Fishbourne Roman Palace is owned by Sussex Archaeological Society, which receives no public funding to help with the upkeep of its various sites.

 

The Friends of Fishbourne Roman Palace was set up to raise funds specifically to help the Palace purchase equipment or fund activities which would otherwise be beyond its budget.  Friends also give their time to help on site, either regularly or at special events such as children's activities. We also arrange social events for members. Our Constitution governs what we do.

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On our Projects page you can see some of the ways we have been able to help. Even if you cannot take part in Palace activities your membership subscription provides valuable support.

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To join us, go to the Membership page.

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If you would like to make a donation please contact us (see below).

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Members benefit from free admission to the Palace site, including non-ticketed events. For details of opening hours, events and actvities visit the Sussex Archaeological Society website https://sussexpast.co.uk/

Events organised by The Friends will be advertised here.

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New Event:

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Discovering Lavant Stone; the search for an unknown medieval and Roman building stone in the Chichester district.

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A talk by David Bone

Saturday 5th October 2024, 2.00pm at Fishbourne Roman Palace.

Admission: Members free,  Non-members £5.00

Light refreshments included

To reserve seats, please contact Debbie Mansfield

fishbournefriends@gmail.com

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Renovations of Chichester Cathedral in the 1990s identified use of a previously unknown medieval building stone in large quantities. This talk describes the project undertaken to identify its source and when and where it was used. Named Lavant Stone for its origin near the village of that name, the stone was subsequently discovered to have also been used in the Roman period. An interesting distinguishing feature of the stone is the occurrence of small, fossil sharks’ teeth.

 

David Bone is a recognised local geologist with over 50 years of experience. With special interest in historic building stones, he has carried out numerous projects, talks and guided walks that link his interest in geology, archaeology, and history. As well as being our Chairman,  David is also currently Chair of the Sussex Geodiversity Partnership, Chair of the West Sussex Geological Society and Treasurer of Rockwatch (the national geology group for children).

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