Celebrating Strange Sussex: Curious Histories Christmas Special

Curious Histories is delighted to return to Hove's cosy Poets Ale and Smokehouse for its Christmas special. We have three suitably unorthodox talks, and it's all in aid of a fabulous small local charity: Pelican Parcels.
Doors will open at 6.45pm, with first talk beginning around 7.15pm. There will be an interval, and we aim to finish about half-nine. Do come early if you would like to sample the Poets' excellent menu before the show.

Our talks:
A history of sport in Sussex, from the amazing to the bizarre

Mat Homewood returns to Curious Histories to offer a light-hearted look at the history of sporting events in Sussex. Sport has been a key feature of county life through the centuries, with cricket, football and horse racing being commonplace events, as well as the much-loved Sussex game of stoolball. However, local village sports days were also host to many lesser-known sporting activities. These included jingling matches, menagerie races and piano bashing: all of which we will encounter in Mat's talk.
In the hollows 'neath the trees: the strange legacy of a Sussex murderer

In the early eighteenth century, a pedlar named Jacob Harris was found guilty of committing a triple M**der near Ditchling Common. His hanged corpse became an unusual site of pilgrimage. Professor Clive Webb's talk discusses the crime and its complicated aftermath - a tale filled with folk song, superstition, ghosts, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and bad dentistry.
Amazon and Bully. Military women in Sussex past

The history of female soldiers is unusually vast. Dr Sara Hiorns returns to Curious Histories to investigate two striking examples of military women whose stories are entwined with the county's history.

Our speakers:
Mat Homewood is a professional genealogist and historian. During his sixteen years in the profession he has worked on hundreds of family trees, and has also reunited many long-lost relatives. Sussex born and bred, Mat specialises in lectures on the more unusual side of the county's history. He returns to Curious Histories for a third time with this talk.
Clive Webb is Professor of Modern American History at the University of Sussex and an elected Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He's the author of numerous books, including, most recently, l. He has also written for The Guardian, New York Times and other newspapers as well as appearing on many television and radio programmes.
Sara Hiorns was a diplomat for many years before doing a doctorate in history and subsequently lecturing at QMUL. She has interests in the history of childhood, women's history, and queer histories. She is the author of , as well as a published author of fiction. This is her third talk for Curious Histories.

Our chosen charity:

All proceeds from ticket sales will go to help Pelican Parcels, which takes pre-loved and new item donations for babies and children up to age twelve, and redistributes them to families facing financial hardship across Brighton & Hove. The city has high rates of children in need, in care and with child protection plans, or who have been referred to social care services. The charity aims to provide all children's essentials: beds and clothes, uniform and shoes, toys and books, prams and play mats, nappies and toiletries. All donations go directly to the families at no cost to them. Find out what you items you could donate here.

FAQs

How do I find out more about Curious Histories?

You can follow us here on eventbrite, or join our public facebook chat group.

How does the ticketing work?

For this event, all the tickets are by donation and although we make a suggestion of £5pp, you are welcome to give more or, if you're feeling the pinch at the moment, less. Just enter the amount you would like to donate into the box before checking out.

What's the easiest way to get to the Poets Ale and Smokehouse?

It's in the Poets Corner area of Hove, on Montgomery Street. The nearest train stations are Hove and Aldrington - both just a 5-10 minute walk away. Buses 2, 5A, 5B, 46 and 49 stop on the corner of Portland Road, a short hop from the pub, or take the 1, 1X, or 6 to Hove Street, a 10-minute stroll from the venue.

What refreshments will be available?

Buy your drinks in the bar downstairs before the event and at the interval - you can bring them up to the show. The Poets also has a great food menu and we thoroughly recommend arriving before the doors open to have a meal.

How does this Curious Histories event support good causes?

We're delighted to say that profits from the show will be going to help Pelican Parcels.

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to attend the talks?

The event will be held in licensed premises, so sadly minimum age is 18.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No, we will have a list of names on the door.

What if I've bought a ticket but am unable to come?

If you're not able to come, you are welcome to offer your ticket to someone else. If you can't give your ticket to another person, drop Curious Histories a line - if the event is sold out we may be able to re-sell it for you.

Will latecomers be admitted?

Talks will begin at approx 7.15pm, but there will be some places reserved for latecomers.

Is there wheelchair access to the venue?

Unfortunately, the nature of the building makes wheelchair access to the upper floor of the pub impossible.

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