East Sussex

A county in South East England that is bordered by the counties of Kent, Surrey and West Sussex.

East Sussex is part of the ancient kingdom of the South Saxons who established themselves during the 5th Century AD after the departure of the Romans. The area had been populated for many thousands of years before then. There is an abundance of archaeological remains, especially in the upland areas. The area's position on the coast has also meant that there were a number of invaders, those of which included the Romans and later the Normans.

From a geological point of view East Sussex is part of the southern anticline of the Weald. The South Downs, a range of moderate chalk hills which run across the southern part of the county from west to east and which are mirrored in Kent by the North Downs. To the north lie parallel valleys and ridges, the highest of which is the Weald itself.

Over a thousand years of history have formed the county of East Sussex with its green fields having been the sites of many great battles. East Sussex is studded with castles. Hastings Castle was built in 1066 straight after the invasion on top of the cliff that now overlooks Hastings Old Town. It was rebuilt in stone in 1070 as the first permanent Norman castle in the country. Pevensey Castle is four miles north-east of Eastbourne. William the Conqueror seized the Roman fort at Pevensey after beating the English at the Battle of Hastings. Bodium Castle north of Hastings, was built in the 14th century, one of the few examples of a castle built for a private citizen. Incapable of being defended against cannon fire, it surrendered when attacked. The Parliamentarians were ordered to dismantle it, so it remained a ruin until partially restored in the 19th century. In 1917 Lord Curzon purchased and restored the castle. It is now owned by the National Trust.

Earlier industries have included fishing, iron-making, and the wool trade, all of which have since fell into decline. Today, with the main towns being popular seaside resorts, East Sussex's main industry is the tourist trade.

There are wide open spaces from the beaches and cliff tops of the coast to the chalk hills and meadows of the South Downs. There are narrow cobbled alleyways and elegant Regency squares, along with medieval cottages and fairytale castles. The mixture of glorious gardens, picturesque old villages, stylish bars and restaurants and fun nightlife are what makes East Sussex such a special place. It is here where you can relive a Norman battle, visit an Indian-style royal palace, go llama trekking, find a 69m long chalk man on a hillside and dine on a 1920's Golden Arrow steam train, and all in the space of a day.

East Sussex is a fascinating mix of sleek city pleasures, laid-back beach life and unspoilt countryside. It is historic, wild and sophisticated, exotic and traditional, all at the same time.