Symbols of Sussex are the objects, images or cultural expressions that are emblematic, representative or otherwise characteristic of Sussex or Sussex culture. As a rule, these symbols are cultural icons that have emerged from Sussex folklore and tradition, meaning few have any official status. However, most if not all maintain recognition at a county or national level, and some, such as the emblem of Sussex, have been codified in heraldry, and are established, official and recognised symbols of Sussex.
The emblem of Sussex[2] is a heraldic shield symbolising Sussex. The emblem consists of six gold martlets, on a blue field, blazoned as azure, six martlets, three, two and one, or. The first known recording of this emblem being used to represent the county was in 1611 when cartographer John Speed deployed it to represent the Kingdom of the South Saxons. However it seems that Speed was repeating an earlier association between the emblem and the county, rather than being the inventor of the association. It is now firmly regarded that the county emblem originated and derived from the coat of arms of the 14th century Knight of the Shire, Sir John de Radynden.[3] Sussex’s six martlets are today held to symbolise the traditional six sub-divisions of the county known as rapes.[4]
Also known as Sussex weed,[6] the pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) is strongly associated with Sussex. Sussex oak was thought to be the best timber for shipbuilding,[7] being unmatched in durability and strength – qualities drawn from the ferruginous soil on which it grew.[8]
The insignia and shield of a male figure holding a sword across his mouth has represented the diocese of Chichester since the 13th century.[16] The imagery is parallel to that seen in an early 14th-century manuscript of the Apocalypse of St John.[16] This illustrates several passages with a figure who variously has a sword across his mouth, holds an open book, and is seated on a throne.[16]
The sport of stoolball is strongly associated with Sussex; it has been referred to as Sussex's 'national' sport[17] and a Sussex game[18] or pastime.[19] The sport's modern rules were codified at Glynde in 1881.[20] Modern stoolball is centred on Sussex where the game was revived in the early 20th century by Major William Grantham.[21][22]
Locke, Tim (2011). Slow Sussex and the South Downs. Buckinghamshire: Bradt Travel Guides. ISBN9781841623436.
Lowerson, John (1980). A Short History of Sussex. Folkestone: Dawson Publishing. ISBN0-7129-0948-6.
Mabey, Richard (1996). Flora Britannica: The Definitive New Guide to Wild Flowers, Plants and Trees. London: Chatto & Windus / Sinclair Stevenson. ISBN1856193772.
Nauright, John (2012). Sports Around the World: History, Culture, and Practice. ABC-CLIO. ISBN978-1598843002.
Weeks, Marcus (2008). Sussex Music. Alfriston: Snake River Press. ISBN978-1-906022-10-5.
