Sussex

Sussex is a county in South East England, bordered by Hampshire, Surrey and Kent and in the South, by the English Channel. Consequently, it is known as Sussex by the Sea. It has ninety miles of coast from Camber to Chichester. It gets its name from the Old English “Suth Seaxe”, meaning land of the South Saxons. Over 80% of the County is rural.

Residents of Sussex were delighted to learn that on 19th May 2018, following the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, they now had a Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Her Majesty the Queen bestowed these titles upon them in keeping with Royal tradition, that male members of the family receive a title on their wedding day. The previous Duke of Sussex died in 1843 without a legitimate heir. Prince Augustus Frederick was the son of King George III. He married twice, but the marriages were not approved by his father and therefore, were not legal. Megan Markel, now Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex, is therefore, the first to have this honour. Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, will be familiar with the County, but the Duchess, who was born in California, has many delights awaiting her. The shingle beaches of Brighton may not match those in California and the sandy beaches of West Wittering could have an attraction for her. The luxurious Royal Pavilion in Brighton was built by Prince Harry’s ancestor, King George IV.

The South Downs are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These rolling chalk hills stretch seventy miles across Sussex. Ditchling Beacon, seven miles north of Brighton, is the highest point (248 metres) in East Sussex and provides views out to sea and across the Weald. Between Birling Gap and Cuckmere Haven, are the world famous Seven Sisters white chalk cliffs, one of the longest stretches of unspoilt coastline on the South coast of England. Further East, is the spectacular Beachy Head, which towers over the famous Beachy Head Lighthouse.

Sussex contains the prominent cities of Chichester and Brighton and other attractive coastal resorts, such as Bognor Regis, Worthing and Hastings. There is easy, fast access from London by rail and by road on the M23 Motorway, which also services the international airport of London Gatwick.

Bodiam Castle, East Sussex, is a picturesque moated castle set in the High Weald. It is well preserved and owned by the National Trust. It was in Sussex that the last successful invasion of England took place in 1066. William of Normandy defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings.