War memorial marker.
The Fox Goes Free
Singleton
Inn, mainly C17, though thought to have C16 origins, and with additions and alterations of subsequent centuries.
Sunken garden at White Lodge
Brighton and Hove
A sunken garden, set within the landscape to the south of White Lodge, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and probably built in 1924-1925.
Watch Office (Control Tower), former RAF Tangmere
Tangmere
Watch office (control tower) of 1944 to the former RAF Tangmere airbase. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Historic Sussex through time
The National Heritage List for England contains hundreds of details about buildings and places, including the periods in which they were built and the uses they've had over the years. Explore how your local area has changed through time.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion and the introduction of writing. Primarily hunter-gatherers of several human species including Neanderthals, the peoples moved across Europe, hunting animals, exchanging ideas and developing complex culture and belief systems including burial rites and astronomical understanding, as at Stonehenge for example.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion and the introduction of writing. Primarily hunter-gatherers of several human species including Neanderthals, the peoples moved across Europe, hunting animals, exchanging ideas and developing complex culture and belief systems including burial rites and astronomical understanding, as at Stonehenge for example.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Sussex
Historic aerial photography shows the growth and changes in England's urban and rural landscapes, revealing secrets that are impossible to see from the ground.
Wadhurst Park
Wadhurst Hall, Wadhurst Park, 1931
Wadhurst Park
Wadhurst Hall and environs, Wadhurst Park, 1931
Ticehurst
Whiligh, Ticehurst, 1952
Ticehurst
Whiligh, Ticehurst, 1952
Forest Row
Plawhatch Hall and the surrounding countryside, Forest Row, 1950
Forest Row
Plawhatch Hall, Forest Row, 1950
Hastings
Carlisle Parade and environs, Hastings, 1926
Hastings
The entrance to the Carlisle Parade underground car park alongside Robertson Terrace and the seafront, Hastings, 1932
Fletching
Sheffield Park House, Fletching, 1950
Fletching
Sheffield Park Farm and environs, Fletching, 1950
Historic England Archive images of Sussex
The Historic England Archive holds and cares for over 15 million images, from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Sussex's past.
Charles George Harper Collection
Chichester, West Sussex
Date created: 1892 - 1933
A view from the east of the Market Cross, with the spire of Chichester Cathedral in the background
Eric de Mare
Chichester, West Sussex
Date created: 1961 - 1980
Exterior view of the Chapel at Bishop Otter Teacher Training School in Chichester showing a glass gable.
John Gay Collection: Railway Stations
The City Of Brighton And Hove
Date created: 1967 - 1985
View from the Holly Bush public house looking towards Trafalgar Street and showing the canopy of Brighton station overhead
John Gay Collection: London
Richmond Park, Kingston Upon Thames, Greater London Authority
Date created: Jan 1962 - May 1964
A herd of deer lie on the grass in the shade at Richmond Park.
John Gay Collection: Modern Architects
Coopersale, Epping Forest, Essex
Date created: 1970 - 1979
The modern terrace of houses at 60 to 63 Parklands, part of a late 20th century housing estate at Coopersale
John Gay Collection: Rural Life
Chichester, West Sussex
Date created: 1950 - 1960
A view from an elevated position of a large group of people dancing on the lawn in front of the south facade of Bishops Palace, Chichester, with the...
John Gay Collection: Miscellaneous
West Sussex
Date created: 1950 - 1960
Portrait of a man wearing a carnation in his buttonhole standing in a glasshouse. Likely to be a member of the Allwood family of carnation growers.
John Gay Collection: Counties
West Sussex
Date created: 1950s - 1960s
The gnarled trunks of a group of trees
John Laing Collection
Worthing, West Sussex
Date created: 18 Jul 1996
An interior view of Durrington High School showing the main reception desk
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Rother, East Sussex
Date created: 06 Jul 1909 - 09 Jul 1909
A view showing Ypres Tower from the north-west
Alfred Newton and Sons
Rother, East Sussex
Date created: 1896 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW LOOKING EAST ALONG STREET
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
West Worthing, Worthing, Worthing, West Sussex
Date created: 1910 - 1930
GENERAL VIEW
Stories about heritage in Sussex
Historic England publishes news, blogs, videos and podcasts celebrating England's heritage. Discover the stories we have about Sussex.
What Is the Oldest Castle in England?
Mentions Sussex, Pevensey Castle: a Saxon Shore fort, Norman defences, a medieval enclosure castle, and later associated remains, Hastings Castle
Discover the oldest English castle contenders, including the Norman Berkhamsted Castle, Windsor Castle, Dover Castle and The White Tower, London.
The History of England’s Village Greens
Mentions Sussex, Ringmer War Memorial
The origins of village greens in England date back to the early Middle Ages. Village greens are open spaces that can be registered.
The History of Brick Building in England
Mentions Ouse Valley Railway Viaduct the Ouse Valley Railway Viaduct
Discover 7 examples of how brick building in England has changed over the centuries.
A Guide to Traditional English Buildings
Mentions Sussex
Traditional buildings made from local materials are known as vernacular.
How the Vikings Came to England
Mentions Sussex
The Vikings have gone from Victorian villains to 21st-century heroes. But what of the real Vikings and their impact on England?
A Brief History of Buddhist Temples in England
Mentions Sussex
There are around 190 Buddhist buildings in England, ranging from adapted historic buildings to purpose-built temples and pagodas.
The Story of Eleanor Coade
Mentions Sussex, The Royal Pavilion
The pioneering business woman who successfully adapted a secret formula to manufacture an elegant artificial stone.
Empress Matilda and ‘The Anarchy’
Mentions Sussex, Arundel Castle
A look at the career of 12th century claimant to the English throne the Empress Matilda.
Historic England Reveals its Heritage at Risk Register 2024
Mentions Sussex
Historic England has today revealed its Heritage at Risk Register 2024. This is a snapshot of the health of England’s historic buildings and places.
£750k Grant Kickstarts Madeira Terrace Restoration in Brighton
Mentions Madeira Terrace, Madeira Walk, lift tower and related buildings, Western Bandstand and Lavatories and Walls and Railings Opposite Bedford Square, The Corn Exchange and Dome Theatre
Historic England has committed £750,000 towards the restoration of Grade II* listed Madeira Terrace in Brighton, East Sussex.
Historic England Supports University of Sussex Plans for Listed Library
Mentions Library, Sussex
Historic England supports plans to improve access to the University of Sussex’s Grade II* listed Library, designed by architect Sir Basil Spence.
New Funding to Uncover and Celebrate Working Class Heritage
Mentions Sussex
Historic England's Everyday Heritage Grant programme is funding 56 new projects across the nation, telling the stories of working class heritage.
Heritage at Risk in the South East Revealed
Mentions Polegate Windmill, Buncton Chapel of All Saints, Sussex
25 sites have been saved and 15 sites added to the Heritage at Risk Register 2023 in the South East of England.
The South Downs Explored From Above: A Landscape of Rich Archaeology Revealed
Mentions Part of Western Brow round barrow cemetery and an Anglo-Saxon barrow field 700m south of Westmeston Farm, Sussex
Aerial imagery used to map hundreds of archaeological sites across part of the South Downs.
Cambridge University’s Darwin College Protected
Mentions Sussex
The Dining Hall and the Rayne Building at Darwin College, Cambridge have been listed at Grade II.
Scientists and Archaeologists Confirm Identity of 17th-century Dutch Warship off the Coast of England Carrying Slabs of Fine Italian Marble
Mentions Sussex
An unknown Protected Wreck off the coast of Sussex in remarkable condition is believed to be 17th-century Dutch warship Klein Hollandia built in 1656.
Explore your social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about heritage in their local area.
Yeoman's House, Bignor, West Sussex
Period: Tudor (1485 - 1602)
The Yeoman's House dates is a 15th-century thatched and timber-framed cottage with jettied overhangs.
Yeoman's House, Bignor, West Sussex
Worth Park, Crawley, West Sussex
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Exterior of the principal entrance front of Worth Park in Crawley, West Sussex, viewed from the north east
Worth Park, Crawley, West Sussex
Worth Park, Crawley, West Sussex
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Interior of the kitchen looking towards the chimney
Windmill, Climping, East Sussex
Period: 1930s (1930 - 1938)
Climping smock mill was built in 1799 to replace an earlier mill. It ceased working in about 1900.
Windmill, Climping, East Sussex
Windmill, Birdham, West Sussex
Period: 1930s (1930 - 1938)
This small smock mill was constructed alongside a chicken run and was only one year old when this picture was taken in 1936.
Windmill, Birdham, West Sussex
Wind Wheel, Punnetts Town, East Sussex
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
This unusual wind wheel supplied power to a circular saw in Mr C Cornford's carpenter's shop. The mechanism was installed around 1909 by F Neve & Sons.
Wind Wheel, Punnetts Town, East Sussex
West Parade, Bexhill, East Sussex
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This elegant promenade, which looks rather like a garden terrace, has not yet been cluttered with 'attractions'. The ornate structure is a bandstand.
West Parade, Bexhill, East Sussex
West Ashling Mill, Funtington, West Sussex
Period: 1930s (1930 - 1938)
Also known as Hackett's Mill.
West Ashling Mill, Funtington, West Sussex
Visit grant-aided places near you
These places and buildings have been helped by Historic England's financial grants. Find local heritage in your neighbourhood that you never knew existed! Please note that opening times may vary.
Amberley Museum, New Barn Road
Bagmender's shed: a single storey building used by a bagmender working at the quarry.
Kidbrooke Park, (Michael Hall School)
Kidbrooke Park is a registered Grade II* designed landscape, while the Mansion House and stables (The Clockhouse) are both listed Grade II* buildings.
Maison Dieu (Greyfriars), Mill Road
1395 - Former Hospital of the Holy Trinity. Some ruinous walls of coursed rubble, including flints and clunch. Extends both sides of the road.
Austin Friars Chapel, Conduit Hill
The Austin Friary dates from around 1380.
Discover more Heritage nearby
Have you got another local place, or somewhere you're planning to visit? Take a look at these other places nearby
