An exploration of how The Sussex Charter might provide the consensual underpinnings for social, environmental and economic regeneration for the future of Sussex.

A project by John V Willshire of Smithery.

Why explore The Sussex Charter?

Originally conceived by Worthing resident Ian Steedman, since 2007 the 16th June each year has been officially recognised as Sussex Day, and The Sussex Charter is read out in towns and villages across the county.

When you read the charter below, and the ‘rites and traditions’ of Sussex as they are laid out, it struck me that beyond the traditional language and framing, there is something really modern in spirit about it…

The Sussex Charter

For all the people of the ancient kingdom of Sussex!

Let it be known: the 16 June of each and every year shall be known as Sussex Day.

Sussex day shall be celebrated according to the rites and traditions of Sussex.

Let it be known all the people of Sussex shall be responsible for the maintenance of those boundaries that join to those of our neighbours.

Let it be known all the people of Sussex shall be responsible for all the environs within those boundaries.

Let it be known, the people of Sussex shall recognise the inshore waters that lie inside a line drawn from Beachy Head, and extending to Selsey Bill as being, the Bay of Sussex.

Let it be known, the people of Sussex will undertake responsibility for the general well being of our neighbours.

Let it be known the people of Sussex shall be guardians of our wildlife.

Let it be known the people of Sussex will, through custom support all local business.

Finally, let it be known, as guardians of Sussex, we all know Sussex is Sussex … and Sussex won’t be druv!

In God we trust.

God Save the King!

For me, it states that as Sussex Citizens, we take responsibility for the land inside our borders, and the sea we live beside. We look after the social wellbeing of each other, the natural world around us, and the local economy in Sussex. Crucially, we do all three of these things, at the same time; the social, economic and environmental parts of a regenerative mindset.

Given we live in a part of the country where projects like Weald to Waves and Sussex Bay emerge (and many more besides), and a proposed Mayoral Combined County Authority might bring together West Sussex, East Sussex, and Brighton and Hove, I wanted to think about what the ‘rites and traditions’ of Sussex can practically, usefully mean for our collective, regenerative futures.

If you find yourself drawn to be part of this exploration, or just interested in following along, subscribe below and tell me a bit about you…

John V Willshire

May 2025