Into the Light

Alciston's church dates back to Saxon times but after the Norman Conquest the village was run from Battle Abbey. It became prosperous under a progressive sheep-and-corn system. When Battle Abbey was seized by Henry VIII the Gages of Firle became Alciston's new feudal masters. This is a village with only two owners in a thousand years. The book reviews the site's history then gives a full record of all the inscriptions in the church and churchyard together with plans and indexes. It is an invaluable resource for local and family history the latest in a series that includes East Blatchington Seaford Bishopstone Berwick and Selmeston. 203pp with 61 black and white illustrations.