Free Portslade history walks for 2025 

 Easthill Park tour. July 5th. 10am to 11am 

Once a private home and garden to a wealthy Victorian family, Easthill Park has seen storms, spitfire fights and famous residents. Led by John Shepherd.  10 spaces left

To book your free space, and full details of meeting points, please email:  freshstartsussex@hotmail.co.uk  

Free history talks for 2025 

Egypt – Art and the dead  June 7th at 10am.  

Travel back to 1300BC Luxor, on the banks of the mighty Nile. We will explore the tomb of an artist who lived in Deir el – Medina, "the place of truth". What does the artwork mean? A glimpse into the lives and deaths of ancient Egypt. Led by Pete Tolhurst of the Brighton and Hove Archaeological Society

Brighton rock, Brighton crime. June 14th at 10am 

“Brighton, like all seaside resorts, has a double face, one of glitz, glamour and fun, but also one of criminality and dark deeds. Graham Greene’s ‘Brighton Rock’ in 1938 showed that face as did the 1947 film starring Richard Attenborough. This talk looks at some of the historic background to the seamier side of Brighton and Hove…and Portslade!” Led by Dr Geoffrey Mead 

Naughty boys – A second chance. June 21st at 11am  

Many will remember the ‘naughty boys school’, perched on top of the west hill. The history of Portslade Industrial School, its activities and what went on behind closed doors. Led by Trevor Povey 

Medieval cookery demonstration. Feast like a Lord, scavenge like a pauper. June 28th at midday 

Was a peasants diet that bad? Did Lords just dine on venison? A talk and tasting of medieval food. This event is part of the Emmaus summer fair and the manor open day, so loads to do. Led by Baldrick . NO NEED TO BOOK FOR THIS EVENT

Using Ancestry to research your family tree. July 19th at 10am 

Using Ancestry can be confusing and frustrating. This one-hour course will set you on your way with simple tips and research techniques to trace your family tree or house history on Ancestry, plus other on-line resources. Led by Amber Shepherd, local amateur history researcher 

Visit and tour of The Keep county historical archives. July 12th at 10am 

If you are new to history research, or even a seasoned campaigner, this backstage tour of the county archives will inspire you to dig deeper. Led by Suzanne Rose, University of Sussex. 

To book your free space and further details on locations, please email:  

freshstartsussex@hotmail.co.uk 

Portslade History Day 2025

Saturday, September 6th - details to appear here later in the year