The book covers from time immemorial until 1066 the history of eastern Sussex which may mistakenly appear to have been a bit of a backwater. It was shaped by its geology and its geography, with the English Channel to the south, the deep Andreadsweald forest to the north,
and large embayments to both its east and west. Genetic influences also played their part as various tribes and peoples came from Continental Europe and across the North Sea to live here.
It was not only physically, but almost certainly politically, separate from the rest of Sussex for most of its history. It even had a different name ‒ Hæstingas, maybe from as early as the 7th century. It may have looked more towards Kent than Sussex for much of its early existence.
Since early Homo Sapiens arrived, the area has clearly been in continuous occupation with periods of intense early industrial activity. Recent archaeological work confirms this, and exciting finds continue to be made.
The place where the High Weald uniquely meets the sea has been peopled from ancient times. It is quite rich in Bronze Age history, and Britons and then Romans made iron here. Romans built a giant shore fort but, following their withdrawal, Hæstingas probably became pagan again ‒ until King Offa of the Mercians gave the resources to create minster churches.
Ever open to the sea and potential maritime raiders it slowly grew. It was never rich, but the people became skilled sailors, in demand by earls and kings. King Alfred protected it with a new fort (or two). Its harbours provided ships for trade and war and royal interest in it grew. Salt was produced in very large quantities and salted the fish to go to market. The foundation of the precursor of the Cinque Ports is described, and the succession intrigues which led to the Battle of Hastings are reviewed afresh, up until the death of Edward the Confessor.
The Norman Abbey of Fécamp gained ownership of a large coastal estate in eastern Sussex after William the Conqueror's great-aunt, Emma of Normandy, married kings of England. The same abbey may also have later been granted properties at Pevensey by Edward the Confessor ‒ William will have had good details of eastern Sussex's potential invasion landing sites.
