Exploring Eastbourne's Old Town.

I stumbled upon this lovely little hamlet buried within the sprawling seaside resort of Eastbourne in East Sussex and had to have an exploration.
Join me as I take a inquisitive look around St Mary's the Virgin, the Lamb Inn from 1180 and other rare an ancient buildings hidden among all the usual the modern constructions .
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[@davidw1518]

The main part of Eastbourne is Victorian, not Regency. It's Brighton that is Regency, Eastbourne came later. Old Town is the original Eastbourne, a hamlet some distance from the sea. It is where the Bourne stream rises (giving the inhabitants of those times a source of fresh water), and where some original buildings - such as St Mary's Church and the Lamb Inn - still survive. The land nearer to the sea, on which the current main town lies, was owned in the 19th century by William Cavendish, 2nd Earl of Burlington, and he decided to create a brand new, exclusive seaside resort to rival Regency Brighton (which in those days was frequented by royalty, so was itself very up-market). Cavendish was 2nd cousin to the 6th Duke of Devonshire (up in Chatsworth in Derbyshire). The 6th Duke was not married, and had no children. He died in 1858, and William Cavendish was his closest (male?) relation and so inherited the title to become 7th Duke of Devonshire (also inheriting Chatsworth, and all the wealth that went with that). In 1849, meanwhile, the railway had arrived in Eastbourne (Lord Burlington himself having sponsored the necessary Act of Parliament), and this would enable all those rich Londoners to come to Cavendish's new seaside resort. It was in 1859, the year after Cavendish became Duke of Devonshire, that his architect drew up the first plan for the new town of Eastbourne. Building then commenced. The area just east of the original Eastbourne / Old Town, not so close to the sea, was owned by the Davies Gilbert family, and in the 1860s Carew Davies Gilbert began developing his land as an upmarket residential area. So, again, Victorian. I realise your video was made three years ago, and by now you might have discovered more about the history of Eastbourne. Also, I have not scrolled through all the 132 comments, so I might be duplicating things that have already been said. However, to find out more, do visit the Eastbourne Heritage Centre in Carlisle Road, just off the seafront, near the Wish Tower. Be aware, though, that, because of a shortage of volunteers, it is currently (October 2022) open only on Saturdays and Sundays, although it occasionally opens on other days (normally afternoons) if a volunteer is available.

[@JamesofQPR]

Very interesting yes i thought I new Eastbourne never bothered with the Old Town, saw the signs for it and had heard of it and never had a reason to go there

[@imranzazai7404]

Very beautiful.

[@MrNas42]

Wow more real exploring! A part of Eastbourne that I didn't know existed. Lovely buildings, extraordinary Celtic cross and a road with a Saxon/olde English name. Brilliant!

[@RichardVobes]

I just followed the brown sign to see what was there. I did enjoy it. :)

[@tonyjax8454]

I live just up from where the video started up that steep road. Eastbourne really is true England. Incidentally, the Lamb pub was Charles Dickens's local. He lived opposite and used to perform in the Lamb pub. There is a building with a plaque displaying his property. And also, you were just around the corner from where Tommy Cooper lived at the start of the video!

[@worldofameiso5491]

I remember back in the late seventies and early eighties me and some friends drinking in the Star in Motcombe and Tommy Cooper and his wife would sometimes come in and sit quietly at a table and have a couple of drinks (Tommy used to drink Holsten Pils I seem to remember) and everybody would just leave them in peace.

[@tensils]

Loved it !

[@carolcordell5881]

Really enjoyed your impromptu tour/ walk. The buildings, and Church very Lovely. Really love those ancient buildings. Great walk. Thank You.

[@worldofameiso5491]

The date on the ancient cross is 1817.

[@vestafairie]

thank you for the impromptu tour, Richard!

[@RichardVobes]

A bit of a simple exploration I am afraid.

[@ramibu239]

Loved Eastbourne's old church (especially those windows😍) & loved the old timbered buildings too. Thanks for another great walk about!👍

[@RichardVobes]

A very simple walk but some lovely property!

[@georgetimperley8906]

I wasn't awere of an Eastbourne old town! Very facinating. That church was a amazing building, as was the pub!! Well done great video 👍

[@RichardVobes]

Thanks George - I was unaware of it myself. :)

[@shaunlaverick5793]

excellent tour of Eastbourne's old town.really nice indeed

[@RichardVobes]

A very simple walk I am afraid.

[@triumphriderinblack7406]

Lovely short video, many thanks. The Lamb is my local, and I've been inside St Mary's church, but in all my 60 plus years of living in Eastbourne I've never walked around the church grounds like you did! Will put that right when I go for a pint this Friday.

[@annosborne7365]

That was another gem Richard loved the old lamp stand.

[@RichardVobes]

I do love old street furniture Ann.

[@robertwilkes2415]

Very good video Richard, again marvelous architecture, especially the church, look forward to the next one. Robert, NZ.

[@RichardVobes]

Thanks so much Robert.

[@susanolson3611]

Wonderful 🙂

[@RichardVobes]

Thank you!

[@malcolmcog]

What an enjoyable look at Eastbourne ! Somewhere I have never been to, but must remedy that !

[@RichardVobes]

Oh you must! :)

[@lisal5262]

Fabulous 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@brownale1000]

Lovely video of my hometown, a great looking channel too,just subscribed Cheers

[@RichardVobes]

Thank you so much. Like you liked it!

[@kennethgoodman2457]

Well I’m amazed about the old town. Like you I have visited Eastbourne,though many years ago, many times and never knew of its existence mainly I guess because I always headed for the sea front. So thanks for showing us around.

[@RichardVobes]

My pleasure - thanks as ever for watching my efforts. :)

[@maggiew4893]

😊 It's fascinating what can be tucked away, easily missed when surrounded by modern builds, especially when focused on a destination.

[@RichardVobes]

Absolutely yes.

[@beowulf5982]

Thank you, your walk bought back so many memories. I was a Chorister at St. Mary's 1966-1975. As Choirboys we tried to investigate the Smugglers tunnel from The Old Parsonage to the Lamb Inn. The entrance is from a trap door inside the Old Parsonage but the tunnel has been long blocked with rubble. Back then we earn't good money, 2/6 for a wedding and 5 shillings for a double wedding..not bad for an hours work:).

[@RichardVobes]

I bet that was fun exploring - or at least trying to - the old smugglers tunnel. Thanks for sharing the story.

[@davidbarlow350]

I lived in Eastbourne in the 70s and used to occasionally drink in The Lamb,but thought it was on a busier road (perhaps being Sunday it was quiet).Must admit i didn't realise how nice Old Town is. That smoker you engaged in conversation,had probably taken a vow of silence and 20 years later along you come!

[@RichardVobes]

The pub looked awesome from outside with all the timber-framing and stone work. Love it!

[@deew578]

Walked there..

[@urbanrider7981]

Interesting video Richard,lovely church and the 'lamb' of god pub.Chris

[@RichardVobes]

Thanks Chris!

[@stephenburnage7687]

I sang in that chruch (St Marys) as a boy Soprano, back in the 1960s. Remember it well.

[@freaky1382]

It got demolished in 2020 😢

[@stephenburnage7687]

@@freaky1382 That's odd, as i visited it last year.

[@johnbyrne2756]

Impressive -- both location and presentation...

[@RichardVobes]

Thank you so much 😀

[@moskaz1]

beautiful building , HEY !!!

[@ckSport3000]

Now Christmas 2022, coming to rent an Airbnb for a month in Eastbourne next month, Jan 2023. Curtis, 56, retired U.S. Navy, fulfilling my bucketlist wish to live in the UK.

[@mrsme97]

I trust you enjoyed your one month stay in Eastbourne… All the Best to you & yours

[@paulwood7798]

Wow that Cornish Cross is an absolute gem. One of the most decorative I have seen. Total highlight of the vlog. How did it end up in Eastbourne. Have to read up on it.

[@oliviarutland]

It’s mad, I walk these streets everyday, I live in the old town right near the road you started the video on. I never appreciate my town because I’ve lived here all my life but this brings a whole new light to my home town :)

[@RichardVobes]

This is so true of each and every one of us - everywhere else is usually more interesting!

[@nathanuielrushmer-osulliva8116]

Eastbourne is lovely I went wetherspoons there

[@jimmorgan21]

Been there many times, I live close by in Hampden pk. Beechy head is beautiful, when I was little I used to go up there most weekends with my Dad. Lewes isn't far and that place has some very interesting history and amazing architecture!

[@RichardVobes]

I must get up on Beachy head soon! Thanks for watching. :)

[@seanclark6438]

Thanks for that Richard, there is a lot of history if slightly mixed around Eastbourne Old Town, did a project in year 5 on the old town, a year group study walked from the school round old town and back, that was twenty something years ago so don’t remember a lot apart from Motcombe gardens being part of a farm, hence the dove cote

[@RichardVobes]

Sounds like a great project.

[@merledoughty5787]

Thank you for this fine video, I have not explored the old town on foot, have had a drink in The lamb one of three I have had a drink in the area. My favorite Lamb is over in the village of Wartling. There is much to see close by the very reason I love our visits to the UK, the architecture is fantastic and interesting. Our family live in Mead Eastbourne and we probably walk more when we visit England than we do back here in New Zealand.

[@RichardVobes]

So glad you found the video interesting. Thanks for watching. It's a lovely part of Eastbourne.

[@merledoughty5787]

@@RichardVobes now watching your exploration of lewes. Have you explored Winchelsea, only drove through this delightful place in 2003 never got back that way again

[@welshmanjasonpatrick8607]

Like Eastbourne nice place old building like

[@robloxwatermelons5999]

Hello again! Tysm for liking my comments! ❤️ I also have a suggestion when the virus is over I suggest going to beachy head and there is a lovely restaurant there called “beachy head” and it’s very lovely and you can get a view of sheep! And it’s very warm inside and relaxing and the food is lovely! So I suggest going there one day! 🤗

[@RichardVobes]

Thanks for the tip!

[@robloxwatermelons5999]

Richard Vobes it’s ok! If you have any questions about Eastbourne I should probably know the Ansew! ☺️

[@seanclark6438]

It’s quite possibly a mile marker that pathway down the side of the Lamb Inn was once part of the main road to London, apparently, so the steps up from Ocklynge road are a more modern addition

[@androsstandley9195]

Very well presented, and natty dresser, most enjoyed

[@WidescreenJohn]

Another great walk, my friend! I love those timber framed buildings. One little correction though. The date on that "Removed from Cornwall" column is 1817, not 1958. Keep up the great work! When I hit the lottery, you'll have yourself an executive producer. :)

[@RichardVobes]

Oh blimey! I was a little out on the Roman numerals then! :)

[@paulineopray7706]

Enjoyed the video, not sure about the clerics lol......All being well will be staying at the Lamb Inn in June...Hopefully restrictions will have eased by then(fingers crossed)

[@RichardVobes]

Thanks so much.

[@peterburgess980]

Upstairs in the Lamb is a small theatre where a local lass puts on various productions. Ideal to have a meal in the pub and then upstairs to see a show.

[@TheSeafordian]

Have a look around Meads next time you are in the area. Well worth a wander.

[@RichardVobes]

Oh thanks very much for the tip. I shall!

[@jimgordon1563]

Thank you for this Richard. As a Scot who regularly visits and loves Sussex, I really enjoy your videos. The old church in Eastbourne is a real gem. The Lamb is a lovely, old pub which is spoiled by some sour faced staff. A shame! .There was some interesting pubs in the streets behind it, must try a few the next time I am there. Have you checked out Hasting's fascinating Old Town and my favorite pub; The First In Last Out?

[@RichardVobes]

Thanks Jim. I have yet to 'do' Hastings. I am working my way in that direction slowly!

[@jimgordon1563]

@@RichardVobes Great. The Stag pub in the Old Town is also a must for you. It has on display a mummified cat and rats!

[@Tyr933]

The twin stone Cross to the one in oldtown is in penzance, pendeen Park.

[@invisibleray6987]

you gave them holy men a scare.....loved it

[@jonmould2946]

You filmed my small cottage at the start I believe part of it is 1500

[@mollyhunt4425]

I live up near here and it's actually really pretty!!

[@RichardVobes]

Yes, I am sure it is! Thanks for the comment.

[@ChubbyChecker182]

Father Jack is looking well 😁

[@darcievseve5163]

I never seen this when I lived in Eastbourne I remember the lamb pub

[@egschools1997]

Great walk around the old town. Please visit East Grinstead if you can. Our High Street has the longest running timber framed buildings in the country as well as the famous Sackville College built in 1609 which is where Good King Wenceslas was written my John Mason Neale.

[@RichardVobes]

Yes, I must go there!

[@egschools1997]

@@RichardVobes Cant remember if you mentioned something about Langney in you video but The Langney Priory which is a stones throw from my parents is the oldest building in Eastbourne. Its 900 years old this year.

[@sophieandwayne]

ST Mary”s church and the Lamb is where I had my wedding and reception! And the building they were smoking outside was my Sunday school and where I went to girl guides 👍🏻

[@RichardVobes]

Lovely place to have a reception.

[@the_lonelygamerttv5230]

I grew up in old town

[@davidbooth3285]

Nice church,shame about the clerics! Not so much holy smoke,as couldn’t give a Castle main four x,unholy smoke!!

[@RichardVobes]

Exactly - not so very encouraging were they?

[@thirdratecontent585]

@@yes2truthThat’s a great one, never heard it before 👍

[@thirdratecontent585]

@@yes2truth love them ❤️

[@anthonyconte400]

Richard -- The video portion after the rude smoking priests took us to the garden on the other side of the pretty building. There is a long English bench and you point to a well in the rear corner of the garden. I would not drink from that well, which most likely is 'contaminated' by the adjoining cemetery, which is several feet above the level of the garden. Even if both.grounds were at the same level, I think the water is probably contaminated! Ugh regards, Tony Conte from Panama

[@RichardVobes]

Have no fear - no one is likely to drink from the well. Can you imagine! :) Thanks for the comment.

[@Masterc52]

yo i'm like from Eastbourne and old town is a great place to go if your a tourist

[@hodakalover]

Lovely Julia ❣️, please handle reading the Roman numerals.......thx

[@RichardVobes]

Not sure what you mean about handling the Roman Numerals.

[@karlosfandango108]

That house around 2 mins in is where Tommy Cooper used to live... It has that black emblem thing on it...

[@markburgess6801]

didnt realise eastbourne had these nice streets and buildings which side of the modern centre are these parts?

[@davidw1518]

They're to the north-west of the modern town, on the A259 road going towards East Dean, Seaford, Newhaven and Brighton.

[@grahambell5340]

He should go to Specsavers in the town centre. He has missed the magnificent Pilgrims and the Georgian House just behind him at the Lamb He also walked past St Mary`s House without comment. The date on the Cornish cross is 1817 not 1958. Removed to save it from it`s use as a farm gatepost. Eastbourne, by the way, is a VICTORIAN resort ,not Georgian

[@RichardVobes]

By 'he', do you mean me?

[@davepoole9520]

It's a shame you couldn't have gone back in time to film the area around 1970. Eastbourne's then planning department allowed the demolition of many historic buildings opposite the church and the old Star Brewery behind the pub for the sake of relatively ineffectual road widening in the former and a huge supermarket who pulled out just as soon as they'd demolished the latter. There was also a row of 17th century shops beyond the Lamb Inn which ended up going plus many old cottages in Ocklynge Road.

[@franc9111]

That really is a pity. It's just so senseless. The Star Brewery used to have some very nice typically Sussex tied houses that have either disappeared or gone up-market. It's been quite a while since I've been to the Lamb, but it's a fantastic pub.

[@robloxwatermelons5999]

I also have another suggestion! Sorry lol 😂 there is a place called Michelin Priory! And it’s a haunted house! Where Tudor’s used to live! And you can go in there I’ve been 3 times for school trips! And it’s lovely and people have weddings there and all sorts! It’s a very old building and very interesting and it’s in Hailsham like 20 minutes away from Eastbourne! It’s very lovely so when this virus is over I also definitely suggest that and I also suggest pevensy castle which is also VERY old and known to be haunted and pevensy is right next to Hailsham and it’s a lovely area! I hope this helps! I suggest googling about them! Sorry my spellings not great I’m 11 lol but yeah hope this helps! 🤗✨

[@RichardVobes]

It sounds like fun.

[@davidw1518]

It's Michelham Priory.

[@1950sTeddyboy]

Opposite the Lamb & Church is Oldest occupied House in England. Actual thought to be built 25 years before the Lamb Pub. The Lamb has not always shown Timber Features as Rendered until approx 1930

[@RichardVobes]

How fantastic!

[@aaarrrggghhhh]

In England the Yew tree is sometimes known as the death tree as it is commonly found in church graveyards. This is because the Romans gave church services to the pagans under the shade of Yew trees.

[@RichardVobes]

And not forgetting that the berries are poisoness of course!

[@eddieian3321]

Should of explored Shinewater

[@TrevorHoneyball]

Those 'clerical types' sounded like a couple of extras from a mockney gangster film......

[@RiverBitesU]

I grew up in eastbourne and i do hope you had a chance to see motcombe gardens (just behind where you started recording funnily enough). Just nearby there is an old house said to have been owned by a rather famous magician and so a metal mural is mounted along the brickwork. Its lovely to see a section of my hometown again, i miss it dearly. One more recommendation if you do ever find yourself there is Camilla's bookshop, on top of it being a wonderfully chaotic bookshop it has hundreds of historical books on sussex that may pique your interest.

[@RichardVobes]

I must seek out Camilla's book shop , if it is still there - so many have closed. Thanks so much for watching.

[@johnlong8082]

Yes I wouldn’t go into the church service either, going by the response you received from the church people having a smoke. No wonder congregations are diminishing. 😳

[@RichardVobes]

They were a bit rude.

[@gaywest4298]

Did you see Big Ron? Normally haunts these parts.

[@harveysmith100]

I do love miserable people, they make me so glad to be happy! Howled with laughter at the smokers.

[@RichardVobes]

Yes, they were funny! Clearly they didn't want to be there.

[@johnmoore9862]

Wow, you’re just too wonderful for this routine world of ours Harvey.

[@harveysmith100]

@@johnmoore9862 Thank you John

[@johnmoore9862]

@@harveysmith100 👍

[@mmo8855]

I trained in Eastbourne

[@prodiver7]

Few people realize that originally the beams in timber-framed building would never have shown: they were invariably plastered for protection - except where carved, decorated and painted. It's an ugly, regrettable Victorian aberration to expose them and paint them black!

[@RichardVobes]

Oh I agree to paint them black was wrong - but I love the exposed look in their natural colour.

[@KitoTodd]

in regards to the stone you referred to at the end of the clip.I'm not for sure and may be wrong??? but its definately not a Celtic cross!!! more likely either an image of Bran an ancient Welsh fertility god or something Arthurian!!! since it was taken from Cornwall💚It's hard to make out the image clearly because of it's age but it is definitely pagan!!! I've studied Celtic paganism for yrs now.and it is definitely not a Celtic cross!!!

[@RichardVobes]

Oh right - thanks for the correction regarding it's Celticness or not. :)

[@davidrodwell6509]

Is the stone from Cornwall, the county, or did it stand somewhere in Eastbourne called Corn Wall? More research today to find out.

[@JohnnyNorfolk]

I would have avoided the phrase crafty smoke if you want to gain information from people.

[@RichardVobes]

Hahahahah