Sussex Societies

Family history societies often publish helpful journals, transcripts, compiled genealogies and host helpful websites. They may have ongoing projects to transcribe records and create indexes. Most societies publish queries in their journals and maintain lists of members’ research interests that may be helpful to you. You may want to join one of these societies, reap the benefits of their expertise and resources, or support its efforts.

Addresses of the societies are for the most part where their meetings are held as they are by-and-large not brick-and-mortar institutions.

Regional Society
Felbridge and District History Group Oaklands Lake View Road Furnace Wood Felbridge, Surrey RH19 2QE UK Telephone: 01342 715830 Email: [mailto:jerry@felbridge.org.uk jerry@felbridge.org.uk] Website: Felbridge and District History Group


 * The group was founded in 1998 to exchange history and information, and make a permanent record of Felbridge and the surrounding district. The area has a long history that changed little until the first decades of the 20th century. It is on the border of Surrey and Sussex.

Horsham District Archaeology Group Telephone: 01903 872309 Email: [mailto:horshamarch@hotmail.co.uk horshamarch@hotmail.co.uk] Website: Horsham District Archaeology Group


 * The Horsham District Archaeology Group meets regularly to carry out research into the fascinating history and more distant past of Horsham and the surrounding West Sussex/Surrey countryside.

Liss Archaeology Telephone: 02392 783465 Email: [mailto:lissarchaeology@gmail.com lissarchaeology@gmail.com] Website: Liss Archaeology


 * Working on Archaeology projects in East Hampshire and West Sussex

Romney Marsh Research Trust Email: [mailto:info@rmrt.org.uk info@rmrt.org.uk] Website: Romney Marsh Research Trust


 * The Romney Marsh Research Trust was formed in 1987 to study the history, archaeology and landscape history (or ‘geomorphology’) of Romney Marsh.

Sussex Societies
Ardingly History Society Hapstead Hall High St Ardingly Haywards Heath, Sussex RH17 6TD UK Email: [mailto:joy.broughton@btinternet.com joy.broughton@btinternet.com] Website: Ardingly History Society


 * The aims of the Society are to stimulate interest in the history of Ardingly: to seek out material of historic interest and to persuade owners of the need to take steps to ensure its presentation: to arrange meetings lectures and other activities to foster interest in the history of the village.

Ashurst Wood Historians St Dunstan’s Hall Hammerwood Road Ashurst Wood, West Sussex RH19 3QU UK Telephone: 01342 323880 Email: [mailto:wendy@keithandwendy.net wendy@keithandwendy.net] Website: Ashurst Wood Historians


 * Ashurst Wood Historians was founded in 1979…“to research and record the history of our village, its landscape, dwellings and the lives of its people through the stories of our residents, past and present.”

Battle & District Historical Society Wynne Room Memorial Hall 81 High Street Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0AQ UK Telephone: 01424 775590 Email: [mailto:bdhs66@yahoo.co.uk bdhs66@yahoo.co.uk] Website: Battle & District Historical Society


 * The Battle and District Historical Society is actively interested in history: Battle, regional, national and international. B&DHS offers the local community a forum for enjoying all aspects of British history, including the very rich local history of the Battle area.

Beeding and Bramber Local History Society Beeding and Bramber Village Hall High St Upper Beeding Steyning, Sussex BN44 3WN UK Email: [mailto:drpnightingale@mypostoffice.co.uk drpnightingale@mypostoffice.co.uk] Website: Beeding and Bramber Local History Society


 * The Beeding and Bramber Local History Society was formed in 1981 for people who have an interest in the past of the two villages, as well as Botolphs, Small Dole and Edburton.

Billingshurst Local History Society Billingshurst Village Hall 85-87 High St Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 UK Email: [mailto:history@billingshurst.community history@billingshurst.community] Website: Billingshurst Local History Society


 * The Billingshurst Local History Society was founded more than 35 years ago. Its purpose is to promote an understanding and interest in the history of Billingshurst and its environs.

Blackboys & District Historical Society 18 Maple Leaf Cottages School Lane Blackboys Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 5LJ UK Telephone: 01825 890359 Email: [mailto:baturner.18maple@btinternet.com baturner.18maple@btinternet.com] Website: Blackboys & District Historical Society

Bognor Regis Local History Society Berkeley Arms 25-27 West St Bognor Regis, Sussex PO21 1XA UK Telephone: 01243 865636 Email: [mailto:kayfall@beachfalls.co.uk kayfall@beachfalls.co.uk] Website: Bognor Regis Local History Society


 * The Society was founded to bring together those interested in the history of Bognor Regis and district and to encourage the research and recording of its past and present. In 1984 the Society established the Bognor Museum in the town, firstly at Park Lodge, Hotham Park, then in 1997 at 69, High Street and now at the former Berkeley Arms in West Street.

Brighton & Hove Archaeological Society Unitarian Church New Road Brighton, Sussex BN1 1UF UK Telephone: 0844 5888 277 Email: [mailto:co-ordinator@brightonarch.org.uk co-ordinator@brightonarch.org.uk] Website: Brighton & Hove Archaeological Society


 * Our objectives are to promote the study of archaeology and local history and to ensure the proper recording and preservation of local antiquities and relics

Burgess Hill Local History Society Cyprus Hall Cyprus Road Burgess Hill, Sussex RH15 8DX UK Website: Burgess Hill Local History Society Second Website: Burgess Hill Local History Society


 * The Burgess Hill Local History Society was founded by a few residents who felt that with the rapid growth of the town, the disappearance of so many landmarks and the number of changes that had taken place, it was essential to try and capture the remnants of the town's history. At the same time, they also hoped to engage the interest of new residents and foster a sense of pride in the town.

Chichester and District Archaeology Society New Park Community Centre New Park Rd Chichester, Sussex PO19 7XY UK Email: [mailto:secretary@cdas.info secretary@cdas.info] Website: Chichester and District Archaeology Society


 * From Prehistoric, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman and Mediaeval periods through to the 21st Century, Chichester city and its countryside provide a rich variety of archaeology for the members of the Chichester and District Archaeology Society.

Chichester Local History Society New Park Community Centre New Park Rd Chichester, Sussex PO19 7XY UK Telephone: 01243 576701 Email: [mailto:Linda.w@uwclub.net Linda.w@uwclub.net] Website: Chichester Local History Society


 * The Society seeks to promote talks, research, and publications on local historical topics and to arrange visits to places of historical interest in the Chichester area.

Cowfold Village History Society Cowfold Village Hall Bolney Road Cowfold Horsham, West Sussex RH13 8AA UK Email: [mailto:scb@biancoteam.com scb@biancoteam.com] Website: Cowfold Village History Society


 * The society brings together people who are interested in local history through meetings, exhibitions and publications and projects. We welcome anyone with this interest and who would like to share photos, memories, postcards and memorabilia. We also support individual research and encourage groups of like-minded people to get together and investigate aspects from Cowfold’s past to the present day.

Danehill Parish Historical Society Danehill Memorial Hall London Road Danehill Forest Row, East Sussex RH17 7HS UK Telephone: 01825 790396 Email: [mailto:dphs@outlook.com dphs@outlook.com] Website: Danehill Parish Historical Society


 * The objects of the society are to promote interest in, and the study of local history in particular, or any other historical matter of interest, bringing together local residents or other people to share and enjoy a range of social and informal activities.

East Grinstead Society Main Hall East Court Mansion College Lane East Grinstead, Sussex RH19 3LT UK Telephone: 01342 321755 Email: [mailto:alan.h.ward@btinternet.com alan.h.ward@btinternet.com] Website: East Grinstead Society


 * The East Grinstead Society was founded in 1968 as an independent unit to improve the amenities and protect the buildings of East Grinstead and its environs. The town’s long history and architectural heritage are worthy of care by present and future generations.

East Hoathly and District Preservation Society East Hoathly Village Hall Church Marks Ln East Hoathly Lewes BN8 6EQ UK Telephone: 01825 841218 Email: [mailto:ehdps@hotmail.co.uk ehdps@hotmail.co.uk] Website: East Hoathly and District Preservation Society


 * The Society aims to promote the preservation of the amenities of the village and its surrounding area, its heritage, and historic buildings and footpaths.

East Preston & Kingston Preservation History East Preston and Kingston Village Hall 52 Sea Road East Preston Littlehampton, West Sussex BN16 1LP UK Telephone: 01903 779134 Website: East Preston & Kingston Preservation History


 * We promote the conservation of notable local buildings and features, while closely monitoring the quality of new development. Our meetings feature talks by guest speakers on wide-ranging topics linked to heritage and conservation.

Eastbourne Natural History and Archaeology Society St Saviour’s Church Hall Spencer Rd Eastbourne, Sussex BN21 4PA UK Telephone: 01323 731792 Email: [mailto:enhas.info@gmail.com enhas.info@gmail.com] Website: Eastbourne Natural History and Archaeology Society


 * Since the society was founded in 1867, its aim has been to stimulate and educate the public in the beauty, history and character of the countryside. The Society promotes these values with exhibitions, lectures, publications and resources available for education.

Family Roots Family History Society for Eastbourne & District Telephone: 01323 502432 Email: [mailto:secretary@eastbournefhs.org.uk secretary@eastbournefhs.org.uk] Website: Family Roots Family History Society


 * Genealogy is a fascinating, but sometimes frustrating pastime, but you may just find the name that has eluded you for ages here. Our aim is to promote and encourage the public study of family history and genealogy with particular reference to persons living in or associated with the Eastbourne area and the preservation.

Fernhurst Society Fernhurst Village Hall Glebe Rd Fernhurst, Sussex GU27 3EH UK Email: [mailto:enquiries@fernhurstsociety.org.uk enquiries@fernhurstsociety.org.uk] Website: Fernhurst Society


 * The Society's aims are to enrich the enjoyment of Fernhurst village and its surrounding countryside in West Sussex, England; to promote interest in local history, local life, traditions and customs; to advance and disseminate knowledge of the archaeology, geography, natural history, buildings and architecture of the local district; and to seek the protection and improvement of the amenities and appearance of Fernhurst village and its environs.

Hailsham Historical and Natural History Society Methodist Church Hall High St Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 2AE UK Telephone: 1323 843206 Email: [mailto:richard@thegoldsmiths.org.uk richard@thegoldsmiths.org.uk] Website: Hailsham Historical and Natural History Society

Hartfield and District History Group Village Hall 2 High St Hartfield TN7 4AD UK Email: [mailto:info@hartfieldhistorygroup.org.uk info@hartfieldhistorygroup.org.uk] Website: Hartfield and District History Group


 * The Hartfield History Group was formed in 1972 to discover and record the history of the small Parish of Hartfield and the Surrounding District that is part of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) of East Sussex.

Hastings Area Archaeological Research Group Telephone: 01424 812092 Website: Hastings Area Archaeological Research Group

Hastings Local History Group Hastings History House 21 Court House Street Hastings Old Town, Sussex TN34 3AU UK Telephone: 01424 444277 Email: [mailto:heather@grief64.fsnet.co.uk heather@grief64.fsnet.co.uk] Website: Hastings Local History Group


 * Encourages an interest in and research into the history and development of Hastings through the centuries.

Hastings and Rother Family History Society Ore Community Centre Old London Road Ore Village Hastings, East Sussex TN35 5BH UK Telephone: 01424 437493 Email: [mailto:hrfhsenquiries@btinternet.com hrfhsenquiries@btinternet.com] Website: Hastings and Rother Family History Society


 * We are here to help with family research and we believe that means genealogy in its widest sense. We are not only about births, marriages and deaths but also the lives our ancestors lived, the times they lived in and the places they frequented. To this end, we gather together as many resources as possible to find the people and tell those stories.

Hastings Area Archaeological Research Group Hastings History House 21 Court House Street Hastings Old Town, Sussex TN34 3AU UK Telephone: 01424 812092 Email: [mailto:haarg@hotmail.co.uk haarg@hotmail.co.uk] Website: Hastings Area Archaeological Research Group


 * Hastings Area Archaeological Research Group (HAARG) was founded in 1972 to enable those with an interest in local archaeology and history to take an active part in discovering and recording our district's past. Our interests extend from Pevensey in the west, to Bodiam and the River Rother in the north and the Kent border to the east of Rye.  We have been known to cross the border into Kent when our research directs us in that direction.

Heathfield & District History Society Ian Price Room Community Centre Sheepsetting Lane Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 0XG UK Telephone: 01435 873551 Website: Heathfield & District History Society

Henfield History Group Free Church Hall155 High St Henfield, West Sussex BN5 UK Email: [mailto:henfieldhistorygroup@hotmail.com henfieldhistorygroup@hotmail.com] Website: Henfield History Group


 * The Group was formed in the early summer of 2000 by a small group of like-minded people, with the aim of encouraging and assisting research into all aspects of local history, including family history.

Hurstpierpoint Historical Society Guide Hall Trinity Road Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex BN6 9UY UK Website: Hurstpierpoint Historical Society

Ifold And District Local History Society Oakview The Lane Ifold Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 0UL UK Telephone: 01403 752 865 Website: Ifold And District Local History Society

Lancing and Sompting Pastfinders Harriet Johnson Centre Old School House Loose Ln Sompting Lancing, West Sussex BN15 0BG UK Email: [mailto:cokeham@talktalk.net cokeham@talktalk.net] Website: Lancing and Sompting Pastfinders


 * "Pastfinders” is a group of enthusiasts who meet once a month as a focus and forum for the local history of these two coastal villages.

Lewes Archaeological Group Lecture Room Lewes Town Hall High St Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2QS UK Email: [mailto:paulawodcohen@yahoo.co.uk paulawodcohen@yahoo.co.uk] Website: Lewes Archaeological Group


 * Lewes Archaeological Group was founded in 1968 to investigate prehistoric and historic remains in the town of Lewes and the surrounding district. Although the Group does not currently run any excavations, it has each year a full programme of talks. It also has occasional tours and walks.

Lewes History Group King’s Church Brooks Road Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2BY UK Telephone: 01273 447566 Website: Lewes History Group


 * The Lewes History Group is a volunteer-led group of enthusiasts who have an active interest in the history of Lewes and its immediate surroundings. We started the group in 2009 to study and record the history of Lewes, and to make the history of the county town accessible to the local community, and to others who share our interest.

Mayfield Local History Society Scout and Guide Hall Tunbridge Wells Road Mayfield, East Sussex TN20 6PA UK Email: [mailto:honsec@mayfieldlhs.org.uk honsec@mayfieldlhs.org.uk] Website: Mayfield Local History Society


 * The Society's aim is the study of local history in general and of Mayfield and district in particular.

Newhaven Historical Society Hillcrest Centre Hillcrest Road Newhaven, East Sussex BN9 9EA UK Telephone: 01273 515404 Email: [mailto:ahelyar@tiscali.co.uk ahelyar@tiscali.co.uk] Website: Newhaven Historical Society


 * Newhaven Historical Society own and manage the Newhaven Museum which is located at Paradise Park in Newhaven, East Sussex – within easy reach of Brighton and Eastbourne. The museum houses a diverse collection of photographs and artifacts relating to local heritage and the maritime history of Newhaven and the surrounding area.

Northiam and District Historical and Literary Society Northiam Village Hall Frewen Cl Northiam Rye, East Sussex TN31 6AF UK Telephone: 01797 253341 Email: [mailto:slepe14@john-lewis.com slepe14@john-lewis.com] Website: Northiam and District Historical and Literary Society


 * The Society was formed in the 1950's to promote a wider understanding of local and national history and literary subject in an informal and friendly atmosphere through short lectures.

Nutley Local History Society Village Hall Nutley, East Sussex UK Telephone: 01825 713078 Email: [mailto:info@nutleyhistorical.org.uk info@nutleyhistorical.org.uk] Website: Nutley Local History Society


 * The aim of the Society is to publish and promote various aspects of the history of this ancient settlement.

Old Hastings Preservation Society 21 Courthouse St Hastings, Sussex TN34 3AU UK Telephone: 01424 424744 Email: [mailto:ohpscontact@gmail.com ohpscontact@gmail.com] Website: Old Hastings Preservation Society


 * We have two prime aims which are to promote the permanent preservation of buildings of beauty or historic interest and to foster an appreciation of the history of the town of Hastings and to preserve evidence of that history.

Pagham Local History Group Website: Pagham Local History Group


 * The website is to let people know about Pagham Local History Group. It is an informal, non-profit group focused on researching and discussing Pagham history (inc. Nyetimber, Rose Green, Aldwick and Lagness).

Petworth Society Leconfield Hall Widden House 1 Market Square Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0AH UK Telephone: 01798 344629 Email: [mailto:petworthsociety@yahoo.co.uk petworthsociety@yahoo.co.uk] Website: Petworth Society


 * The Petworth Society was founded in 1974 “to preserve the character and amenities of the town and parish of Petworth including Byworth; to encourage interest in the history of the district and to foster a community spirit”.

Pevensey and Westham Historical Society Westham Village Hall Peelings Lane Westham Pevensey, East Sussex BN24 5HE UK Telephone: 01323 472721 Website: Pevensey and Westham Historical Society


 * The Society Library has a wealth of material donated over the past 27 years, covering local history, including the villages. Selected items are displayed at each meeting for members to peruse.

Ringmer History Study Group Email: [mailto:rhsg@ringmer.info rhsg@ringmer.info] Website: Ringmer History Study Group

Robertsbridge & District Archaeological Society Robertsbridge Town Hall 11-23 Station Rd Salehurst Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5 UK Email: [mailto:info@aboutrobertsbridge.org.uk info@aboutrobertsbridge.org.uk] Website: Robertsbridge & District Archaeological Society

Southwater Local History Group Beeson House 26 Lintot Square Fairbank Road Southwater Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9LA UK Telephone: 01403 730995 Email: [mailto:southwaterhistory@gmail.com southwaterhistory@gmail.com] Website: Southwater Local History Group


 * The Southwater Local History Group was formed in September 2003. Its aim is to amass an archive of material relating to the origins and development of the area we now call Southwater, from the earliest times to the present day.

Southwick (Sussex) Society Southwick Community Centre 24 Southwick St Southwick, West Sussex BN42 4TE UK Telephone: 01273 465164 Website: Southwick (Sussex) Society Secondary website: Southwick (Sussex) Society


 * The Society is active in several fields, one of which is publishing local history books and "Wickerwork" - a regular newsletter updating members on activities and local matters of interest.

Sussex Archaeological Society Barbican House Museum 169 High Street Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1YE UK Telephone: 01273 486260 Email: [mailto:castle@sussexpast.co.uk castle@sussexpast.co.uk] Website: Sussex Archaeological Society


 * The Sussex Archaeological Collections has been produced by the Society since its inception in 1846, and is a major scholarly contribution to the study of local archaeology and history. The Collections are the first port of call for anyone researching the past of Sussex.  The Society has over 150 volumes completed to date.

Sussex Family History Group Clair Hall Perrymount Rd Haywards Heath, Sussex RH16 3DN UK Email: [mailto:secretary@sfhg.org.uk secretary@sfhg.org.uk] Website: Sussex Family History Group


 * The Sussex Family History Group was founded in 1972. It has about four thousand members in Sussex, the rest of the UK, and around the world. There are five meeting centres in the County at Brighton & Hove, Chichester, Horsham, Uckfield and Worthing. The SFHG has designed and built databases of Sussex Information, Monumental Inscriptions, Marriage Indexes, Census Returns, Parish Records (baptisms, marriages, and burials), strays, members interests, Wills, members own family research and other genealogical information as it becomes available and effort permits. Much of this data is gradually being placed online in our Data Archive, with free access to members.


 * It can therefore be said that the aims of the SFHG include promoting the study of genealogy and family history, and encouraging the preservation, transcription and publication of relevant documents and records.

Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society West Blatchington Windmill Hove, Sussex BN3 7LF UK Telephone: 01903 208975 Email: [mailto:martin@pastfinder.uk martin@pastfinder.uk] Website: Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society


 * Industrial Archaeology is the study of the working life of past generations through the physical and documentary evidence that they left. Industrial Archaeology shades into 'mainstream' archaeology as it goes back through the ages.  It is also bound up with local history, economic history and the history of technology.

Sussex Mills Group Bridge Cottage High St Uckfield, Sussex TN22 1AZ UK Email: [mailto:sussexmillsgroup@btinternet.com sussexmillsgroup@btinternet.com] Website: Sussex Mills Group


 * Sussex Mills Group promotes the study and the restoration of mills and associated artifacts within the counties of East and West Sussex in the United Kingdom.

Sussex Record Society Barbican House 169 High Street Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1YE UK Email: [mailto:richard.martin2083@ntlworld.com richard.martin2083@ntlworld.com] Website: Sussex Record Society


 * The Society commissions research by individuals who are experts in their field to produce historical records in the selected area of research of the County of Sussex in the United Kingdom. The research is published in book form with the help of the Society’s historical, literature, technical, publishing and financial help provided by the members of the Society. Over the last 100 years the Society has published over 90 volumes of detailed historical research into the County of Sussex from 1066 to World War I. This research has also led to the creation of databases, records, images and texts covering many aspects of historical Sussex which are presented as Online Records.

Sussex University Archaeology Society Telephone: 01903 879696 Email: [mailto:sgreen@studygroup.com sgreen@studygroup.com] Website: Sussex University Archaeology Society


 * We hope to promote a higher profile of archaeology at the University and try to encourage students, past and present, to keep in touch. We will also be available to help students wishing advice on existing assignments on the University’s Archaeology courses. At present, most of our members are either past or current students at the CCE but we are open to anyone interested in archaeology.

Tools and Trades History Society Website: Tools and Trades History Society


 * The Society's aim is to further the knowledge and understanding of hand tools and the trades in which they were used.

Uckfield & District Preservation Society Local History Group 47 Roman Way Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1UY UK Telephone: 01825 763754 Email: [mailto:info@udps.co.uk info@udps.co.uk] Website: Uckfield & District Preservation Society Local History Group


 * The Uckfield and District Preservation Society (UDPS) was founded in 1968, initially to protect and preserve Nutley Windmill and to encourage interest in the local history and environment of the parishes around Uckfield in East Sussex.

The Wadhurst History Society Commemoration Hall High Street Wadhurst, East Sussex TN5 6AP UK Telephone: 01892 784280 Website: The Wadhurst History Society


 * The Society runs a series of monthly talks which are generally, but not exclusively, focused on local history. It has a number of Task Groups which research specific areas of our history and the results of the research are brought together and published from time to time in book form.

Warbleton and District History Group Dunn Village Hall Rushlake Green Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 9QD UK Telephone: 01435 830280 Email: [mailto:joncaustin@btinternet.com joncaustin@btinternet.com] Website: Warbleton and District History Group

West Hoathly Local History Group Sharpthorne Church Hall Station Road Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9EN UK Telephone: 01342 810534 Email: [mailto:tony.hunt1940@btinternet.com tony.hunt1940@btinternet.com] Website: West Hoathly Local History Group


 * The Group was formed in 1983 by Sheila Allen and Kay Coutin and has continued to attract new members. They are a mixture of experts and those who enjoy things historical.

West Sussex Archives Society Pagham Village Hall Pagham Road Pagham, Sussex PO21 4NJ UK Email: [mailto:wsascom@btinternet.com wsascom@btinternet.com] Website: West Sussex Archives Society


 * The Society comprises the Friends of the West Sussex Record Office. The Friends are people who use the Record Office or who wish to help and support in its work of preserving the wonderful archival heritage of West Sussex.

Winchelsea Archaeological Society (WAS) Telephone: 01797 224446 Email: [mailto:was@winchelsea.net was@winchelsea.net] Website: Winchelsea Archaeological Society (WAS)


 * The Winchelsea Archaeological Society (WAS) was founded to help rectify the lack of physical archaeological evidence about the layout and character of the medieval town and port of Winchelsea (a planned town of Edward I that uniquely retains its original grid layout).

Worthing Archaeological Society Worthing Library Richmond Rd Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1HD UK Email: [mailto:worthing.arch@gmail.com worthing.arch@gmail.com] Website: Worthing Archaeological Society


 * Worthing Archaeological Society is dedicated to the history of West Sussex. We organise excavations, talks, and other events, and welcome beginners and experts alike.