Previous Exhibitions

Bramber Brooks and the White Bridge

New scrape at Bramber Brooks, February 2026

Our new display explores the changing landscape north of Bramber, including the new White Bridge, the White Bridge Link path, and the new wetland scrapes at Bramber Brooks.

It also looks back to medieval times when this area formed part of the tidal salt marsh known as “Brember Mershes”, used for grazing and salt production, and explores the origins of the historic river crossing near Kings Barn Lane, which has linked communities on both sides of the River Adur for centuries.

The new scrapes at Bramber Brooks, February 2026. Copyright: Andrew Mantell

Bunker

In May 1945, the world celebrated victory in Europe and the end of the Second World War. Yet the peace that VE Day symbolised was soon overshadowed by a new and chilling reality—the Cold War.

This exhibition explores the vital role of bunkers and underground defences in two pivotal eras of history. From Steyning’s air raid shelters and wartime resistance bases to Cold War observation posts, these hidden structures reveal how our community prepared to resist, survive and defend in uncertain times.

As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Bunker invites us to reflect on the cost of peace and how these defences remain enduring symbols of our community’s resilience and the shifting landscapes of conflict.

On display in the Museum until the end of April 2026.

Honouring Marine William Walker

In November 2025 our Remembrance display honoured Marine William Arthur Walker, a young man from Steyning who lost his life in the Korean War, a conflict that is often overlooked today.

Born in London in 1928, William came to Steyning during the Second World War when his family was evacuated from the capital. The town became their permanent home, and as a teenager William joined the Steyning Army Cadets before later serving with 41 Independent Commando, Royal Marines.

In November 1950 his unit was involved in the fierce fighting around the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. William was killed in action on 29 November 1950 during an ambush in an area later known as “Hell Fire Alley”.

He is buried at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, South Korea, and is also remembered on the Steyning War Memorial and at the Royal Marines Commando Training Centre at Bickleigh.

We’d like to thank WIlliam’s family and local military historian, James Luto, for their help with this exhibition.

Sussex wine has been a great success story for our region. In this display we look at the history of wine making locally, the reasons for its recent revival and the benefits it brings to our local area.

On display in the Museum until the end of October 2025.