County guide

East Sussex folklore

The Folklore Map has 9 legends tied to real places in East Sussex, each one checked against published sources and pinned to the spot where it happened. Among them are 4 customs, 2 Devil legends, 2 giants and 1 heroes and king.

9 of them you can visit for free.

Open East Sussex on the map →

The Devil 2

Dunstan's TongsMayfield · FreeSt Dunstan grabbed the Devil by the nose with hot tongs.
The GoldstoneHove · FreeThe Devil threw it from the Downs. It landed in Hove Park.

Giants 2

Gill of FirleFirle · FreeThe Long Man had a rival on Firle Beacon. The rival had a hammer.
The Long ManWilmington · FreeFor centuries people said he was prehistoric. The soil says he is probably Tudor.

Heroes and kings 1

Mad Jack's PyramidBrightling · FreeMad Jack wanted a pyramid. The pub had to go.

Customs 4

Burning the ClocksBrighton · FreeOn the longest night, Brighton burns its clocks on the beach.
Jack in the GreenHastings · FreeEvery May a walking bush is led through Hastings Old Town, then set free.
Lewes BonfireLewes · FreeThe bonfire capital of the world, with its own martyrs.
Mayfield MartyrsMayfield · FreeA September carnival for four Tudor martyrs.