Prehistoric Eastbourne: More Discoveries On The Way

A socially-distanced excavation near Eastbourne is set to uncover more about Sussex's prehistoric past, and reveal details of the area's downland heritage.

The 'Heritage Eastbourne' group, which is behind the project, said socially distanced excavation will run between 13 July - 2 August, with visitors welcome to attend, and learn more about the latest discoveries.

Organisers said regular updates will be posted and live streamed from the excavation site through Heritage Eastbourne's social media channels and there will be guided site walks with small groups.

Councillor Margaret Bannister, responsible for tourism and enterprise on Eastbourne Borough Council, said:

"An important development in uncovering our local history, this summer's excavation is a continuation of the work which Heritage Eastbourne began back in 2016, investigating an intriguing earthwork which appears to surround the hilltop above the Butts Brow car park near Willingdon.

"The earthwork was created in the distant Neolithic era, around 5,000-6,000 years ago, when our ancestors were slowly starting to adopt a more settled lifestyle, beginning to farm and also clearing the Downs of trees.

"From the previous excavation it wouldn't appear that this enclosure was defensive or that it contained settlement, but that perhaps it was built for more esoteric reasons."

Researchers say the Neolithic was an era of monument building with the first major flourishing of organised, large scale ritualistic and religious behaviour.

It's believed there's a chance that what lies at Butts Brow is connected in some way to the nearby Neolithic Causewayed Enclosure at Combe Hill, but more digging is needed to confirm or deny this.

Heritage Eastbourne organises at least one archaeological project each year to uncover some of the hidden stories from Eastbourne's past as well as a host of other courses, workshops and events.