Name: Wordfest: Sussex History Day: From Paganism to Plunder
Start: 2026-10-11T10:00:00
End: 2026-10-11
Location: Ropetackle Arts Centre

Wordfest's third Sussex History Day offers an informative and entertaining appreciation of the development of Sussex and the people within it.

Sussex History Day: From Paganism to Plunder

Wordfest’s third Sussex History Day offers an informative and entertaining appreciation of the development of Sussex and the people within it. What would life have been like for local people throughout the long history of Sussex? How have their stories, beliefs, customs, and world views shaped the Sussex of today? How did the land itself influence social and economic development? 10am doors open 10.15am Introduction: David Johnson 10.30am Session 1 Ancient Sussex Folk Customs, Pagan, Christian, both or neither. A challenge to rethink the source of many superstitions and traditions. Chris Hare, History People UK 11.30am Session 2 The Answer lies in the Soil? A quick sketch of how Sussex became the place we know. Dr Geoffrey Mead, University of Sussex 12.30pm Lunch 1.30pm Session 3 Global commodities & consumer culture in 17 th & 18 th Sussex Examining the growth of overseas trade between c.1600 & c.1750 & its impact on Sussex consumers’. Dr Danae Tankard More New Things? A success story – the steady expansion of Sussex Trade beyond our shores. Dr Danae Tankard, Chichester University 2.30pm Session 4 Lost to Time and Tide, Sussex Lost Villages Exploring the impact on communities of a changing land and seascape. Professor Clive Webb, University of Sussex 3.30pm Session 5 Piracy and Sussex: Assaults and Invasions from the Sea A history of raiders and invaders, and those who stayed. Doctor Richard Blakemore, University of Reading 4.30pm Session 6 Nefarious Sussex, Smuggling and the Hawkhurst Gang Bringing to life the dramatic world of 18 th Century smuggling and organised crime. Captain Bollinger (James Murphy) 5.30pm Close Shoreham-by-Sea Banking Hub is delighted to support Shoreham Wordfest and its inspiring work bringing people together through words, ideas and diverse creativity. A valued part of our community’s cultural life, the festival champions conversation, imagination and a love of literature for all ages . We are proud to be part of this year’s programme and celebrate Wordfest’s impact locally and across the region

Shoreham Wordfest’s History Day offers an informative and entertaining appreciation of the development of Sussex and the people within it. What would life have…

Wordfest: Sussex History Day: From Paganism to Plunder

Wordfest: Sussex History Day: From Paganism to Plunder @ Ropetackle Arts Centre

Shoreham Wordfest’s History Day offers an informative and entertaining appreciation of the development of Sussex and the people within it. What would life have…