Wivelsfield Historical Society

In leafy Westerham on the Kent and Surrey border lies a house owned by the National Trust. It is a substantial old house that has stood for nearly 500 years, not large but sturdy, and over the centuries has undergone many changes. Its importance dates from a brief period in the 18th century when it was the childhood home of James Wolfe who, at the age of 32, won a battle that changed the world and in which he lost…

Explore this fascinating house, the childhood home of General James Wolfe. Discover the dramatic battle that won America for the British and learn of Wolfe's tragic death, in our exhibition.Travel back in time and see the house as it appeared in the 1730s when James Wolfe and his family lived here. Fall asleep on our replica 18th-century bed, or take your chances with Mrs Wolfe’s ‘cure for consumption’ in the kitchen. Afterwards sit back and relax with a cup of…

Alex Sewell has always had an interest in local history and particularly the story of Sir Archibald McIndoe and his links to the Guinea Pig Club. Alex's talk will tell the story of Sir Archibald McIndoe's life and work and how the Guinea Pig Club came to be.  Alex is a volunteer speaker for East Grinstead Museum's outreach programme and delivers his talks to raise awareness of this fascinating period of WW2 history and keep the memory of these inspirational…

Thursday 16thJuly meet at 1.30 pm   Visit to Arundel Castle led by Heather Warne   Castle admission: £13, opens at 10am. Come early and  walk round in your own time. Meet Heather in gardens at 1.30pm for behind the scenes tour finishing at the archives. You may then like to have Tea and explore castle until 5pm. This is a unique not to be missed opportunity to see areas not normally available to the public. Car sharing can be…

Ranging over the centuries, this talk will demonstrate how woodland became a lowland heath landscape through the exploitation of its resources and today is a valuable ‘natural lowland heath habitat’ where boundaries of 13th century Deer Park still exist despite enclosures both legally and illegally.

Recycled Brighton is an exploration of where ideas, buildings and materials have been used and reused across the city, such as where the Palace Pier contained and contains aspects of the Chain Pier, and where a part of the Chain Pier ended up as a gardener's shed. It explores where a part of Brighton ended up in a Sussex Church and how buildings in the city have been found alternative uses. You'll be amazed how much of the city has…

Returning by popular request, an evening of all-round entertainment with Victorian and Edwardian slides including history of Brighton seafront (The Aquarium, Black rock and beach entertainers), Hastings and Eastbourne and if time allows a piece on Worthing lifeboat day 1894. Along with music and comedy and ending with the animated slides.