For the first time the Museum is slowly cataloguing and digitising each item in our collection onto a digital collections management system called Modes. It is a long term aim in the future to provide the public access to an online version of this database. Until then if you have a query about a collection item please do get in touch by emailing us museum@littlehampton-tc.gov.uk
New Addition to Collection April 2025
Poignant World War Two Letter Donated to Littlehampton Museum
Littlehampton Museum is honoured to announce a moving new addition to its collection: a heartfelt World War Two letter, written in May 1940 by two local residents, and discovered decades later in a forgotten air raid shelter on the town’s High Street.
The letter, which the authors titled “To he who opened the box,” was found inside a lozenge tin during demolition work behind Acres the Bakers in 1971. The outbuilding, as the letter revealed, had once served as a wartime air raid shelter.
Lovingly safeguarded by its finder for over half a century, the letter has now been generously donated to Littlehampton Museum, where it will be preserved for future generations as a tangible reminder of the town’s wartime history and the spirit of its Town’s folk.
Museum research has identified the letter’s authors as Henry R. Holmes and Leslie W. Voke, neighbours and local businessmen. Holmes, listed in the 1939 census as a "Master Hairdresser," lived at 45 High Street with his wife Florence and son Thomas. Voke, a "men’s outfitter dealer" and involved in Air Raid Precautions, lived at number 43 High Street—then the site of Acres the Bakers—with his wife Gladys.
“We are very grateful that the donor has treasured this letter and kept it safe for over 54 years,” said Councillor Freddie Tandy, Chair of Littlehampton Town Council’s Community Resources Committee. “The Museum will now ensure it is carefully preserved so that future generations can connect with this powerful piece of local and national history.”
From 8 May to the end of June, the letter will be on display in a case in the Museum’s reception area to commemorate VE Day, with other World War Two items from the Museum’s collections.
As always, entry to the Museum is FREE.
New Addition to Collection
Littlehampton Museum is thrilled to announce the latest addition to their collection: a breathtaking early medieval (Anglo-Saxon) gold “plate”, dated to c. 570–630 AD. Found near Climping, by a metal detectorist, this tiny masterpiece features an intricate twisted gold wire filigree design, similar to the remarkable pieces from the Staffordshire Hoard. It is possible that it was used to adorn a sword hilt, although it might have decorated other precious items too, this small but mighty artifact showcases the incredible skill of early craftspeople, working without modern lighting or magnification.
A heartfelt thanks to the finder and landowner for generously making this donation through the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
The plate is now on display in the Museum’s “Treasures from the Ground” case in the Archaeology Gallery. Entry to the Museum is free.
“As custodians of our local heritage, we’re delighted to welcome this extraordinary artifact into the museum’s collection. This Anglo-Saxon gold plate is a striking reminder of the ingenuity and artistry that thrived in early medieval England,” said Councillor Freddie Tandy, Chair of Littlehampton Town Council’s Community Resources Committee. “The generosity of both the finder and the landowner in sharing this piece through the Portable Antiquities Scheme allows all of us to celebrate and learn from our shared past. Make sure you visit the museum to celebrate this exceptional piece and the remarkable history it represents.”
