URGENT funding has been granted to help historic sites which are facing a risk of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Sussex Archaeological Society, which looks after significant historic buildings including Lewes Castle and Fishbourne Roman Palace in Chichester, has received a £250,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, providing much-needed support.
The grant will help to cover immediate costs and urgent conservation works required at the properties, after lockdown saw the organisation lose almost £1million in funding.
Amanda Jones, chairwoman of trustees, said: “We are enormously grateful to National Lottery Heritage Fund for this much-needed support which brings immediate financial security over these next few months.
"The award of the maximum amount available is a real validation of the importance of our much-loved society at national level.
“We are committed to ensuring the society, its wonderful archaeological and heritage collections and the amazing properties in its care will survive to play a central role in our region’s social and economic recovery. Our thanks also go to our members and visitors.”
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