The History of Seaford

The quiet Sussex town of Seaford, halfway between Eastbourne and Brighton, is often overlooked as a holiday destination but it has an abundant and fascinating history. Seaford can boast an Iron Age hill fort on the cliffs at Seaford Head. Over the centuries the town has been a bustling Cinque Port, a quiet seaside backwater, a centre for education, a garrison town, and a target for enemy action.

At one time the people of Seaford were known as the ‘cormorants’ or ‘shags’ because of their enthusiasm for looting ships wrecked in the bay, and local legend has it that residents would, on occasion, cause ships to run aground by placing fake harbour lights on the cliffs.

Local author and historian Kevin Gordon takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the town’s past, unearthing tales of intrigue and grisly goings-on as he reveals the murkier side of Seaford’s heritage. Along the way we are introduced to the great, the good and the bad, and the famous and infamous characters who have all played a part in its lore and legends.