This summer archaeologists are tracing the footsteps of Henry VIII as they search for evidence of a lost Tudor wing of the National Trust’s magnificent Petworth House and Park, July 19th to 31st
The two-week dig at Petworth is part of ‘Henry VIII’, a landmark research project led by Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) in partnership with the University of York.
For the first time, they plan to map every venue occupied by the legendary Tudor king on his ‘royal progress’, a tour consolidating his rule over the country. The project aims to enhance historians’ understanding of the purpose of royal progresses and their impact on 16th-century political culture.
Image by: DigVentures
Image by: DigVentures
The excavation coincides with the International Festival of Archaeology and there will be opportunities for the public to take part, including guided tours of the dig site, bookable half day sessions as well as family-friendly sessions to help with the dig itself or handle any finds that may be uncovered. Other free Tudor-themed activities will be available with no booking required. Normal admission to Petworth House applies.
The archaeologists will be searching for the footprint of the lost North Wing which was built when Henry acquired the house in 1536. The wing included a chapel, fortified tower and large hall, and was located on what is now the north west lawn in the park.
Image by: John Miller
Image by: DigVentures
There is also the tantalising possibility of discovering a lost ‘mystery building’ in the park which is indicated in several historical documents and was believed to be a banqueting house or hunting lodge where the king would have entertained his guests.
Visitor Experience Manager at Petworth Sue Rhodes said: “It’s extraordinary to think that Henry VIII once owned Petworth House, and we can’t wait to finally understand more about these lost buildings he may once have stood in. We’re also very keen for our visitors to get involved in the dig.”
Professor Anthony Musson, Head of Research at Historic Royal Palaces, said: “We’re really excited to be partnering with Petworth as part of the Historic Royal Palaces-led ‘Henry VIII on Tour’ research project. Our ambitious three-year venture is charting all of Henry’s royal progresses and exploring the properties he stayed at, particularly the less well-known venues and those now ‘lost’ Tudor palaces and landscapes. It is very much part of our commitment to help communities discover their local heritage, which we’re facilitating through digital visualisations, Tudor festivals, archaeological digs and musical performances. We’re especially looking forward to seeing what we uncover in this dig.”
Peter’s beautiful new book, a follow-up to South Downs Showcase is out now, with proceeds to The Motor Neurone Association’s West Sussex branch
Sussex Showcase: 2000 Years of Great Art from Bignor to Brighton by Peter, who lives in Lodsworth, was launched at the recent Petworth Literary Festival.
Covering a bigger canvas, the book features more than 2000 years of art in Sussex, ranging from the beautifully preserved mosaics of Bignor and Fishbourne and world-class medieval frescoes in tiny South Downs churches, to the end of the 20th century and the colourful paintings of Charleston-based artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant.
Sussex Showcase takes the reader on a visual feast of a journey to see how Sussex has been depicted through many centuries, including by such English Masters as Constable and Turner, as well as famous 20th century painters such as Paul Nash and Eric Ravilious. It also shows how destinations like Brighton, Chichester and Rye have become a beacon for artists, as well as more rural locations like Ditchling. Covering Sussex’s most famous artists, and iconic landmarks from the Downs to Beachy Head and Brighton Pier, the book investigates how the County has made such an impact on art in Britain.
It includes a foreword by The Duke of Richmond from Goodwood House, who comments “how incredibly inspiring the Sussex landscape has been, and remains, for artists”, Sussex Showcase includes over 50 high quality illustrations, some of which are rarely seen and have been generously loaned from privately-owned collections. Describing the publication, author Peter Beckingham said that “its purpose is unashamedly simple and celebratory – a book which can be enjoyed by all tourists and residents of Sussex with an interest in the county’s rich artistic history.”
Peter Beckingham is a former diplomat whose positions included Deputy High Commissioner to India, Ambassador to the Philippines and Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands. He now gives talks on Cunard’s QE2 and Queen Mary and is donating the profits from this book to The Motor Neurone Association’s West Sussex branch. Jonathan Newdick, a book designer with an international reputation, has once again designed this new publication, produced in association with Lodsworth’s Heritage Society.
The book is priced at £16.99 (postage and packing £3.50) as well as selected bookshops in Chichester, Midhurst, Brighton, Arundel, Steyning, Rye and Eastbourne. Email [email protected] or call 01798 342082 for more details on how to order.
Over indulged at Christmas? Tucked into too much turkey and pudding? Why not walk it off with a refreshing stroll at a National Trust property in Sussex
By January and February we’ve had enough of hygge, log fires and long evenings in front of the telly. The hibernation of winter is starting to drag. Vitamin D levels are low, spirits are lower and the family is climbing the walls.
The only way to style your way through to spring is to tackle winter head on. Throw everyone outdoors at every opportunity. Face into the wind, relish the rain patterning on your hood, and delight in those moments when the air is crisp and the sunlight sparkles on the frosty landscape.
Whether you’d prefer a stroll through a wintery garden with coffee in hand. Splash bravely through the puddles with the kids in tow. Or stride out in the blustery countryside in search of big skies and inspiration. Here are the National Trust walks you need to get you through winter.
Nymans: Best for winter scents
The Winter Walks at Nymans is packed with fragrant hellebores, electric-blue pulmonaria, daphne and wintersweet. While the Heather Garden is brimming with honey-scented blooms in shades of red, white and pink. Nymans’ garden team have recently planted new fragrant daphnes all round the garden. Look out for little clumps of snowdrops too in the walled garden from mid January onwards. Their bobbing white heads are a precious hope of spring to come.
Grab a coffee and do some sauntering along the winding garden paths for a winter pick-me-up or stop at the plant shop for a hellebore or a pot of snowdrops to bring a little magic back home.
Sheffield Park’s beautiful lakes and trees have a sculptural beauty in winter – the perfect backdrop for a family walk. Buggy friendly paths make it easy to get around the garden even on wet and muddy days. Or pull on the wellies and head cross country across the parkland to Ringwood Toll, a natural play trail nestled in woodland. See what adventures unfurl as nature guides the imagination, little explorers run wild and bigger kids build dens, climb trees and let off steam. The café serves children’s lunch boxes, hot meals and sandwiches, cake and more. Not just for kids, from late January and to February half term, you can find out the story of Nellie’s Artic Adventure. Nellie Soames was a former owner of Sheffield Park and one of the first women to venture into the Artic. Look out for sculptures of an ice cave, polar bear and icebergs, plus new for 2023 is a mammoth skeleton, made from recycled milk bottles.
The wide open landscape of the Capability Brown deer park at Petworth is an uplifting and atmospheric place for a walk in winter. The herds of wild fallow deer and ancient trees make you feel transported to another age. Coupled with hazy mist and the grand mansion in the distance, this is a walk that’s worth leaving the house for.
In the Pleasure Garden, the winter berries, snowdrops and stone follies lend a more classic, intimate atmosphere, with plenty or plant life among the gently winding paths. After your walk warm up with a delicious soup in the café and cosy chats with friends.
If the main appeal of a winter walk is stopping at a café – the Barn café at Standen is the one to aim for – for lunch, coffee or cake. Get set by warming your bones by the woodburning stove before setting off to face the winter. Winter is a great time of year to discover the garden at Standen and venture into the woodlands. Take in the view over the Sussex Weald from Rock Top Walk and explore the wider estate. Walks leaflets are available from visitor reception or can be downloaded online. The January sales are great at the shop too, which is full of William Morris and arts and crafts inspired gifts.
Slindon Estate, South Downs: Best winter history walk
The downland village of Slindon has a rich and colourful historic past. During much of the medieval period it was the summer residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. This circular walk celebrates that medieval history as it passes through Slindon’s old deer park, following the route of the park pale. This is the best time of year to discover this landscape artefact, a raised bank once topped with a solid fence that was used to confine animals and speaks to Slindon’s past as a historic hunting estate. The early onset of dusk in winter may actually offer the lucky visitor glimpses of roe and fallow deer between the trees and in the fields of the estate. On your way round you can also try and spot the sheltered bench built into the remaining fragment of wall of the old Regency tea-room which sadly burned down in the early 1940s. While you’re in the Slindon, come and warm up in the Forge – a community café that stocks hot drinks, meals and treats.
This circular walk allows you to enjoy views over the downs and East Sussex coast. By following old drovers’ and smuggling routes to the sea from the downland village of East Dean you may feel a sense of the landscape’s long history. It also offers sweeping sea and downland views towards Belle Tout lighthouse. It is a really special time of year to visit as the low winter light reflects off the open sea and the bracing wind blows over the cliffs. The walk takes in the historic Tiger Inn at East Dean (not NT), but you can also take the opportunity to pop into a new cliff top café at Birling Gap which is opening in early January.
The estate at Bateman’s, Burwash, is full of small fields, hedgerows, old trees, abandoned iron ore pits, hidden ponds and magical deserted trackways. Puck’s Walk in inspired by Kipling’s famous story, ‘Puck of Pook’s Hill’. Written for his children, this magical tale took its inspiration from the re-enactment of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ by Kipling and his children one summer in the early 1900s.
The route from Visitor Reception takes you out to Park Mill, through woods and over hills towards Burwash Weald, before looping back to cross the river and return to the Mill Pond. The walk takes in some great views, and it is easy to see how to rolling hills, woods and Dudwell river inspired Kipling’s writing. Stop by the Mulberry tea-room afterwards for a warming winter treat.
Thanks to your help, the National Trust cares for hundreds of walking trails in beautiful locations all across the county. For more ideas of winter walks see: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sussex
Set a date to come together with family and friends for a Christmassy catch-up at a visit to a National Trust site in Sussex
Across Sussex, there’s a real variety of Christmas experiences for festive family days this year. There’s spectacle and sparkle for those ‘wow’ moments and selfies. Opulent decorated houses to get glamour-lovers in the mood for the party season. And nostalgic family trails in the great outdoors, themed on popular children’s books, to rekindle the magic of Christmas.
Zara Luxford, National Trust General Manager for Nymans and Standen said: “Christmas at the National Trust is always magical but this year we’ve got more decorations, trails and events than ever before. We can’t wait to see families and friends coming together, making memories, and experiencing the festive atmosphere at the places the National Trust cares for.”
Here’s a roundup of some of the National Trust’s best Christmas events across Sussex
The sumptuous one
A Joyful Family Christmas at Standen
November 19th to January 3rd (exc 24th & 25th)
Discover a beautifully decorated family home ready for a joyful Christmas, filled with sparkling lights and sumptuous trees, music and make believe. Outside, the Courtyard Christmas tree is lit with hundreds of twinkling lights, decorated by Same Sky community artists with local schoolchildren and inspired by William Morris. Don’t miss the twilight openings, carols round the tree and fun trail for all the family. Book ahead for Woodland Santa’s workshop at the top of the garden.
The magical one
Nymans
Beatrix Potter’s Christmas Tale at Nymans
November 26th to January 3rd (exc 24th & 25th)
Beatrix Potter’s festive tale The Tailor of Gloucester comes to the garden at Nymans, with installations around the garden. Step inside the gallery and discover an exhibition for all the family with some of Beatrix Potter’s original illustrations and Christmas cards. The house is richly decorated with sumptuous Christmas trees, sparkling lights and story scenes. There’s even a cosy storybook corner, puzzles and dressing up for the little ones. Enjoy festive treats in the café after a winter’s day out.
Image: National Trust / Laurence Perry
The tree-mendous one
Petworth’s Tree-mendous Christmas
November 26th to January 2nd (exc 24th & 25th)
Magnificently decorated trees fill the mansion at Petworth this Christmas. Highlights include the Marble Hall, transformed into an enchanted winter forest scene with sparkling lights and woodland creatures – look out for deer crafted from winter greenery, and tiny mice. In the chapel you can add a Christmas wish to a tree. Weekend choirs, late evening openings, and a Christmas market offer more moments to enjoy the sparkle at Petworth.
Image: National Trust / John Miller
The breath of fresh air
Sheffield Park and Garden
November 26th to January 1st (exc 24th and 25th)
Sheffield Park and Garden is a breath of fresh air at Christmas time. Take a break from the hectic high street and spend an atmospheric afternoon recharging yourself in this stunning landscape garden. Find inspiration and learn new skills as you follow the Making Trail around the garden featuring traditional Christmassy crafts passed from generation to generation. From needlework to crochet, discover handmade crafts that don’t cost the earth to make at home. Plus look out for the festive photo stops brimming with twinkling lights and cosy Christmas joy – the perfect place for a family photoshoot filled with yuletide cheer.
Image: National Trust / Laurence Perry
The cosy one
Christmas at Bateman’s
November 26th to January 2nd (exc 24th & 25th)
Make memories as you explore the 17th century house with welcoming log fire, illuminated Christmas trees and peacock-inspired decorations. Be dazzled by real trees decorated with twinkly lights and natural foliage, delight in an exhibition of Claire Fletcher’s original watercolour illustrations and get into the festive spirit with live music from local community groups. Music on selected dates, please check website for details.
The handmade one
Christmas at Uppark
November 19th to January 1st (exc 24th & 25th)
Celebrate Christmas at Uppark and see the mansion adorned with natural and handmade decorations. The entrance hall is richly dressed and festively scented with winter greenery, pinecones, citrus fruit and cinnamon. Above and below stairs, each room has its own crafted theme, from music to games, made by local community groups to create a unique and joyful Christmas experience.
Image: National Trust / Chris Lacey
The castle factor
Christmas at Bodiam Castle
December 3rd to January 2nd
Discover Father Christmas’s sleigh in the castle ruins. Jump on and dress up in regal winter costumes for the ultimate festive selfie. Look around the Castle Courtyard for Father Christmas, Mother Christmas or the elves just waiting to say hello and enjoy the magic of Christmas with tales of dragons, knights, and castles in storytelling for families from a cosy tower room. Christmas characters on selected dates. Please check the website for more details.
The literary one
Christmas at Lamb House
November 28th to December 18th (closed on selected dates, check website)
Be transported to New England in 1900 where Henry James, the American author, plays host to his family from New England who have transformed Lamb House for the festive season. Soak up the sights and scents of a traditional home-made Christmas in this stunning Georgian house.
Petworth Community Craft Group has taken its fundraising efforts for local charities online to continue its good work when they haven’t been able to meet in person.
The group which has just marked its third anniversary brings crafters of all abilities together to make saleable delights to help boost local charities including more than £1,000 for Petworth Community Garden and in excess of £2,500 for the Sylvia Beaufoy Youth Club.
When sources of selling ceased last year because of the pandemic, Tricia Stephens from PCCG said they “entered the 21st century, creating a Facebook page and sold from there as well as Petworth virtual Christmas market”.
Where possible the group uses unwanted, surplus or natural products to make a wide variety of gifts and useful items. Materials used have included donated designer fabric samples, donated blank cards and envelopes, unwanted magazines and newspapers, scraps of wool, corks, fir cones and much more.
PCCG encourages teamwork and a sense of camaraderie and belonging and enables experienced crafters to share their know how.
Members are welcome to bring their own project, make crafts to raise money or just go along for coffee and a chat and see what others are doing.
The group usually meets every second Friday in the month at Coultershaw Warehouse and is looking forward to getting together as soon as they can.
