Happy Sussex Day!

Hi ,

Each year on 16th June, Sussex Day marks the feast day of St Richard of Chichester, the 13th-century bishop who became the county’s patron saint.

Known for his compassion and integrity, his famous prayer – “to know Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, follow Thee more nearly” – still echoes in churches, on plaques, and yes, in Godspell.

But Sussex Day was actually established in 2007, championed by local campaigners who wanted to celebrate the unique character, culture and history of an ancient county. The date was chosen to rekindle pride in Sussex's distinct identity – from its Saxon origins to its rolling Downs, working ports, seaside radicalism and boundary-pushing creativity.

The Sussex Charter

Thank you to John V Willshire, who sent us the wording of The Sussex Charter:

For all the people of the ancient kingdom of Sussex!

Let it be known: the 16 June of each and every year shall be known as Sussex Day.

Sussex Day shall be celebrated according to the rites and traditions of Sussex.

Let it be known all the people of Sussex shall be responsible for the maintenance of those boundaries that join to those of our neighbours.

Let it be known all the people of Sussex shall be responsible for all the environs within those boundaries.

Let it be known, the people of Sussex shall recognise the inshore waters that lie inside a line drawn from Beachy Head, and extending to Selsey Bill as being, the Bay of Sussex.

Let it be known, the people of Sussex will undertake responsibility for the general well-being of our neighbours.

Let it be known the people of Sussex shall be guardians of our wildlife.

Let it be known the people of Sussex will, through custom support all local business.

Finally, let it be known, as guardians of Sussex, we all know Sussex is Sussex … and Sussex won’t be druv!

In God we trust. God Save the King!

🏰 Historical stripes

Historically, Sussex was one kingdom. But divided into six 'rapes' of nearly equal size that all ran from north to south. Each district of Sussex once contained coast, downland and weald - and a castle and a hill/beacon.

The six martlet birds on the flag of Sussex (you'll spot one on the Sussex And The City logo) each represent one of these areas.

🧭 Is history useful now?

In 2025, as debates about devolution and a new Sussex-wide mayor gather momentum, The Sussex Charter might be a useful starting point.

The Charter is still a modern manifesto, that speaks to a region prioritising growth, sustainability and identity.

• How do we celebrate a regional identity that’s more than just a brand – but also not a bureaucracy?

• How do we build trust in new powers being given to regional leaders?

• What binds East, West and Brighton & Hove – and where should local voices still take priority?

• How do we avoid artificial divides between coast, country and urban?

Identity does matter. It doesn't have to be in a nostalgic, flag-waving way – but in how we understand where we live, who we live alongside, and what we want for the future.

We wunt be druv. We won’t be driven. We won't be done to. But maybe, together, we can decide where we’re going.

📚 Learn more about Sussex Day

These regular bite-sized emails are from the always possible team.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. We are together understanding the opportunities and risks facing growth, sustainability and identity in Sussex.

Sussex And The City is an independent and non-political project, clarifying the major reorganisation affecting Sussex and Brighton over the next two years.

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