Since its inception in 1977 Sussex Heritage Trust has successfully carried out projects to restore buildings in Lewes, Brighton, Burwash. Littlehampton, Hastings and Clapham, near Worthing.

It has also helped in many cases elsewhere, either by assisting owners or their advisers, or by negotiating on their behalf with local planning authorities.

A future for the past for Old St Helen’s Ore, Hastings

Early last summer, Sussex Heritage Trust received a Heritage Lottery grant of £26,000 to develop the Conservation Project for this scheduled Ancient Monument. with the support from English Heritage and Hastings Borough Council, Sussex Heritage Trust has recently submitted a Round 2 bid for a 95% grant towards the £475,000 full project cost. The following documents may be viewed on request from The Administrator of Sussex HeritageTrust:-

Audience, Development, Learning & Acccess Plan

Conservation, Maintenance and Management Plan

Project Timetable

Project Manager Job Description

If the application is successful, as it is hoped, the Trust will still need to find £25,000 in matched funding. The Trust has already commenced various fund raising activities for the conservation of the project but all donations would be welcomed by the Trust.

The surviving parts of Old St Helen's Church suggest that it is of early Norman or Saxon origin - this can be seen in the north wall of the nave where a small window gives a probable date of 1150 or before; and although the church shows evidence of much alteration, it would appear that the tower is of late 12th or 13th century.

The project, when completed, will offer a new focal point for the community in conjuction with the neighbouring Friary Gardeners, who propose to recreate and maintain the Victoiran country churchyard. Also as part of the project, an archaeological survery and investigation will be undertaken and also educational activities organised with local schools.

Please join us in saving this Ancient Monument, which is set in the grounds of the former Ore Place and is a  hidden Sussex gem contributing to the historic heritage of Sussex.

Volunteer for the Community Archaeological Dig, find out more here

The Ashcombe Toll House/Booth, owned by Sussex Heritage Trust since 2001, is a domed, circular building, 10ft high and 15ft in diameter, with a vaulted brick roof.

Built in 1820 as one of a pair of matching booths on either side of the Brighton Turnpike, it was originally used for road maintenance as well as for the collection of tolls. The interior, currently used for storage, contains a fire place and oven.

The Ashcombe Toll House is situated 200 yards west of the Ashcombe Roundabout, on the south side of the A27. There is limited car parking behind the Toll House (on the right of minor road leading off the roundabout, signposted Kingston).

Public transport is available on buses 28 and 29 to Brighton from Waitrose or the Post Office in Lewes.

Tea/coffee etc. available from mobile cafe.