3-017-180 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Meeting of the Sussex Archaeological Society at Amberley Castle, 1865. '...not less than 400 of the members and other friends assembled within the sombre-looking ivy-clad walls of the castle. This edifice dates from a very early period - somewhere about the year 670 - and since a much later period it has been the property of the Bishops of Chichester. In fact, at the present time the actual owner is the Right Rev. Diocesan of Chichester, the Hon. Mrs. Vernon Harcourt being the lessee and Mr. Harwood sub-lessee. Through his kindness the society were enabled to pitch their tent within the castle walls, and were afforded the fullest opportunities of examining every nook and corner of the ruins. Mr. Harwood's residence is a part of the castle, of course modernised to such an extent as to be suitable to the wants of the present age. The castle is built on a chalk formation, on the borders of the Weald of Sussex...During the day a bazaar was held in the kitchen of the castle, consisting principally of duplicates of seals, pictures, and other articles in aid of the fund'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865.