Maresfield Historical Society

The purpose of Maresfield Historical Society is to promote and explore the heritage of the village and surrounding areas with regular talks, displays, guided walks, research projects, liaison with the local school and maintenance of an archive of local material.

We meet about nine times a year, usually on a Tuesday in Maresfield Village Hall, and our events are open to both members and non-members of the Society. We are a small and enthusiastic group and enjoyed talks on a range of topics in 2018. These have included 'Smuggling on the South Coast' and 'Trug Making in Sussex', the latter delivered by Sarah Page from the Truggery in Herstmonceux. Gilly Halcrow gave us a moving and personal presentation on 'The Special Operations Executive - Churchill's Secret Army'. and Chris McCooey threw a spotlight on the work of the pioneering plastic surgeon, Archibald McIndoe whilst the formidably well informed and amusing Andy Thomas gave us a different perspective on the festive season with a talk on 'The History of Christmas'.

2020 Programme

25th February: The Crown Jewels: Pat Kingshott

24th March: The Life and Times of John Whitfield, Smuggler: John Kay

21st April: Shopping through the Ages: Gilly Halcrow

26th May: AGM

29th September: Ann of Cleves: Helen Poole

27th October: Boxers, Bandits and a Blind Beggar: Ian Bevan

24th November: Members' Evening

All talks start at 8pm in Maresfield Village Hall and last approximately 1 hour, followed by tea and biscuits.

Annual membership of the Society costs £10 per family and £7 per individual.

Non-members, who are always very welcome, pay £2 per visit.