August 9 2014.


This is a captivating local history of one of England’s “jewels in the crown,” – the Seven Sisters coastline and the Cuckmere Valley situated in the stunning South Downs. What is revealed by this work will fascinate local people, visitors and students of countryside and local history alike. Above all, it is an accurate source of detailed knowledge. It is a record of life and times of a classic piece of the English Landscape.

The ‘study area’ centres on Exceat (Seven Sisters Country Park) at the southern end of the Cuckmere Valley, taking in neighbouring Chyngton, West Dean and Friston Forest. This also includes the fabulous chalk coastline from Seaford Head to Birling Gap including the famous Seven Sisters cliffs.

The 12 subjects areas covered include buildings, land ownership, River Cuckmere, smuggling, shipwrecks, agriculture, establishment of Friston Forest, RAF Friston and the Seven Sisters Country Park. The book includes much un-published material, particularly in relation to the shipwrecks, forest and WW II flying at Friston.

Notes on New Second Edition.
The text for this Second Edition has been considerably extended where new research has disclosed further information. This encompasses additional accounts of shipwrecks, including newly-commissioned scientific research for this book, on one of the two great Sussex shipwrecks, that of the exceptionally valuable Spanish ship, Nympha Americana.

Research has enabled an entirely new chapter, which sets out events leading to the creation and, early management of the Seven Sisters Country Park at Exceat including its use by the film industry. Excepting this new chapter and Chapters One and Two, the ‘cut-off point’ for the book’s content is still approximately the early-1970’s. A number of additional illustrations have also been included, as is a completely new, comprehensive index. Paperback of 307 pages with 67 black and white images.

To celebrate the launch of the new Second Edition, on Sunday August the 17th, the author, Monty Larkin, will be holding a book signing session between 2.00pm and 4.00pm at the Seven Sisters Park Centre at Exceat, where he will be able to answer questions about the book. The book will of course also be available for purchase. It is also available from selected local bookshops and museums and also online at www.montylarkin.co.uk