The Folklore of Sussex

The Folklore of Sussex gathers traditional stories, customs and beliefs from across the county, linking local lore with its landscapes, villages and churches. Jacqueline Simpson discusses tales of lost bells, buried treasure, dragons, fairies and the Devil, alongside traditions associated with ghosts, graves, gibbets and witches.

The book also records the folklore of everyday life, including customs surrounding birth, marriage and death, seasonal practices and traditional cures for illness. First published in 1973, it was later revised with additional material on Sussex customs, preserving accounts of oral tradition alongside the county’s legends and beliefs.