Sussex Castles

Welcome to the Sussex Castles web site!

I grew up in Sussex and always enjoyed visiting the county's castles. The castles cover a wide range of history. From Pevensey with much of its Roman curtain wall intact through to Herstmonceux, an early brick manor house built in the style of a castle. Many of the castles have seen battle and siege. Pevensey has been besieged four times since 1066. Hastings, Rye and Winchelsea have been sacked by the French on numerous occasions. The Battle of Hastings and the Battle of Lewes helped shape English history.

The historical information on this site is mainly taken from old chronicles and charters, but a full listing of my sources is provided on the References page of this site.

I have provided some information regarding opening hours and facilities at the various castles, but if you are considering a visit to, please be sure to check the castle's official web site for the current details. 

Richard Bird.

What’s New:

September 2010

  1. •Added a Photo gallery and details of how to visit Chichester Cathedral.


August 2010

  1. •Defined some new terms in the glossary describing some monastic architectural features. Expanded the history, photo gallery and details of how to visit Boxgrove Priory. New pages on Bignor Roman Villa.


June 2010

  1. •Added a description of the peasants revolt.


May 2010

  1. •Added information on Vortigern’s land grants to the Saxons  Hengest and Horsa. Added description of the Selsey Miracle.


March 2010

  1. •Added a section on the Domesday book and Norman forest law.


February 2010

  1. •New pages on the last of the Saxon kings of Sussex and the 9th century viking raids.


January 2010

  1. •Expanded notes on Selsey and added new early Saxon history, including Sussex incorporation into Wessex and a short biography of King Nunna.


December 2009

  1. •Added photo gallery for Bosham. New page on Bayham Abbey. More info on the battle of Tinchebrai.


August 2009

  1. •New map of Winchelsea showing layout of town in 1292 and remaining historic buildings



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