Pevensey
Pevensey and Westham lie just a little to the east of Eastbourne and hold some of the history that changed this country forever. With the coming of the Norman conquerors things would never be the same again.
The Norman castle at Pevensey is actually built in one corner of a large Roman fort that is believed to have been built in AD 290 and left to fall into disrepair after the Romans left. Then in 1066 came the Norman invasion.
Following his victory at the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror gave over Pevensey to his half brother Robert, Count of Merton. Using the outer walls of the Roman fort as an extra defence, he then built his castle within those walls. Many parts were added over the following years.
During the second world war it was used by the army, adding machine gun posts, etc. These were later camouflaged to blend in with rest of the building.
In the main street of Pevensey there is the Old Town Court House which is now a museum and outside on the wall is an interesting plaque "The Liberty of Pevensey".(click on picture to read plaque)
The church of St. Mary The Virgin at Westham was the first church to have been built by the Normans in 1080 and this little place itself has some very old and attractive buildings. You have The Old Dial House which is XVth century and walking through here you can’t help wondering what stories these ancient buildings could tell.
When visiting Sussex this old and fascinating place full of early history is not to be missed.
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