Marlipins Museum, West Sussex

Marlipins Museum, is a 12th to early 13th building distinguished by its chess-board pattern of stone flint on its frontal facade.

It is thought to be the oldest complete secular building in Britain. The Caen stone frontage is thought to have been added in the late 13th to early 14th century along with other renovations. Repairs and reconstruction then took place to the roof in the 15th century and new timbers installed in 16th century.

The permanent displays in the museum concentrate on the maritime past and the local history of this part of Sussex. The Archaeology Gallery looks at the Shoreham area from early prehistory to medieval times, including new discoveries from Ropetackle and from Marlipins itself. Upstairs the story of the Adur area continues, showing local agriculture, domestic life and the major 20th century themes of the Shoreham Film Industry (once the hub for 'silent movies' in the UK), Shoreham Beach, the Airport and wartime.

Also on view is a section of the original 12th century wall and a mysterious pit built into the old masonry - which may have been a strong room but it may also have been a privy! At the bottom of the pit, the archaeologists found a cat skeleton, one of four on site.

Opening Times

Tuesday - Saturday
1st May - 1st November
10.30am - 4.30pm

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Ticket Prices

Adult £3.00
Child (5-15) £1.50
Senior Citizen £2.50
Student £2.50

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Disabled Facilities

Disabled access: There is an easy way in through the new entrance down the side of the museum on Middle Street, and we have a lift that allows wheelchair access throughout the museum. There is also a wheelchair accessible toilet.

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More Information

Telephone: 01273 462994
Email: marlipins@sussexpast.co.uk

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