Sussex Archaeological Collections 131

Excavations in advance of a housing development revealed a 10th-century enclosure, two buildings and associated pits. A sequence of ditches marked the boundary of the enclosure and an entrance way was indicated by two post-settings and a central stake-hole. The entrance is similar to those from other Late Anglo-Saxon sites. One of the buildings was constructed with planks set on end, the other with squared timbers and a central line of round posts. Three types of pits were identified and these seem to have served as wells, and for the disposal of rubbish and cess. Sealed groups of pottery were recovered from the pits suggesting that some activity on the site may date from the 9th century, though the main period of activity was in the following century. A notable find was an inscribed gold ring bearing the name of the owner discovered in a rubbish pit. Analysis of the metal suggests that it was made from primary gold, not recycled male rial. The bone assemblage from the pits shows it was mainly derived from food waste. Carbonised samples from sealed contexts suggest a variety of plants were grown including cereals, flax and vetch. The weed seeds reflect the environments in the area around the settlement.

Rescue excavations were undertaken in 1988 at the former Phoenix Brewery site, Old Town, Hastings. Three areas were investigated, including part of the western street frontage of Bourne Street. The excavations demonstrated that the site had been intensively occupied since the 13th century.

Contracts between Sir Edward Dailing ridge and his monastic neighbours allow Dalyngreggesbay and its attendant leaf to be conclusively located. The dating and purpose of this great water-engineering effort enhance our understanding of the context of Bodiam Castle.

This article considers the reactions of the inhabitants of Brighton, particularly the Improvement Commissioners, to the 1847 Bill, which never reached the statute book. It compares these reactions with those of commissioners elsewhere, examines the causes of antipathy to the measure and looks at strategies employed to secure a more effective and representative local government.

Using tithe and census evidence, all dwellings occupied by working-class families in the parish of Chiddingly in 1821, 1841, 1851and1861 have been identified. These are then analysed by building type, exlent of crowding and continuity of occupancy by the same family. Jn 1821 and 1841, sub-divided old farmhouses, small old houses and purpose-built cottages formed roughly equal proportions of the housing stock occupied; subsequently purpose-built cottages became the major type. There was some overcrowding during the first two decades but it became less common later. Many families remained in the same dwelling for long periods.