Sussex History & Heritage Events with Kevin Newman

Sussex History & Heritage Events with Kevin Newman 20 September, 18 October & 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: 20 September | Brighton At Work: Trades and Professions of the Past 18 October | Spooky Sussex! — Spooky Sites & Sightings 13 December | Sussexmas! — Sussex’s Christmas Traditions £17.50 per person | 10% off for Members | Garden Entry Included | Tea, coffee and biscuits provided

Book Now

'Brighton At Work' Talk and Quiz with Kevin Newman Sat 20 Sept 2026 | Doors Open: 10:30 | Start: 11:00 | Q&A: 12:00-12:15 With the county's children back to work with their studies at school, why not spend time with local author and tour guide Kevin Newman, who provides an early glimpse of his latest work, at how our county's biggest city has made its living in the past. Kevin, who is the author of over half a dozen books on Brighton, will explore the people of the town's (and today city's) professions and trades of yesteryear. Kevin takes us on a journey of exploration of our fishing, farming, manufacturing and entertainment industries - as well as some other, more dubious livings - in a lively, funny and interactive talk, quiz and Q&A. We will investigate some of our quirkier jobs as well as the dangers of building Brighton's Marina, using some previously unpublished documents at Leonardslee this September. £17.50 per person | 10% off for Members | Garden Entry Included | Tea, coffee and biscuits provided

Book Now

'Spooky Sussex!' Talk and Q&A with Kevin Newman - Sussex's Spooky Sites & Sightings Down The Decades 18 Oct 2026 | Doors Open: 10:30 | Start: 11:00 | Q&A: 12:00-12:15 - Adults only Get yourself in a Halloween-ready mood with this treat of an event at Leonardslee this October with an exploration of the spooky sites and sightings that have featured in our county’s history with accompanying traditions with local author and tour guide Kevin Newman. Kevin, who led Worthing's 'Spooky Worthing' tour for over a decade, and has written a number of article on Sussex's spookier side will explore terrifying twittens, pub poltergeists and spooky shops of yesteryear in this adults-only event. Kevin takes us on a journey of exploration of our county's spookier side - in a lively, funny and interactive talk, quiz and Q&A. We will investigate why Yoko Ono terrified churchgoers, find out about Findon's forgotten Highwayman and find out just how a cup of tea can be terrifying at Leonardslee this Autumn! £17.50 per person | 10% off for Members | Garden Entry Included | Tea, coffee and biscuits provided

Book Now

'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.

Book Now

About Kevin Newman Kevin Newman is Sussex's most prolific local historian, and author of the bestselling 2023 book, The Little History of Sussex, now in its second edition. Kevin has written over 15 books published on Sussex by a range of publishers, along with regularly contributing numerous columns in local magazines such as Sussex Living and Sussex and Surrey Pages. He now writes novels and is the author of 'Clock Towers of England'. Website