THE ORIGINS OF SUSSEX BONFIRE . . .
. . . and its early links to Chiddingly
by Brady Ells
The beginnings of the bonfire celebrations derive from the failed attempt of Guido (Guy) Fawkes and other members behind the Gunpowder Plot to assassinate King James I and parliament on the 5th November 1605. Subsequently, each 5th November was designated by the King under an Act of Parliament as a national day of thanksgiving for "the joyful day of deliverance" and was ordered to be celebrated with bellringing and bonfires.
The type of bonfire celebration specific to Sussex which uniquely includes torchlit processions, seems to have originally come from the town of ‘Battel’ and was first recorded in 1646 as “gunpowder treason rejoicing”. The Bonfire Night Celebrations returned in the county on a haphazard basis after Oliver Cromwell banned them from 1648 until 1660.
The type of bonfire celebration specific to Sussex which uniquely includes torchlit processions, seems to have originally come from the town of ‘Battel’ and was first recorded in 1646 as “gunpowder treason rejoicing”. The Bonfire Night Celebrations returned in the county on a haphazard basis after Oliver Cromwell banned them from 1648 until 1660.
Mark Antony Lower
Mark Antony Lower was a man of Chiddingly, born and bred. Lower was born 14th July 1813, one of six sons, of Richard Lower, a poet and the village’s schoolmaster.
Muddles Green from Burgh Hill - Richard Lower’s nineteenth century
schooland house are behind the pile of peasticks.
Mark Antony, also a school teacher, is known for being a founder of the Sussex Archæological Society, the nation’s very first county historical organisation, and for having an interest in heraldry; painting the Royal coat of arms found in Chiddingly Church.
Arms of King George IV (1820-1830) by Mark Antony Lower - Chiddingly Church
(Photo: Nicola Walker)
In later life, Mark Antony, was a local historian who published a work ‘The Sussex Martyrs’ in 1851. Lower was influenced by his friend and co-founder of the Sussex Archæological Society, James Henry Hurdis, an engraver who, in 1852, produced an etching of the execution of ten Protestant Martyrs in Lewes under Queen Mary I on 22nd June 1557 - the largest bonfire of people in English history! - A companion to Lower’s book!
"The Burning of Richard Woodman and Nine other Protestant Martyrs Before The Star Inn Lewes Sussex on June 22nd 1557" - James Henry Hurdis - 1852 (Photo: Mick Symes)
It is these works that is believed to have restarted the interest in the Sussex Martyrs from the 1850s.
It was on year later, in 1853, it is said Lower’s ‘followers’ then became organised and founded the first Bonfire Societies in the County Town of Sussex; Lewes Town (later Borough) and Cliffe. Subsequently dozens of further bonfire societies were established in Lewes and in the towns and villages of the wider county, where overtime there have been multiple bonfire societies established in places right across the county, to remember the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 and the 16th Century Marian Persecutions.
It was on year later, in 1853, it is said Lower’s ‘followers’ then became organised and founded the first Bonfire Societies in the County Town of Sussex; Lewes Town (later Borough) and Cliffe. Subsequently dozens of further bonfire societies were established in Lewes and in the towns and villages of the wider county, where overtime there have been multiple bonfire societies established in places right across the county, to remember the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 and the 16th Century Marian Persecutions.
The Sussex Martyrs are still commemorated today
Due to the size and number of events and mutual collaboration, it became impractical to hold all the bonfires on the traditional Fifth of November. This resulted in the ‘Sussex Bonfire Season’ from the start of September until the end of November where different bonfire societies take it in turns to host their own events called ‘outmeetings’ and invite other societies to join them.
‘Sussex Bonfire’ celebrations are defined by a customary torchlit procession, costumed individuals, street fireworks, grand bonfire and fireworks display, all choreographed by an organised ‘Bonfire Society’. - A tradition very unique to the County of Sussex!
‘Sussex Bonfire’ celebrations are defined by a customary torchlit procession, costumed individuals, street fireworks, grand bonfire and fireworks display, all choreographed by an organised ‘Bonfire Society’. - A tradition very unique to the County of Sussex!
Chiddingly Parish Bonfire Society partaking in traditional ‘Sussex Bonfire’ celebrations in Isfield in 2022 (Photo: Roz Bassford)
This proud tradition of Sussex which has remained strong for more than a century and a half, becoming the highlight of the year for many towns and villages of Sussex. In modern times, the celebrations are friendly and much more inclusive occasions, and held to provide funds for local causes where great sums are made.
Now this great tradition of Sussex Bonfire has returned to the Parish of Chiddingly!
Now this great tradition of Sussex Bonfire has returned to the Parish of Chiddingly!