Welcome

Welcome to the news blog , I will start posting again soon , meanwhile do have a look around ,especially the archive pages , please do if you so wish leave comments , I will soon link up all sites , including Facebook , Twitter , etc ,I have hundreds of files to publish , thete some forty years of research in and around Sussex , Churches , interesting buildings , Archaeological sites , there will be a new dedicated site where over time I will endeavour to iist my research.meanwhile see what's here.

Shepherds Sun-dials of the South Downs.

About twenty years ago I spent a few days at Burpham, on the South Downs, not far from Arundel.

One of the interesting things I noticed was that some of the old time shepherds actually constructed sun-dials in the turf.

They had learned to do this in the old days before watches were cheap.

This is how it was done.—Having selected a fairly smooth bit of turf, the shepherd marks a rough circle about 18 inches in diameter, with a pointed stick, leaving the stick perpendicularly in the ground in the centre.

Due south of this he fixes another stick, about twelve inches long, on the periphery of the circle.

The various land marks, and their bearings, are so well known to shepherds, that they need no compass; and as a matter of fact, nearly every shepherd can tell the approximate time without any watch or dial and even on dull day.

Having fixed the South stick, he places another due West, and still another due East, so that we get a sundial with gnomons on the edge of a circle instead of being centre.

As the uses of this form of dial are connected with the tending sheep, it follows that its use is not required at all late, for the collecting and folding for the night of a large flock of sheep, naturally takes time.

Author unknown, document dated, 1890s.

Parish Boundaries. http://alsystems.algroup.co.uk/archaeology/parish_boundaries9.pdf

Canterbury , archives relating to Slindon.

Canterbury arcives.

Title	Appointment
Ref No	CCA-DCc-ChAnt/A/39
Date	20 Nov 1469
Description	From: Thomas Bourchier, archbishop of Canterbury Of William Broke as warden of the manor of Slindon, Sussex, and of its gardens, park and woods. He will be paid 2d a day in addition to customary payments. With confirmation by Prior John Oxney. 6 Dec. On verso, note in later hand with reference to appointment of Robert Stoughton as warden on 10 Oct [1485]. [For date, see Bourchier's register as below, p69.] Given at Lambeth (Surrey).
Language	Latin
Related Material	Registered version: CCA-DCc-Register/S, f241 Registered version of appointment (transcription): F R H du Boulay (ed), Registrum Thome Bourgchier (Oxford, 1957), pp36-7
Physical Description	Parchment, 1m, tears and stains, fragment of seal tag

Title	Inspeximus
Ref No	CCA-DCc-ChAnt/C/291
Date	10 Oct 1291
Description	From: John Pecham, archbishop of Canterbury Of confirmation, as in DCc-ChAnt/C/287, by Richard [Grant], archbishop of Canterbury, of actum by John, abbot of Boxley, S, prior of Boxley, and Mgr Thomas of Maidstone. Actum, as in DCc-ChAnt/C/280, dated May 1229. Written in the presence of John de Bestane, Doctor of Canon Law and rector of Cliffe. Given at Slindon [Sussex]. Endorsed with descriptions in late 13th cent and 14th cent hands. Tithes described as for the sheepfolds at Cliffe. Rector named in actum given as Mgr Richard de Walingford. Also 'Duffeld' and unidentified symbol in 14th cent hand.
Language	Latin
Related Material	Registered versions: CCA-DCc-Register/A, ff187r-188r, and CCA-DCc-Register/E, ff72r-73r Related document: CCA-DCc-ChAnt/C/292
Physical Description	Parchment, 1m, seal
Seal Person	John Pecham, archbishop of Canterbury
	John Pecham, archbishop of Canterbury, counterseal
Seal Device	The archbishop, standing, vested, crozier in left hand, right hand raised in blessing, with lily on stem either side in field
	The martyrdom of Becket, with archbishop in supplication in trefoiled niche beneath
Seal Legend	IOH'ES DEI GRA A...RIEN TOCIUS ANGLIE PR...
	ABDITA NO PROME QVE SIGNAT PASSIO THOME
Seal General	Shape: Pointed oval; Dimensions: 78x50; Colour: Green; Attachment method: Tag; Completeness: Slight damage to edges; Impression quality: Fine
	Shape: Pointed oval; Dimensions: 48x30; Colour: Red, sealed into green wax; Attachment method: Tag; Completeness: Complete; Impression quality: Fine

	Lease
Ref No	CCA-DCc-ChAnt/L/122
Date	30 Sep 1348
Description	From: Thomas de Foleham, son and heir of Gregory de Foleham To: John Lytle, citizen and fishmonger ('piscenarius') of London A tenement in Eastcheap in St Margaret Fish Street Hill ('de Bryggestrat'') parish, London, with houses built on it and 2 shops, cellars, solars and a vacant plot ('vacua placea') of land attached to it on the lower part and a right of way to the plot from a lane leading from it to Cannon Street ('Candelwykestret''). The tenement lies with the tenements of Thomas Sterre and John Leche to south, the shop of the heirs of John Horn, the tenement of Thomas Capeleyn and the vacant plot to north, the king's highway of Eastcheap and the shop of the heirs of John Horn to east and the tenement of John Leche to west. The plot lies with the tenement to south, the tenement of the heirs of John Turk to north, the tenements of Geoffrey Fayrher' and Thomas Capeleyn to east and the tenements of Roger de Depham and John Leche to west. For a term of 31 years. For annual payments of 35s 8d to Thomas and 17s 9d to Matilda de Foleham, Thomas's mother, both payable as specified. If Matilda dies before the term ends the 17s 9d shall be paid to Thomas. Conditions on repairs. Right of distraint if payment in arrears. Thomas has granted the land to John by a charter of feoffment. John grants that if he holds the land for the full term and Thomas observes the terms of the agreement the feoffment shall be void, but if Thomas breaks the agreement it shall remain in full force. Thomas Leggy, mayor of London, Henry Pycard and Simon Dolsely, sheriffs of London and John Lovekyn alderman of Bridge ward ('illius Warde'). Given at London. Witnesses: Robert Swote; Ralph de Lenne; Henry Graspeys; John Leche; John Cocekyn; Geoffrey Fayrher; Andrew Cros; Adam de Ware; John de Hatfeld', chandler; Nicholas de Harwedon', clerk Endorsed 'sol'' and with a note that the document was read and enrolled in the court of husting, London, on 10 Nov 1348, [John] Shirbourn' [common clerk of London], in 14th cent hands. Also endorsed 'butt an old lease of the howse (that Wm Essex holdyth) Ao E iii' in 16th cent hand and 'St Margt de Bryggestreet' in 18th cent hand.
Language	Latin
Related Material	Related feoffment: CCA-DCc-ChAnt/L/55 Other part of indenture: CCA-DCc-ChAnt/L/54
Physical Description	Parchment, 1m indented at top, seal
Seal Person	John Lytle, citizen and fishmonger ('piscenarius') of London
	Juliana of Slindon
Seal Device	Female figure kneeling and holding out a pot containing a flowering plant to left, to right a standing, female figure (St Juliana), crowned, thrusting the lower end of a staff toppped with a cross into the mouth of a dragon on which she is standing, holding an object, possibly a book, in her left hand, all within an octofoil
	Female figure kneeling and holding out a pot containing a flowering plant to left, to right a standing, female figure (St Juliana), crowned, thrusting the lower end of a staff toppped with a cross into the mouth of a dragon on which she is standing, holding an object, possibly a book, in her left hand, all within an octofoil
Seal Legend	S' IVLIANE DE SLINDONE
	S' IVLIANE DE SLINDONE
Seal General	Shape: Round; Dimensions: 21; Colour: Red; ; Attachment method: Tag; Completeness: Complete; Impression quality: Fair
	Shape: Round; Dimensions: 21; Colour: Red; ; Attachment method: Tag; Completeness: Complete; Impression quality: Fair

Title	Inspeximus
Ref No	CCA-DCc-ChAnt/R/15
Date	[1235x1244]
	[1093x1100]
	[1123x1135]
	[1154x1161]
	Jan 1235
Description	From: William Briwere, bishop of Exeter; the abbot of Faversham Abbey; the abbot of Langdon Abbey; the prior of St Gregory's Priory, Canterbury To: Pope Gregory IX They have inspected the following sealed instruments of Canterbury Cathedral Priory: (1) Grant and confirmation by William II to Anselm, archbishop of Canterbury, and Canterbury Cathedral Priory. The king grants the archbishop liberties as specified within and outside towns ('burgus') and over as many thegns as King Edward, the king's kinsman, granted to the priory. The king also grants the priory the same liberties as fully as his servants ('ministri') ought to acquire ('exquirere') them. He grants and confirms the port and [town?, word omitted] of Sandwich with all its issues and customs on both sides of the water to the priory as King Cnut gave it to them. He also grants the priory all houses and customs in the town of Sandwich as Odo, bishop of Bayeux and earl of Kent gave them to it. No-one, either French or English, is to interfere in these things except the priory and its servants. No date [1093x1100]. [Date: William II and Anselm's dates.] (2) Grant by Henry I to William of Corbeil, archbishop of Canterbury, and Canterbury Cathedral Priory. He grants them all lands which they had in the time of King Edward, his kinsman, and King William, his father with rights as specified over their men within and outside towns as fully as his servants ought to acquire them and over as many thegns as his father granted them. No-one, either French or English, is to interfere in these things except the priory and its servants because the king has made this grant for the redemption of his soul as King Edward and his father did. No-one is to infringe this unless they wish to lose the king's friendship. No date [1123x1135]. [Date: Henry I and William of Corbeil's dates.] (3) Grant by Henry II to Theobald of Bec, archbishop of Canterbury, and Canterbury Cathedral Priory. The king grants them all lands which they had in the time of King Edward, King William, his great-grandfather ('proavus') and King Henry, his grandfather, with rights as specified over their men within and outside towns as fully as his servants ought to acquire them and over as many thegns as King William his great-grandfather granted them. No-one, either French or English, is to interfere in these things except the priory and its servants because the king has made this grant for the redemption of his soul and the souls of his ancestors. No-one is to infringe this unless they wish to lose the king's friendship. Witness list. No date [1154x1161]. [Date: Henry II and Theobald's dates.] (4) Confirmation by Edmund of Abingdon, archbishop of Canterbury. The archbishop knows from diligent enquiry made by good and faithful men that the payment of £8 which the prior and convent of Canterbury Cathedral Priory are accustomed to receive from the manor of Reculver belongs to them by right of an ancient custom. The archbishop commands that the rent shall be paid to the priory as specified. The archbishop confirms this, lest the rent and the enquiry be hidden from his successors. Given at 'Slinden'' [Slindon in Sussex?], Jan 1235. No date. [Date: date of Edmund of Abingdon's charter and William Briwere's dates.] Endorsed with description and note that the document dates from the time of St Edmund in late 13th cent hand.
Language	Latin
Related Material	Registered versions of William II's charter: CCA-DCC-Register/A, f79v and CCA-DCc-Register/E, f53v (royal charters section) Registered versions of Henry I's charter: CCA-DCC-Register/A, f80v and CCA-DCc-Register/E, f54r (royal charters section) Registered versions of Henry II's charter: CCA-DCC-Register/A, f81r and CCA-DCc-Register/E, f54r (royal charters section) Registered versions of Edmund of Abingdon's charter: CCA-DCc-Register/A, f165r and CCA-DCc-Register/E, f61v (archbishops' charters section) and CCA-DCc-Register/C, f292v (Reculver section)
Physical Description	Parchment, 1m, seal, remains of seal tag, slits for 2 other seal tags, small area of rodent damage at centre left, severe damage to plica on left, dirty, stained
Seal Person	Faversham, abbey, abbot?
Seal Device	Unclear, possibly the abbot with a pastoral staff in his right hand
Seal Legend	...IS...
Seal General	Shape: Pointed oval; Dimensions: c60x38; Colour: Brown; Attachment method: Tag; Completeness: Fragment only remains; Impression quality: Fair

Title	Confirmation and grant (copy)
Ref No	CCA-DCc-ChAnt/S/354
Date	[late 14th century]
	[11 Jul 1176xSep 1181]
Description	From: Richard of Dover, archbishop of Canterbury Goddard, rector of Slindon [Sussex], and Alexander the chaplain ('capellanus'), vicar of Slindon, have complained that the archbishop's servants have been infringing the church's rights in wood, pastures and other things, because the charter of Archbishop Theobald which granted Goddard the church did not take full effect ('plene non constabat'). Richard has learned upon investigation that in the time of the knights who held Slindon before the time of Theobald or St Thomas Becket, the church had whatever it wanted in the wood and pasture rights and other rights as specified. Richard grants the church of Slindon the house ('curia') and 2 virgates of land which it possessed anciently, with all the rights and liberties previously mentioned, together with tithes of any assarts that may be made in future and tithes of pannange and from the sale of wood and herbage and of all profits which may arise from the wood and pasture. No-one is to infringe the possessions, rights or liberties of the church on pain of anathema. Richard grants an indulgence of 10 days to all who come to the church to pray on the anniversary of its dedication. No date. [Date: handwriting.] Original sealed on 11 Jul, when Richard dedicated the church and endowed it with the croft which Sefrid the deaf ('surdus') held, no year. [Date: 11 Jul 1176xSep 1181, as in English Episcopal Acta, cited below.] Witness: Mgr Gerard Pucella
Language	Latin
Related Material	Original confirmation (transcription): C R Cheney and E John, English Episcopal Acta II, Canterbury 1162-1190 (London, 1986), pp51-53
Physical Description	Parchment, 1m, small hole at bottom left, dirty, stained

	Letter
Ref No	CCA-DCc-EC/I/48
Date	1313-27/08/1327
Description	Writer: Reynolds, Walter, archbishop Recipient: Prior Be lenient with your monk Thomas de Sandwich who has been absent from the priory and whom you are not keen to readmit. Endorsed (contemp) with address, subject (mentioning a procuration sent to the court of Rome), 'dd', and that the letter was received at Canterbury on 2 Sep. Written at Slindon (Sussex)
Language	Latin
Publication Note	Calendar Bunce, Schedule I part 1, p199

Title	Letter
Ref No	CCA-DCc-EC/II/12
Date	1275-1287
Description	Writer Recipient: Prior Asks Prior again to lend Solomn de Roffa's house in Southwark to the Official of Canterbury, despite earlier refusal. Sussex Written at Slindon (Sussex)
Language	Latin
Related Material	Similar correspondence, EC II/8
Publication Note	Calendar Bunce, Schedule I part I, p202

Title	Letter
Ref No	CCA-DCc-EC/II/17
Date	1287
Description	Writer Recipient: Prior Discusses the Archbishop's state of health, that he scarcely speaks to anyone except N de Cuovyle, and there are rumours that the archbishop, ?Peckham, might become a cardinal. Written at Slindon (Sussex)
Language	Latin
Publication Note	Calendar Bunce, Schedule I part I, p189 Transcription HMC Reports on MSS in Various Collections I (1901), p276

Title	Letter
Ref No	CCA-DCc-EC/II/39
Date	1285-1331
Description	Writer: J, brother Recipient: Prior The archbishop wants his chaplain to be sent to Slindon where he will be on the octaves of St Mary. He has not been able to send a copy of the bull yet as it cannot be transcribed quickly; he will send a copy to Canterbury when this can be done. Endorsed with address.
Language	Latin

A funny thing.

Secret Treacle mines of Sompting.

Picture Lambley's Lane, Sompting

by Charles Alfred Morris

I met a local man in 2011who told me a strange tale, at first I did not really believe this strange story, but curiosity got the better of me, he invited to take me to a secret location, in Lambleys Lane Sompting., it was here in a back garden there was a small door located in a mound at the bottom of the garden, it’s approximately 4ft high, ( 1.5 meters.)

With some effort my companion and i managed to open the door, in side with the aid of a torch I was able to view a tunnel sloping downwards, with some difficulty I was able with bent back crawl along the tunnel, I went in followed by my companion, we crawled for 50 meters, a surprising length, as we went along the tunnel I was aware that my shoes and hands were getting coated in a sticky compound, the smell was getting stronger, with slightly burnt smell.

The tunnel then gave way to a small cavern, high enough to stand up in, a relieve.

The area seemed to light up easily with our powerful torches, the walls were glistening with a black slightly runny substance, the smell now was very strong, my companion suggest I tasted this sticky substance must admit I was a little apprehensive, but tried a little  it was very bitter, but not unpleasant.

What is this substance running out of the rock?, my companion said treacle !, he told me that millions of years ago, trees were laid down , over a period of millions of years this turned into what we know as coal.

This substance is similar, but not so hard, softer; it is the residue of the sap of the Birch tree, the sap is used to make Birch Sap Wine. Trees in parts of Sussex are to this day tapped for the sap, which once fermented makes a pleasant wine. If you cut just a little into the bark of this tree it bleeds a dark brown very sticky sap, which does in fact taste like treacle.

Thus this is tree sap, slightly sweet, black, and sticky, .

Now you know the origins of the treacle mines, it was mined and sold from Roman times till around the 1930s, at this time more and cheaper sugars were been grown in large quantities, thus making the mining redundant.

To respect the location of this mine, please do not try and explore the area, there is really nothing to see.