More than 1,000 years ago the kingdom of Sussex had formed, the name meaning "South Saxons". It was later absorbed into the kingdom of [[Wessex]].
In 1066, the most famous battle in [[England|English ]] history was fought in the county near [[Hastings]], at a site now occupied by the town of Battle. William, Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold to begin his conquest of [[England]], becoming [[King William I]] (the Conquerer).
Sussex has long been of strategic importance. The [[Normans]] built castles at [[Hastings]], Pevensey, Lewes, Arundel, Bramber and [[Chichester]]. In the 12th Century, the coastal town of [[Hastings ]] was amongst the original Cinque Ports, towns close to the continent which provided ships and men to the crown in return for special priveliges. In 1264 a battle was fought at Lewes between the forces of [[King Henry III ]] and Simon de Montfort. During the [[Napoleonic Wars]], Martello Towers were built along the coast of the county as defence against a feared [[France|French ]] invasion. Again under threat of an invasion which never came, the county was heavily fortified during [[World War II]].
==Administration==
For administrative purposes the county is divided into West and East Sussex. West Sussex is adminsitered from [[Chichester]], East Sussex from [[Lewes]]. The city of [[Brighton|Brighton and Hove]] is adminstered separately.
==Notable Locations==
Notable locations within the county include
*The coastal resorts of [[Eastbourne ]] and [[Brighton]]*The [[cathedral]] city of [[Chichester]]*The chalk hills of the [[South Downs]], which meet the sea at [[Beachy Head]]
*Ashdown Forest, setting for A A Milne's [[Winnie the Pooh]] stories
*[[Gatwick Airport]], [[Britain|Britain's ]] second busiest
==Sport==