insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 02 - April 2015 | Page 69

TOWNSPOTLIGHT

history in brief
Eastbourne is still seen as a ‘new town’ in
terms of the rest of the UK, and it was only in
1859 when the Duke of Devonshire, the rich
landowner William Cavendish, had the idea
of combining four smaller hamlets to create
one larger town that Eastbourne came into
existence. He commissioned architect Henry
Curry to create a street plan, using Europe as
inspiration for this new and exciting Eastbourne.
The area, however, had been populated since
the Stone Age, and had been known as
Eastbourne since the thirteenth century (‘Burne’,
or ‘Bourne’) being the name of the stream that
ran through the town. Now all that remains of
the Burne is a small pond which can be seen in
Motcombe Gardens.

things to do
Beachy Head - Beachy Head is one of the
most well known chalk cliffs in the UK. Located
just east of the Seven Sisters, it is the tallest
chalk sea cliff in the country, measuring 531 feet
(162 metres) above sea level. From here you can
see for many miles, and the views are breath
taking.
Birling Gap and The Seven Sisters - Owned
by the National Trust, Birling Gap (part of the
Seven Sisters chalk cliffs) is ideal for taking
a long walk in the fresh air. The scenery and

terrain changes from moment to moment,
giving you the chance to step foot on ancient
woodland, hike over cliff tops, and even jump
over rock pools. It’s fabulous for exploring,
and the whole family can enjoy spending time
outside here. With a café and visitor centre
which includes a small shop at the top of the
cliffs, and a beach at the bottom seemingly
made for seaside picnics of the old fashioned
kind, Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters is a
wonderful place to get away from it all and relax
whilst making memories.
East Sussex Falconry - Birds of prey are
spectacular things, swooping and soaring
through the air so gracefully, and then –
suddenly – they dive, and their quarry is caught.
At East Sussex Falconry you can watch these
magnificent birds up close, and even take part
in a day or half day’s falconry experience during
which you can fly the birds yourself, under
expert