Appeal for historic Sussex landmarks funding

Lewes Castle was built after the Battle of Hastings by supporters of William the Conqueror

An appeal has been launched to care for historic Sussex landmarks including Lewes Castle, Fishbourne Roman Palace, Michelham Priory and Anne of Cleves House.

The archaeological society Sussex Past is asking members of the public to become "Sussex Guardians" by helping raise a total of £25,000 to maintain and restore the popular sites.

Amanda Jones, chair of the council of trustees at Sussex Past, said it was "an enormous privilege for the society to act as guardians of some of Sussex’s most beautiful and historic properties".

Improvement works needed include repairs to the roofs at Michelham Priory, near Hailsham, and Anne of Cleves House in Lewes.

Michelham Priory was built in 1229 and has long been a conservation site, with these boys volunteering to clear the moat in 1967

There is also maintenance work required to the Osborne Room at Fishbourne Roman Palace, near Chichester, to encourage more school visits, and improvements needed to the visitor facilities at Lewes Castle.

“Whilst we care for and maintain these wonderful properties on a daily basis, inevitably there is always additional work that is required to keep them in good repair for our many visitors, audiences and school groups," added Ms Jones.

"By becoming a Sussex Guardian we are asking the public to join us in collectively protecting our heritage and helping us preserve some of the most magnificent places in Sussex for the benefit of generations to come.”