Go Behind the Scenes of Eastbourne Venues at Heritage Open Days
30th August 2022
Have you ever wanted to go behind the scenes of an Eastbourne theatre? Or look inside a dovecote dating back hundreds of years? Maybe you want to uncover the rich history of Old Town, or even discover the stories behind those whose final resting place is Ocklynge Cemetery - including a former prime minister’s wife.
With Heritage Open Days taking place in Eastbourne during September, members of the public will get access to a variety of venues to celebrate the town’s fantastic history and culture.
All are free to attend, and are supported locally by Heritage Eastbourne, as part of the national Heritage Open Days held across the country from 9 – 18 September.
One of the first events is Motcombe Meander on Saturday 10 September at 10.30am when historian Kevin Gordon will lead a stroll around some of Eastbourne’s most significant historical sights including The Lamb Inn, St Mary’s Church, Motcombe Gardens and Manor Gardens. Pre-booking is essential, with full details on the Heritage Open Days website.
For art lovers, Compass Arts is hosting Innovation is Art where visitors can combine a sculpture trail and exhibition of contemporary art with a visit to the Grade II listed, St Mary's Church of Hampden Park - Edward Maufe's perpendicular Gothic Revival building of 1952–54.
The event runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays on 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18 September and times vary. No booking is required.
Art lovers will also enjoy an event centred on Sir Charles Lucas and his heritage on Saturday and Sunday 16 and 17 September at Lockwood, Compton Place Road, Eastbourne.
Visitors can view portraits by Dobson, Lely, Lawrence, Reynolds and other paintings and objects entrained in the history of Sir Charles Lucas, and the subsequent descent of his posthumous title.
Sir Charles Lucas was the third son of a wealthy and not particularly well-behaved Essex family, who rose to be a senior cavalry commander under King Charles I and was executed after the siege of Colchester at the end of the Civil War.
Tours are on the hour from 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm on both days. No booking is required.
Opening especially for Heritage Open Days, Motcombe Dovecote will give visitors the opportunity to view the inside of the Dovecote and learn about the archaeological excavations carried out at Motcombe Gardens in recent years.
The Dovecote will be open on various dates between Friday 9 September and Sunday 18 September and times vary. Pre-booking is not required, and times of opening are available on the website.
On Sunday 11 September at 10.30am there is a chance to join Kevin Gordon to uncover Eastbourne's history through people of the past in this guided tour of Ocklynge Cemetery.
The cemetery has been the last resting place for Eastbournians since 1857 and Kevin’s tour will include the history of the cemetery pointing out some of the more interesting graves and the stories behind the people buried there. Particular attention will be paid to the many war-time graves. Pre-booking is essential.
Guided 30-minute tours are taking place at the Royal Hippodrome on Friday and Saturday 16 and 17 September between 10.30am and 12.30pm. No booking is required for the tours which go backstage and in the Victorian auditorium where stars including Bruce Forsyth, Peter Sellers and Vera Lynn have appeared.
Eastbourne historian Kevin Gordon will host a Manor Gardens Tour on Saturday 17 September at 10.30am. The tour encompasses a short gentle historic walk around the popular Old Town gardens and Kevin will explain the history of the gardens, Gildredge Park, and the listed Hermitage building. Pre-booking is required.
Wilmington Priory, which dates back to 1215 and was once the priory of a Benedictine Abbey, will be open from 10am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday 17 and 18 September. Booking is required in advance.
Eastbourne Heritage Centre will be offering free admission to visitors on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 9, 10 and 11 September from 10am-4pm. The centre in Carlisle Road has original maps, images, artefacts, and films showcasing the town’s rich history.
Councillor Margaret Bannister, Eastbourne Borough Council’s Lead Member for Tourism and Culture, said, “This is an ideal opportunity for people to discover the stories behind the buildings and places in Eastbourne that we walk past every day. Heritage Open Days give people the chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are free to explore.
“There is something to interest everyone of all ages and I hope people enjoy discovering the town’s rich heritage.”
For more information on all events and to pre-book tours, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk.
