Marlipins Museum
A 12th-century chequerboard-fronted building in Shoreham-by-Sea with free displays on Sussex maritime history, shipwrecks and local life.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Marlipins is a Grade II* listed building on the High Street of Shoreham-by-Sea and is widely described as the oldest secular building in Britain. Parts of it date from the 12th century, and its flint and limestone chequerboard front is among the best-known sights in the town. Its original purpose is uncertain; it is thought to have been a toll or customs house for the port and markets, giving secure storage for valuable goods such as wine, spices and cloth. In the 14th and 15th centuries it was recorded as an oat market and as a cellar belonging to the Prior of Lewes.
The Sussex Archaeological Society bought the building in 1922 and opened it as a museum in 1928, after a restoration paid for mainly by local donations. Since then it has been looked after by the Society and its trading arm Sussex Past, with support from the Friends of Marlipins.
The displays explore the maritime history of Sussex and the story of Shoreham as a port. They include objects recovered from shipwrecks off the Sussex coast and further afield, naval surgeons' instruments, detailed 19th-century ship models and souvenirs of HMS Royal George, which sank off Portsmouth in 1756. There is also material on local history and archaeology, and the art displays change from time to time.
Highlights
- One of the oldest secular buildings in Britain, with a flint and limestone chequerboard front
- Objects recovered from shipwrecks off the Sussex coast
- Naval surgeons' medical instruments
- 19th-century ship models
- Souvenirs of HMS Royal George, which sank in 1756
Permanent exhibition
- Maritime history of Sussex – Shipwreck finds, naval surgeons' instruments, 19th-century ship models and souvenirs of HMS Royal George show the history of the Sussex coast and Shoreham port.
- Founded
- 1928
- Operated by
- Sussex Archaeological Society (Sussex Past)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free and no booking is needed. Occasional special events may be ticketed.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is spread over several levels that are linked by stairs. Visitors are asked to contact the team before a visit for more information.
Kids & families
The museum holds occasional events, including craft workshops and talks.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
High Street (bus 700)
Shoreham-by-Sea station is a five-minute walk. Bus route 700 between Portsmouth and Brighton runs every 20 minutes and stops on the High Street close to the museum.
By car
Parking available
Car and coach parking is available in the town; the Pond Road (Shoreham Centre) and Middle Road car parks are the most convenient.
Shoreham-by-Sea can be reached from the A27, A259 and A23. Drivers on the A27 should enter the town at the Shoreham flyover junction.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Groups of 10 or more can book a guided tour of the museum outside normal opening hours by email. The museum is run with the help of the Friends of Marlipins and volunteers. |
