Publications
Voices of Kent & East Sussex Hop Pickers, by Hilary Heffernan, published 1 May 2004 (128 pp., The History Press, ISBN-10: 0752432400 & ISBN-13: 9780752432403) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:A history of Kent & East Sussex hop pickers
Hop Pickers of Kent and Sussex, by Hilary Heffernan, published 11 August 2008 (128 pp., The History Press, ISBN-10: 0752447777 & ISBN-13: 9780752447773) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:The humble hop cone once offered thousands of underprivileged Londoners the annual chance to leave the City's smog in August and September, migrate to the healthier countryside and live happily for six or seven weeks in near squalor, whilst sleeping on straw-filled palliasses crawling with mice, earwigs and spiders and cook their dinners on open fires - even in the pouring rain. Apart from this type of escape there was little opportunity of a break for many city dwellers. When mechanisation took over the holidays stopped, and so did the chance to earn extra money for Christmas and clothes for a growing family. This fascinating collection, compiled from memories of former hop pickers and their families, is Hilary Heffernan's fifth book about the annual hop. It will provide a reflective read to those who were involved in hop picking and those who would like to learn more.