Sussex History Talks & Walks – Janet Pennington

DISCOVER THE PAST
with DR JANET PENNINGTON

Diploma: English Local History
MA: Regional History
PhD: Inn and Tavern History

I give illustrated talks about Sussex history and more general talks covering the south-east of England.
I travel anywhere in West and East Sussex. However, travelling by Zoom, I can reach anywhere in the country.
I am happy to do talks at short notice.

Join us online

All Talks can be facilitated on-line via Zoom

Illustrated Talks Available for 2026-2027

Illustrated Talks in Person or via Zoom

I have a digital projector, laptop, remote control/laser pointer and long extension lead, (PAT tested), also a portable screen if required.

I often lead walks around the old market town of Steyning in West Sussex, revealing much of its history, scandalous or otherwise. I usually do these in spring and summer, and advertise them in the local papers and Your Steyning, Bramber & Beeding Magazine, as well as on this website. Otherwise I am happy to organise a walk with a society or group individually – so do contact me for details.

Five talks involve Wiston House, a beautiful manor house to the west of Steyning, nestling under the South Downs of West Sussex. It was built by Sir Thomas Sherley in the 1570s after he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I.

You will hear about the history of the house and how Sir Thomas made his money. As a Member of Parliament and a Justice of the Peace, he did not, sadly, apply the laws of the land to himself. There are modern echoes in his story, which is set against the Dutch rebellion against the Spanish.

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I was born in the county of Sussex. I am an independent researcher with a degree in the architectural and social history of early-modern Sussex inns and taverns (Thesis). I was the archivist at Lancing College, and also taught local history and palaeography for the Centre for Continuing Education at the University of Sussex. (Read more)

Contact Janet Pennington – I am happy to do talks at short notice.