Sussex History & Heritage Events with Kevin Newman
13 December | Doors Open: 10:30 | Start: 11:00 | Q&A: 12:00-12:15
Join Sussex historian, author, and Pages Magazine columnist Kevin Newman for a lively and entertaining series of history events in The Courtyard here at Leonardslee. Whether you're a lifelong Sussex local, a curious visitor, or simply intrigued by the charm of "Sussex by the Sea," Kevin has something for everyone.
Dive into the county’s rich tapestry of people, places, pastimes, and even pets through a mix of talks, quizzes, and the occasional (entirely optional!) singalong. See a summary of what each date has to offer, with more details further below:
13 December |Sussexmas! — Sussex’s Christmas Traditions
15 February | Smoochy Sussex - Love and lovers of latter day Sussex
4 April | Shocking Sussex!
4 July | Smugglers’ Sussex
£17.50 per person | 10% off for Members | Garden Entry Included | Tea, coffee and biscuits provided
'Sussexmas!' Talk and Q&A with Kevin Newman
Sun 13 Dec 2026 | Doors Open: 10:30 | Start: 11:00 | Q&A: 12:00-12:15
Get yourself in the Christmas mood with an exploration of Sussex's Christmases past with local author and historian Kevin Newman. Kevin, who is the author of the 2021 book 'Pond Puddings and Sussex Smokies: Sussex's Food & Drink', will pose the question if you had a time machine, who and what would you go back to get the make the perfect Christmas?
Kevin takes us on a journey of exploration of our county's festive traditions, games, drinks and dishes - in a lively, funny and interactive talk, quiz and Q&A. We will investigate why Queen Victoria was pulled by 'Keith' at Christmas, how dangerous a 'snapdragon' could be and what Sussex's biggest miser gave as a present at Leonardslee this December!
£17.50 per person | 10% off for Members | Garden Entry Included | Mulled wine, mince pies, tea & coffee provided.
Smoochy Sussex - Love and Lovers of Latter Day Sussex
Mon 15 Feb 2027 | Doors Open: 10:30 | Start: 11:00 | Q&A: 12:00-12:15
A talk on Sussex's romantic past, including love and lovers of latter day Sussex and past language from the county in time for Valentines Day, we we use in a game called 'Hitched or Ditched!'
£17.50 per person | 10% off for Members | Garden Entry Included | Kevin’s books available for purchase
Shocking Sussex!
Sun 4 Apr | Doors Open: 10:30 | Start: 11:00 | Finish: 13:00
Shocking Sussex is an event featuring talks by Dr Janet Pennington and Kevin Newman. Kevin's will feature a history of electricity in Sussex as well as shocking stories from around the county.
£17.50 per person | 10% off for Members | Garden Entry Included | Books by Janet and Kevin will be available for purchase
Smugglers’ Sussex
Sun 4 Jul | Doors Open: 10:30 | Start: 11:00 | Finish: 13:00
Kevin and Ian present an event featuring two talks on Sussex's smuggling past. Ian talks about the
Cuckmere Valley and smuggling, which he has set his last novel, 'A Fraternity Of Thieves' in. Kevin follows this up with a light-hearted and interactive talk about smuggling across the whole county.
£17.50 per person | 10% off for Members | Garden Entry Included | Books available for purchase
About Kevin Newman
Kevin Newman is currently Sussex's most prolific author on books and articles on the county and its past. He writes about Sussex's past, animals, park and gardens, food and drink as well as buildings and folklore.
Kevin gives a large number of talks and runs numerous workshops at various events, festivals and venues. When not writing or presenting, he is the history teacher for Brighton and Hove Albion football club. His latest book out is Brighton And Hove At Work and he now also writes novels and scripts for film and TV.