Travel in the past was not easy, and Sussex in particular was notorious for its bad roads, particularly in the clay regions of the Weald. It was not until after the mid-18th century, when Turnpike Acts caused improvements to the county's roads, that journeys became less of a problem. This talk, taking in regions around London and further afield, looks at horses, coaches and plenty of mud. It will make you glad that you have a car, or can catch a bus or a train (before the Pandemic, of course). Even walking could be better than coach travel in the 17th century. See www.sussexhistorytalks.co.uk for more details
Views: 705 | Enquiries: 1I am an independent historian, giving illustrated talks in Sussex (sometimes nipping into Surrey and Kent) for 35 years. I have a PhD in early-modern Sussex inn and tavern history and give more general talks about the history of English inn signs as well as those in Sussex. I am at present looking at the art of the inn sign. My MA dissertation is about Elizabethan courtier (or con-man!) Sir Thomas Sherley of Wiston House (West Sussex). I worked as Archivist at Lancing College, also teaching local history and palaeography in adult education at the University of Sussex. I am President of the Brighton & Hove Archaeological Society. I am a member of the Wealden Buildings Study Group, and am particularly interested in the ritual protection of the home. I hold a Diploma in English Local History and speak on a variety of subjects connected with Sussex and the South-East, some covering other parts of England - see the variety of talks listed on my website - www.sussexhistorytalks.co.uk - I have given many talks using ZOOM and can also host sessions. Due to my interest in and knowledge of inns, taverns and alehouses and all manner of drinking establishments in England, I have been in more pubs than most people - mainly for research purposes...
If you are interested in this talk and wish to contact the speaker, please complete the following form: