Newhaven Historical Society & Museum

A Portrait of Piddinghoe
2025-10-07 19:30 - 21:00 UTC | Hillcrest Centre, Bay Vue Road, Newhaven, BN9 9LH, United Kingdom
Speaker: Ian Everest.
After his previous talks which looked at some of the local villages and communities, Ian turns his attention to Piddinghoe, and pays a tribute to former resident and good friend, Valerie Mellor, who did so much to research and record its fascinating history. Expect to hear about the origins of the village, the people, the farms and industry, the buildings, village activities and events – all brought to life with photographs, illustrations and anecdotes.
Members free.
Guests welcome: £5.00.
Doors open at 6:45pm.

A Sussex Christmas
2025-12-02 19:30 - 21:00 UTC
Speaker: Chris Horlock.
This fascinating talk reveals how the people of Sussex celebrated Christmas in the past. Many of the customs of the traditional twelve days of Christmas are detailed, including putting up decorations, bringing in the Yule log, preparing the Christmas day feast, plus the curious ‘Mummer’s Play’ entertainment. There’s a Christmas tale or two along the way, including a mysterious incident during the great snowstorm of 1881, plus how in 1939, the snow at Burwash was not the usual colour!
Members free.
Guests welcome: Entrance £5.00.
Doors open at 6:45pm.

The Channel Dash
2026-02-03 19:30 - 21:00 (Europe/London)
Speaker: Bill McNaught
The German Kriegsmarine’s ‘Operation Cerberus’ prepared to enable two German battleships to breakout of the French port of Brest and sail up the English Channel to return to their home port in Germany. One of Britain’s major failures of the war, when both the Royal Navy and the RAF failed to inflict any serious damage to the German fleet that reached its homeport largely unscathed. Much of the Navy’s response was co-ordinated from HMS Forward, a maritime intelligence and communication centre, buried deep under the South Downs just outside of Newhaven.
Members free.
Guests welcome: Entrance £5.00.
Doors open at 6:45pm

AGM followed by Members' Showcase
2026-04-07 19:30 - 21:00 (Europe/London)
An opportunity for you to bring in something of historical interest which has a connection with Newhaven and the surrounding villages – either to tell us about it, or to see if others can shed light on any mystery items. There will also be a chance for you to give a 10-minute presentation about any local history family history topics which you have. Do join in and let’s see if we can uncover some hidden gems!
If you need any help in scanning an item or photo and creating an image for use via the projector – please email ian.everest1@btinternet.com or phone 077090 12507.
Members free.
Guests welcome: Entrance £5.00.
Doors open at 6:45pm.

CAKES and ALE: a 'full English' in your 17th Century local?
2026-06-02 19:30 - 21:00 (Europe/London)
Speaker: Dr Janet Pennington
Are we still enjoying what our ancestors ate in the morning in inns and alehouses? What were they having in 1600? The differences between the types of drinking establishments from 1550 to 1750 will be explained and illustrated, while documentary and other sources will provide evidence for the food and drink retailed and consumed within them, showing how these provisions were supplied. We will hear the reactions from travellers (not always good!) and local customers to what was on offer, together with the lifestyles of the innkeepers, both male and female.
Members free.
Guests welcome: Entrance £5.00
Doors open at 6:45pm

Saving Newhaven Fort
2026-10-06 19:30 - 21:00 (Europe/London)
Speaker: David Gee
During 1977, David Gee and Les Thorpe, intrigued by the presence of a derelict Newhaven Fort, climbed over the ramparts to take a closer look. At the time, David was a partner in a respected firm of Auctioneer Estate Agents and Planning Consultants. Les Thorpe and his three brothers owned and operated their own successful building companies in Brighton which specialized in the restoration and repair of old buildings. In this talk, David will tell the story of how Newhaven Fort was saved from being lost forever, by much persuasion, very hard work, dedication in the face of difficult odds – and not taking NO for an answer!

Members free.
Guests welcome: Entrance £5.00
Doors open at 6:45 pm

Supporting the poor in Newhaven & surrounding parishes during the 19th Century
2026-12-01 19:30 - 21:00 (Europe/London)
Speaker: Dr Mary Rudling
This talk will compare the support that was available to the poor in Newhaven and surrounding downland parishes prior to, and following, the 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act. The profile of relief officials will be discussed and their changing role after 1834. Conditions in the Newhaven union workhouse and the experience of individual inmates will also be examined.
Members free.
Guests welcome: Entrance £5.00.
Doors open at 6:45 pm
