Sussex Archaeology and History Ltd
Lectures, Conferences, Courses and Study Tours in Sussex and beyond
ONLINE HISTORY LECTURE SERIES
We are delighted to welcome back Chris Hare for our second History Lecture Series
Sussex and the English Civil War
Four talks between October and November covering
The Road to Civil War (12 October)
Sussex and the Civil War 1642 (26 October)
Sussex and the Civil War 1643 - 1644 (9 November)
Aftermath of Civil War, Sussex 1645 - 1660 (16 November)
All talks start at 7.30pm and are delivered online via Zoom
Although you can book for these talks individually, they do form part of a series, so the greatest benefit will be gained by attending all four
Cost £24 for all 4 or £8 each lecture *
If you do sign up for all 4 in the series, then you will also be able to view a recording of each of the talks,
for a limited period of time, perfect if you find you cannot join us live for every date.
*subscribers to our online archaeology lecture series will be emailed a code to allow you to book all 4 lectures for just £20
Monday 12 October, 7.30pm
online via Zoom
Talk 1/4
The Road to Civil War
This talk gives a national overview of the causes of the English Civil War, covering religious, political, and economic reasons for conflict. Chris will also consider significant demographic and cultural changes that tended towards polarisation within society. The talk will highlight how these causes manifested in Sussex.
This talk is one of four by Chris Hare and all four are available for £24
If you sign up for the series, you will be able to view a recording of the each lecture for a limited period of time after the series has ended
Also available individually at £8 per lecture (but no access to the recording and due to the content following on each week, we do recommend that you sign up for the series)
Monday 26 October, 2026 7.30pm
online via Zoom
Talk 2/4
Sussex and the Civil War 1642
Puritanism was a dominant force in eastern Sussex, especially in far eastern part of the county, centred on Rye in particular. While the western part of the county tended to be more inclined to the royalist cause. The cathedral city of Chichester - only a few miles from the Hampshire border was seized by royalists but then endured a siege by a large parliamentary army. The role of local militias were crucial to the outcome of the first phase of civil war in the county.
This talk is one of four by Chris Hare and all four are available for £24
If you sign up for the series, you will be able to view a recording of the each lecture for a limited period of time after the series has ended
Also available individually at £8 per lecture (but no access to the recording and due to the content following on each week, we do recommend that you sign up for the series)
Monday 9 November 2026, 7.30pm
online via Zoom
Talk 3/4
Sussex and the Civil War 1643 - 1644
A daring incursion by royalist general, Sir Ralph Hopton into Sussex came very close to overwhelming the entire county. A royalist garrison was established at Arundel. Hopton's advance, however, was halted by a determined band of puritan militia men at Bramber. Thereafter, the tide swiftly turned and Hopton had to contend with mutiny within his own ranks. Arundel Castle was besieged during the winter of 1643/ 1644 and eventually starved into submission by parliamentary forces.
This talk is one of four by Chris Hare and all four are available for £24
If you sign up for the series, you will be able to view a recording of the each lecture for a limited period of time after the series has ended
Also available individually at £8 per lecture (but no access to the recording and due to the content following on each week, we do recommend that you sign up for the series)
Monday 16 November 2026, 7.30pm
online via Zoom
Talk 4/4
Aftermath of Civil War, Sussex 1645 - 1660
This talk will consider the rising of the 'Clubmen' in the western part of Sussex and their determination to drive all armies out of the county. Local committees of parliamentarians replaced old forms of local government leading to protest and resentment, especially from landowning families. After 1653, Major-General Goff became the military governor of the county and had to wrestle with minor rebellions. The chaos and uncertainty that followed Cromwell's death in September 1658, led ultimately to the restoration of the monarchy in May 1660. How did Sussex adapt to this unexpected turn of events and what were the consequences, both short and long term?
This talk is one of four by Chris Hare and all four are available for £24
If you sign up for the series, you will be able to view a recording of the each lecture for a limited period of time after the series has ended
Also available individually at £8 per lecture (but no access to the recording and due to the content following on each week, we do recommend that you sign up for the series)
Whilst we recommend that the greatest benefit will be gained by attending all four lectures, as they form part of a series, you can book them individually by visiting our Tixoom site
About the Speaker
Chris Hare
Chris was born in West Sussex in 1962. He has a BA (Hons) in British Studies and an MA in Life History. After a career in local government and adult education, he set up his own heritage consultancy, History People UK in 2009. Since then he has run numerous community heritage projects across Sussex, including a two-year project on the Civil War in Sussex for Arundel Museum. He has written many books and articles on Sussex history and folklore topics.
Chris' You Tube video on Arundel and the Civil War can be found here