By Jayne Brewell
Many feet have trodden the paths that we take over the downs and through the villages and countryside that we so enjoy with the ramblers.
I am Sussex born and bred and have often thought about who in my family has trodden the familiar routes.
As a child, particularly with my grandmother, I would walk the downs and have photographs of our family sitting on the Long Man of Wilmington. The Long Man, or Wilmington Giant, has a history and purpose that is not really known. It is believed to date back to the early 18th century, with the earliest drawing in 1710 by surveyor John Rowley. However, there are other theories that date it to the Neolithic or Iron Age. Whatever the history, he has been a fascination of many a walker.
The South Downs has been lived and worked by generations of people for over 5,000 years. Archaeological sites stretch along the downs; the Devils Humps near Chichester and Bronze Age round barrows with their numerous myths, including being resting places for Viking leaders.
Closer to home Heritage Eastbourne explored Butts Brow Neolithic enclosures which were thought to be used for ritualistic or ceremonial purposes rather than a settlement itself. Pottery was found in the ditches and the enclosure is believed to be dated around 3,600 BCE – Early Neolithic.
You can close your eyes and imagine the lives lived by the people themselves; working raising families, enjoying each other’s company, engaging in conflicts, battling the elements and living peacefully together. In spite of our modern technology, everyday life continues much as it always has.
As we walk along chatting with our fellow ramblers we realise that in fact there is history below our feet, we are walking in the footsteps of our ancestors.
Polegate Ramblers is a very active friendly club that meets every Thursday for a choice of a 5-ish mile or 10-ish mile walk, and monthly on Saturdays for a 7-8 miler. Every fortnight there is also a Leisure Walk of about 2 miles which always ends in a coffee shop. New walkers are always welcome to join us for a walk or two before committing to membership. For more details email polegateramblers@gmail.com. Website: www.polegateramblers.org.uk