Bibliography - Sussex Past & Present, nos. 114-116, 2008
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Sussex Past & Present: The Sussex Archaeological Society Newsletter No. 114, edited by Sara Hanna, published April 2008 (Sussex Archæological Collections, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

100 Years at Barbican House, by John Farrant, published April 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 114, article, pp.4-5, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

Rumours were circulating in September 1903 that the Society's rented home since 1885, Castle Lodge overlooking the Gun Garden, was to be sold. The Council drew comfort from earlier indications that the owner, widow of a former Honorary Curator and Chairman, would give the Society first refusal to buy. Comfort turned to consternation in December, at the news of sale to Charles Dawson, a prominent member. Whether the future 'discoverer' of Piltdown Man was underhand in purchasing his new home is unresolved, but the fact was he gave notice to quit.
The Honorary Secretary found temporary storage for the library at 35 High Street, Lewes. He tried to buy land to the north of Castle Lodge for a purpose-built library, museum and caretaker's accommodation.

Tithe Map Project: West Sussex Record Office, by Susan Millard and Simon Hopkins, published April 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 114, article, p.6, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

The West Sussex Record Office tithe map digitisation and preservation project is now under way thanks to a Heritage Lottery Fund Grant, together with extra funding from West Sussex Archives Society and The Golden Trust.

South Downs National Park Inquiry, by Robin Milner-Gulland, published April 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 114, article, pp.6-7, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

The long running saga of the South Downs National Park (SDNP) is nearing resolution. The re-opened Public Inquiry (at the Chatsworth Hotel, Worthing) is now hearing evidence about a few outstanding problems and objections, till late April 2008.

Lower Ouse Valley: New Research Project, by Simon Rupniak, published April 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 114, article, p.7, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

This project has come about partially due to a powerful piece of EU legislation called the Water Framework Directive, introduced in December 2000. It requires all inland and coastal waters to be restored to a state of "good ecological standing" by 2015. Currently the responsibility for taking action regarding the water framework directive in England and Wales has fallen to the Environment Agency.

Animals as status symbols? Pigs and cattle in Iron Age/Roman West Sussex, by Martyn Allen, published April 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 114, article, p.8, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

The role of animals in archaeology has traditionally been thought of from an economic perspective, with animal bone reports highlighting 'calories consumed' or 'yields produced'. More recently, the social importance of animals, as in ritual practices, ethnic values or symbolically in art, have been emphasised.

Palaeolithic site at Beedings, by Matt Pope and Caroline Wells, published April 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 114, article, p.8, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

Summer 2007 saw trial trench excavations by Matt Pope and a volunteer team in the field to the east of Beedings Castle, Nutbourne, near Pulborough, West Sussex.

What's going on in Sussex? Round-up of archaeological work September to December 2007, by Luke Barber, published April 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 114, article, p.10, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

Barcombe Roman Villa: The elusive well is discovered at last!, by David Rudling and Chris Butler, published April 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 114, article, pp.12-13, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

Last year was the seventh and final season of large scale excavations on the site of the Romano-British villa complex in Dunstalls Field, Barcombe, near Lewes, East Sussex. Following preliminary survey and trial excavations by the Mid Sussex Field Archaeological Team (MSFAT) in 1999 and 2000 (SP&P 93 p7), the main phase of villa investigations began in 2001 as a joint venture of research and training excavations by MSFAT and the UCL Field Archaeology Unit. In 2005 UCL ended its involvement with the project and was replaced by the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) of the University of Sussex. (Annual reports on the first six seasons of excavations at Barcombe may be found in SP&P95, p6-7; 98, p10-11; 102, p4-5; 105, p6-7; 108, 12-13 and 111, 12-13).

Sussex Past & Present: The Sussex Archaeological Society Newsletter No. 115, edited by Sara Hanna, published August 2008 (Sussex Archæological Collections, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

New Mesolithic for the Weald? Recent investigations at Chiddingly Wood Rocks, by Mike Allen, Andrew Maxted and Richard Carter, published August 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 115, article, pp.4-5, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

Mesolithic activity in southern England and Sussex typically includes 'open air' sites such as Iping, Selmeston and Rock Common, and rock shelter sites such as High Rocks or The Hermitage. Rock shelters often produce evidence of restricted activity that may be seasonal, with archaeological investigation usually limited to stratified deposits within the shelters or at their mouths. These sites do, however, potentially contain in situ artefact assemblages and good, stratified palaeoenvironmental data, while open-air sites and flint scatters may contain relatively large artefact and charred assemblages displaying patterning and spatial array, but often with little good palaeo-environmental and geoarchaeological context (e.g. Horsham, Halt, Streat, Iping). Rapid geoarchaeological research at a site at Chiddingly Wood Rocks, West Hoathly in the High Weald, West Sussex has demonstrated the presence of Mesolithic activity in topographical locations not previously expected.

Michelham 'Find': History of 'medieval' figurine forgeries, by Leslie Weller, published August 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 115, article, pp.5-5, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

Whilst carrying out a revaluation of the Collections of Michelham Priory I was looking for a 17th century Iron Strong Box in the meeting room, when I found on a window ledge a metal figurine which at first glance appeared to be medieval, but on closer inspection I realised that it was a "Shadwell Dock Forgery" (known as Billies and Charleys).

Origins of Meeching: Carol White researches Newhaven's medieval settlement, by Carol White, published August 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 115, article, p.6, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

In 2006, I undertook a research project, the final module towards an undergraduate Diploma in Archaeology at the University of Sussex. My subject was the origins of Meeching, the medieval settlement that became Newhaven. Rescue excavations by Martin Bell, precipitated by the construction of a ring road around Newhaven town centre in the 1970s, revealed a second century AD Romano-British settlement as well as features filled with loess containing flint flakes dating to the Palaeolithic. These excavations were sited to the south of the town, between South Road and the River Ouse. Finds dating to the Bronze Age and Iron Age are documented at Castle Hill.

Iron Firebacks: New survey and catalogue planned, by Jeremy Hodgkinson, published August 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 115, article, p.7, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

A trawl through earlier volumes of the Sussex Archaeological Collections will demonstrate that the decorated cast-iron plates that sat in many an old farmhouse inglenook were of interest to antiquarians; The Gentleman's Magazine published a note on one found in Norwich as early as 1788. Firebacks were among the first objects that the Society acquired and the collection at Anne of Cleves House is possibly the largest in the country.

New directions at Fishbourne: Christine Medlock looks forward to the future, by Christine Medlock, published August 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 115, article, p.8, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

My appointment as Director Fishbourne Roman Palace coincided with the opportunity for a retrospective; Fishbourne has been open to the public for 40 years, providing visitors with a showcase of what is best about museum display and heritage. This opening was celebrated with a 60s themed event on May 31.

What's Going on in Sussex? Round-up of archaeological work January to June 2008, by Luke Barber, published August 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 115, article, p.10, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

History Round-up: Current projects in the County, by Sue Berry, published August 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 115, article, p.11, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

Priest House: Antony Smith reflects on the Centenary, by Antony Smith, published August 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 115, article, p.12, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

This year sees the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Priest House Museum, a timber-framed building in the picturesque West Sussex village of West Hoathly. Built by Lewes Priory in the early 15th century the house was modernised in Elizabethan times to create a substantial Yeoman farmer's house.

Lewes Castle Developments, by Sally White, published August 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 115, article, pp.12-13, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

Hero of the Weald: The story of William of Cassingham, by David Pilling, published August 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 115, article, p.13, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

The French invasion of England in 1216 is a relatively neglected event in English history. Had it succeeded, England's ruling dynasty, the Plantagenets, would have been extinguished and the country as thoroughly conquered as it was by the Normans in 1066. The invasion was led by Prince Louis, son of the French King Philip Augustus, who was invited over to take the English crown by English barons sick of the oppression of King John (1199-1216). John did not put up much of a fight, retreating instead of opposing the French landing, but others were prepared to resist.
One of these was William of Cassingham (now Kensham, between Rolvenden and Sandhurst), a lowly but pugnacious country squire.

Sussex Past & Present: The Sussex Archaeological Society Newsletter No. 116, edited by Sara Hanna, published December 2008 (Sussex Archæological Collections, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

Tom Paine and Bull House: The revolutionary writer's Lewes connection, by David Powell, published December 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 116, article, p.4, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

Two hundred and forty years have passed since Tom Paine first rode into Lewes, East Sussex to take up lodgings in Bull House. An Outrider with the Excise, he was to make it his home for the next six years, the quiet centre of the life of the man described by George Washington as "the godfather of our independence"; by Michael Foot as "the greatest exile ever to leave these shores"; and dismissed, slanderously, by Theodore Roosevelt as "that filthy little atheist" - but that is another story. . .

Baxter's Printworks, Lewes: Simon Stevens reports on excavations at the site, by Simon Stevens, published December 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 116, article, p.5, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

The Baxter's Printworks in St Nicholas Lane, Lewes closed its doors in 2002, ending two centuries of the family's business association with the town. The majority of the factory complex was demolished in 2006, in advance of new residential development. Given its location in the heart of the historic town, a condition was placed on planning permission for the development requiring a programme of archaeological work at the site. Following some preliminary investigations, a team from Archaeology South-East began large-scale excavations at the site in August 2006, and although most of the on-site archaeological work was completed that year, parts of the site were not available at the time. Small-scale excavations and monitoring visits continued until December 2007, by which time the entire site had been examined, and nearly 400 archaeological features had been identified, excavated and recorded.

Looking at Landscape: Report from the Society's Autumn Conference, by Martyn Allen, published December 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 116, article, p.6, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

Order out of Chaos: Managing the Fishbourne Collections, by Rob Symmons and Gordon Hayden, published December 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 116, article, p.7, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

Bognor Regis Warrior Burial, published December 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 116, article, pp.7-8, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

Excavations conducted by Thames Valley Archaeology Services at North Bersted, near Bognor Regis, West Sussex, in June 2008 revealed an accompanied adult male inhumation burial of Late Iron Age date.

Phoenix Oral History Project: Sarah Hitchings talks to former Foundry workers in Lewes, by Sarah Hitchings, published December 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 116, article, p.8, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

The Lewes Phoenix project, which was recently awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, is the creation of locally based Artemis Arts Ltd. They will be working with members of the community, from schoolchildren to elderly residents, to add to the existing historical records by capturing stories and images of the former iron foundry and engineering company, the site of which is likely to form part of a major town centre redevelopment.

Developments in Lewes: Work begins at Lewes Castle and Anne of Cleves House, by Sally White, published December 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 116, article, p.9, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

What's Going on in Sussex? Round-up of archaeological work July to September 2008, by Luke Barber, published December 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 116, article, p.10, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

History Round-up, by Sue Berry, published December 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 116, article, p.11, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

Discoveries at Beedings, 2008: Multiple occupation on a Wealden Greensand ridge, by Matt Pope and Caroline Wells, published December 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 116, article, p.12, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

This year's excavations at Beedings, on the Lower Greensand escarpment near Pulborough, West Sussex, has furthered a century of research and speculation concerning a collection of worked flint blades, discovered during construction of a house in 1900. Initially recognised as an Upper Palaeolithic assemblage, it was subsequently discredited and the rump of the assemblage discarded in the 1930s, (perhaps down a well at Lewes castle mound) consigning the site to obscurity. Reconsideration by Roger Jacobi of the remnants of the assemblage in 2007 confirmed this as a peerless example of the earliest Upper Palaeolithic archaeology in northern Europe, yet excavations by Jacobi and Ainsworth failed to find any Palaeolithic material.

Archaeology for Everyone: Communities come together at Brighton Museum, by Anne Locke, published December 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 116, article, p.13, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online