Celebrating our collections dating from 780AD to the present day
By Alice Millard, Research Assistant Anyone who has ever had a long phone conversation, sat in a meeting, or attempted to put off doing homework will have whiled away some of that time doodling. But, have you ever thought of people doing the exact same thing hundreds of years ago? The term 'pen trial' is…
Rationing began in the early stages of the Second World War, but it's impact was immediate and long lasting. What restrictions were there on meat, petrol, sugar, fabric, and - most important of all - tea? And how long did it last?
By Alison Merriman, Archivist to the West Sussex Federation of Women's Institutes To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the West Sussex Federation of Women's Institutes, Alison delves deeper into the origins of the WI - an organisation that has been present in West Sussex ever since its arrival in England in 1914. To illustrate her…
Continue reading ➞ Looking back at the Women’s Institute in West Sussex
By Dr Caroline Adams Tickets for our 'Elizabethan Chichester' Tuesday Talk on 29th October at 7pm, can be purchased by ringing reception on 01243 753602 In August 1591 Queen Elizabeth I came to Chichester on her summer progress. This talk (on Tuesday 29th October) will look at the Chichester she would have seen: a walled…
Continue reading ➞ Tuesday Talk Taster: Elizabethan Chichester
You may not have considered that the sleepy South coast of West Sussex had to confront fascist activity head on during the decade prior to the Second World War. Yet, we recently stumbled across some records held in the archive which tell a very different story, and prompted further exploration into what else we hold…
Something light and fluffy this time, a diary entry of sorts of trip north west to some colleagues, catching the last of the good weather and enjoying endless amounts of cake!
By Martin Hayes, County Local Studies Librarian William Penn is best known as the founder of Pennsylvania, among the most successful of all American colonies, and as a leader of the fledgling Society of Friends, better known as Quakers. He was the only man in the 17th century to achieve as much in ‘Olde England’…
By Tim Hudson (guest blogger) What types of historic documents do architectural historians use? Continuing with our guest written series, the once Editor of the Sussex Victoria County History and co author of the updated Pevsner guide to West Sussex, Tim Hudson, will be exploring the types of records used when researching built heritage. Each blog, Tim will look at a significant West Sussex building through a variety of historic documents available at the Record Office. Today we look at the maps of Selsey.
Adjusting to a new home, integrating (or lack thereof) with the local children, and living with complete strangers... It was a lot to ask of the evacuees that came to London 80 years ago this month!
By Tim Hudson (guest blogger) What types of historic documents do architectural historians use? Over the next few months the once Editor of the Sussex Victoria County History and co author of the updated Pevsner guide to West Sussex, Tim Hudson, will be exploring the types of records used when researching built heritage. Each blog,…
Continue reading ➞ Historic records and architectural histories: Arundel Castle
