We arrange events of archaeological interest for our members, including study days and visits to places of interest. Unless otherwise stated, to book a place please contact Ros Cheetham at . Please also refer to the latest Chairman's monthly newsletter (available via the Newsletter link) for up to date information on forthcoming events.
Leigh Park Gardens; An exploration of the history and heritage of Leigh Park Gardens (aka Staunton Country Park)
led by Simon Walton, Lead Volunteer/Casual Ranger (Archaeology)
Date: Friday 10th October 2025
Meeting Point: In Staunton Country Park car park (postcode PO9 5HD, what3words announce.summit.trembles )
Duration: 2.5 hours, starting at 9.30am
Cost £7.50 Members, £12.50 Non-members, Student Members £3
The walk will cover all aspects of the park's history, but its main focus will be George Staunton's legacy using as a guide the notices, a description of the estate, published in 1838. The walk will take approximately 2 and a half hours touring the farm and then the park. The tour of the park itself will include some slopes. Opportunities to break the walk between park and farm will be possible.
To book a place please contact Ros Cheetham at .
Tour – The history and historic building stones of Boxgrove Priory
led by David Bone and Tim Pullan
Date: Postponed until Spring 2026
Meeting Point: Meet by the south porch of Boxgrove Priory (the Church of St Mary & St Blaise), just east of Chichester (https://www.boxgrovepriory.co.uk/), SU 9082 0750, postcode PO18 0ED. Use the church car park (at the rear of the church, not in Church Lane). If the church car park is full, there is a public car park nearly opposite across the main road (The Street). Good footwear is adequate, wear clothing appropriate for being outside. Toilets are available in the adjacent St Blaise Centre.
Duration: 2 hours, starting at 2pm
Cost: £8 Members, £13 Non-members, £3.50 Student Members (includes a donation to the Priory)
A guided walk to discover both the history of the Priory (part managed by English Heritage) from the early 12th century to the present day, and the stories behind the many different types of building stone used during that time. A tour of the church interior is included.
David Bone is a recognised local geologist with over 50 years of experience. With special interest in
historic building stones, he has carried out numerous projects, talks and guided walks that link his
interest in geology, archaeology, and history. David is currently Chair of the Sussex Geodiversity
Partnership, Chair of the West Sussex Geological Society, and Volunteer Geologist to English
Heritage on historic building stones.
Tim Pullan has a BA from Bristol University in History of Art, Archaeology and English, with Barry
Cunliffe as a tutor. Tim has worked on excavations at Porchester Castle and Wharram Percy deserted
mediaeval village and has now been at Boxgrove for over 30 years. He was joint author of the
Millennial Boxgrove village history and of the history of Tortington Priory. Tim is now the choir
librarian for the Priory and regularly gives guided tours of the church.
To book a place please contact Ros Cheetham at .
