There are plenty of ways to get involved with the history and archaeology of Sussex. Why not visit a museum or join an archaeological society?
Many Portable Antiquities Scheme finds can be seen on display at museums around the county (see the links that accompany the descriptions below).
Museums
At Anne of Cleves House in Lewes you can explore how the Tudors and Elizabethans lived, worked and relaxed at home. Find out about the part played by this beautiful medieval house in the story of Henry VIII.
Part of Lewes Castle, Barbican House is home to the Museum of Sussex Archaeology and houses local collections from the Stone Age to medieval times, including the ‘Lewes area’ hoard of Middle Bronze Age items (SUSS-C5D042). A mini-cinema tells the story of Lewes from prehistoric to Victorian times.
Bexhill Museum offers something for everyone from local history and archaeology to fashion and Bexhill’s motor heritage. The unique collections are housed in a distinctive building which combines a traditional Edwardian museum with a modern extension.
Almost every aspect of Bognor’s history is represented, from rocks and fossils millions of years old, to before the town was founded through to the present day.
Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens
Discovered in 1960, the north wing of this this first century home is an important attraction for anyone interested in learning about Roman life, art and architecture. The Collections Discovery Centre stores contain half a million artefacts, most of which have never been on public display. You can watch conservators at work and gain the unique opportunity to see some parts of a museum that are normally hidden from public view. The Collections Discovery Centre also houses a series of changing displays showcasing some of the best finds from the site, recent archaeological discoveries and artwork inspired by the palace.
Littlehampton Museum tells the story of Littlehampton itself, as well as the surrounding villages which make up this picturesque region of Sussex. The permanent galleries display a wealth of extraordinary Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman archaeology, telling the story behind the town’s journey from Roman settlement through to the prosperous Victorian era and the present day leisure haven.
Marlipins museum in Shoreham tells the story of Shoreham’s maritime and local history from prehistoric to medieval times. The striking chequerboard flint and Caen limestone facade of the museum building is part of one of the oldest Norman buildings in Sussex.
As the custodians of the heritage of Chichester District, the Novium Museum in Chichester cares for a unique collection of 500,000 objects which help to tell the fascinating story of the history of Chichester District, including a Roman gold finger-ring acquired through the Treasure process (HAMP-F7A356).
Societies & Organisations
The Sussex Archaeological Society: Sussex Past
Founded in 1846, Sussex Archaeological Society is the oldest in England. It acts as host to the Sussex Finds Liaison Officer at Barbican House Museum in Lewes. It also runs numerous museums and heritage sites across the historic county, including Anne of Cleves House Museum, Marlipins Museum, and Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens, among others.
Chichester and District Archaeology Society
Chichester and District Archaeology Society runs fieldwork and has regular talks on the abundant archaeology of the city of Chichester and surrounding countryside.
