About Newhaven
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Newhaven HistoryThe town was originally called Meeching but when the estuary of the Sussex Ouse was diverted in the 1539 from nearby Seaford to near where it is today the town became a ‘New Haven’. Over the centuries man has altered the course of the river deepened it to form the harbour and port we are familiar with today, reflecting the socio-economic changes that have occurred in the area during the course of history. Archaeology has revealed that the existence of settlements dates back to Roman times. The port of Newhaven was well used for imports but witnessed its greatest development during the Victorian era. In 1847 a safe and convenient means for travel was established through the arrival of the railway and the building of a Marine Passenger Terminal. |
During the First World War, Newhaven Harbour was designated the principal port for the transportation of troops and munitions to France. The statistics regarding men and materials handled are legendary. Newhaven also played a key role in World War II, in particular in the ill-fated Dieppe raid on 19th August 1942. The Raid was designed to foster German fears of an attack in the west and to compel the enemy to strengthen their channel defences at the expense of other areas of operation. It would also provide an opportunity to test new techniques and equipment, and be the means to gain experience and knowledge for planning a great amphibious assault. The intelligence provided to the assaulting troops was very poor and the information on the German defences was hopelessly out of date. Within a few hours of the start of the assault, 4000 of the men were killed, wounded or taken prisoner. The Canadians lost two thirds of their force, with 907 dead or later to die from their wounds. The operation was a tactical and human disaster. Like most mistakes in history there is great debate and argument as to outcome of the Raid. Some argue it was necessary evil leading to improvements in tactics, fire support and techniques making the casualties at D-Day far less catastrophic. Others see it as a suicide mission attacking a heavily fortified fort at Dieppe in broad daylight. |
Unknown to many Newhaven had a secret intelligence centre, known as HMS Forward which ran under Heighton Hill, just outside Newhaven. The 122 steps (pictured left) led to the network of tunnels which contained the most sophisticated communication technology that was available at the time. There were two telephone exchanges, ten teleprinters, two Typex machines, a W/T office with eleven radios, and a VF line telegraph terminal for 36 channels. The tunnels contained a stand-by generator, an air-conditioning system with gas filters, a galley, toilets, cabins for split shifts, and the recently invented phenomenon of 'daylight' fluorescent lighting. No expense was spared and the complex was well equipped for every contingency, from failure of the public utilities to direct enemy action. The complex was designed and built by the Royal Engineers; 172 Tunnelling Coy dug it and 577 Army Field Coy fitted it out. Excavation of the tunnel commenced in May 1941 and some 1800 ft of tunnel was dug in the chalk over 13 weeks. It was commissioned later that year and used until decommissioned on 31 August 1945. |
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| The secret tunnels that ran under Heighton Hill | |
Newhaven TodayWith a population of about 11,000 Newhaven's economic and social structure use to revolve around the port and we are still very proud of this maritime heritage. Many recent developments still reflect this like the new housing which resemble fishing lofts, the new lifeboat station, and the state of the art new fish market and processing station. Economically the port does not hold the importance it used to but the town has adapted to the everchanging markets, and is now home to over 360 businesses. Newhaven cliffs are one of the most unique geological sites in Britain and home to a kittiwake colony and often peregrine falcons. Castle Hill commands some of the finest views in Sussex and is home to many rare insects, bees and birds like the rare Dartford Warbler. Check out local attractions for exciting things to do in Newhaven. |
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