The South Downs chalk offers good detecting while the Weald has medieval iron industry connections. Roman Anderita (Pevensey) and Noviomagus (Chichester) influence the county’s Roman finds density.
FROM THE PORTABLE ANTIQUITIES SCHEME
Selected archaeological finds from the PAS records for East Sussex.
POST MEDIEVALA complete post medieval cast copper alloy four arm cruciform type seal matrix dating c. AD 1600-1700.
Explore this findPhoto: Sussex Archaeological Society · CC-BY
Licence label and image metadata on the linked PAS record.
POST MEDIEVALAn incomplete and worn late medieval to post medieval composite copper alloy finger ring probably dating c. AD1400-1700.
Explore this findPhoto: Sussex Archaeological Society · CC-BY
Licence label and image metadata on the linked PAS record.
East Sussex has a coastline, and beach detecting follows different rules to farmland. Most foreshore between the high and low water marks in England is Crown Estate land, and the Crown Estate operates a general permission for recreational detecting on much of its managed foreshore, though you should check the current terms. Council-owned beaches often need the local authority’s permission, and some beaches are privately owned or leased. Always check for scheduled monuments, SSSIs and local byelaws before detecting, and never detect where it is signposted as prohibited.
Chalk South Downs give excellent preservation. Weald clay in the north is heavy but productive around medieval sites. Coastal shingle and clay less productive.
South Downs chalk arable fields, fields near Roman road network, river valley farmland along the Cuckmere and Ouse
Roman coins and military material near Pevensey, medieval pilgrim badges and dress accessories, Bronze Age metalwork on the Downs, Civil War period material
Lewes has produced medieval material consistently. Roman finds near Pevensey and along the road from London. Significant Civil War battlefield material from local skirmishes.
The Downs are the most productive area but require careful permissions work. The Weald can surprise with medieval finds near known manor sites.
You can detect on private land in East Sussex with the landowner’s permission, and on much of the Crown Estate foreshore if you are on the coast. You must avoid scheduled monuments, SSSIs and other protected sites. Joining a local club is the easiest way to reach permissioned land.
Yes. Metal detecting is legal in East Sussex on land where you have the landowner’s permission, as long as you avoid protected sites and follow the law on reporting treasure and recording finds.
East Sussex is covered by a Portable Antiquities Scheme Finds Liaison Officer who records finds made by the public. See the FLO section on this page for contact details, or search finds.org.uk.
PAS lists 14,950 database records representing 17,296 recorded objects for East Sussex, checked 2 November 2026. These are recorded entries rather than a count of every find made. The period and object-type categories shown in the PAS section are selected, incomplete lists.
Hastings allows detecting on its beach but not in its parks and gardens, subject to site conditions. Rules elsewhere in East Sussex vary by council and landowner.
PAS data from finds.org.uk. Last checked 2 November 2026.
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