Early history on the South Downs

This part of the South Downs is particularly rich in early history and landscape history. The hill fort at Devil's Dyke is a great example of an Iron Age fortification and is particularly easy to spot in late winter light. Find out more about early users of the area from Paleolithic man through the early Victorians.

Overview of the foundations of the Iron Age Fort at Devil's Dyke — A faint footprint of the Iron Age Fort built by early human settlers on Devil's Dyke

Devil's Dyke West Sussex

Devil’s Dyke ancient footfalls and fortification

The South Downs Way, which visitors walk today and cuts across Devil’s Dyke, has its origins in an ancient track that has been used by humans for more than 2,000 years.

Find out more about Devil's Dyke prehistory

Distant view of the hill fort at Devil's Dyke

Devil's Dyke West Sussex

Fulking archaeology walk

Take a walk through time along the South Downs. Follow the glorious contours of the Sussex Downs; on one side the Weald, to the other the sea.

Follow the archaeology trail

Aerial view of Saddlescombe Farm on the South Downs — Aerial view of Saddlescombe Farm South Downs on the South Downs

Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber Hill West Sussex

Prehistoric artefacts come home to Saddlescombe Farm

Visitors to Saddlescombe Farm will have the opportunity to view a unique collection of archaeological objects that have been hidden from view for over 100 years.

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Image of Domesday text relating to Saddlescombe — Domesday text relating to land ownership at Saddlescombe

Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber Hill West Sussex

Saddlescombe Farm in the Domesday Book

Domesday Book was the result of a huge valuation survey, but what was important then was very different from what we would like to know now. Find out what was recorded as Saddlescombe Farm.

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Colour recreation of a downland village and landscape from the 14th century — Recreation of a downland landscape from the 14th century

Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber Hill West Sussex

The Knights Templar and Saddlescombe Farm

The Knights of the Order of the Temple were founded to protect Christian pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land after the Crusaders re-captured Jerusalem. Saddlescombe Farm was given to the Templars in the 1220s by Geoffrey de Say who was the Fifth Earl of Warenne's tenant.