Sussex Rapes and Hundreds

To understand the history of Sussex, you have to look at its unique "grid" system. Unlike most English counties, which were only divided into Hundreds, Sussex was first split into six large vertical strips called Rapes.

Think of the Rapes as "administrative slices" that run from the northern forest (the Weald) down to the southern coast.

The Origin of the Rapes

The Rapes are unique to Sussex. While their exact origin is debated—some historians suspect late Saxon roots—they were solidified and formalized by William the Conqueror shortly after 1066.

• Strategic Defense: Each Rape was centered around a major castle and a river port. This allowed the Normans to guard the routes between London and Normandy.

• The "Lords of the Rapes": William granted each slice to one of his most trusted high-ranking barons. This gave them total military and administrative control over their specific "corridor."

The Six Rapes (West to East)

1. Chichester: The westernmost edge.

2. Arundel: Centered on the iconic Arundel Castle.

3. Bramber: Created slightly later to shore up defenses between Arundel and Lewes.

4. Lewes: A vital central hub.

5. Pevensey: Where William the Conqueror actually landed.

6. Hastings: The eastern frontier.

The Hundreds: The Smaller Gears

While the Rapes were the "macro" divisions for military and high-level tax purposes, the Hundreds were the "micro" units used for local justice and community organization.

• Definition: Historically, a "Hundred" was theoretically enough land to support 100 households.

• The Hundred Court: These met monthly to handle local crimes, land disputes, and tax collection.

• Sussex Density: Sussex had an unusually high number of Hundreds—around 60 to 70 throughout its history. Each Rape contained several Hundreds (for example, the Rape of Lewes contained about 12).

Evolution and Legacy

By the 16th and 17th centuries, the practical military power of the Rapes faded, but they remained the primary way Sussex was organized for census taking and taxation until the late 19th century.

Note: Even today, you can still see the impact of these divisions in the boundaries of local councils and the distinct "territorial" feel of the major Sussex towns.