BRIGHTHELMSTON, (Sussex) 12 m. from Lewes and 50 from London, is a little sea-port and bay, with good anchorage, bet. Shoreham and Newhaven. It is a large, populous old T. chiefly inhabited by fishermen, who go from hence to Yarmouth fishing Fair on the Norfolk coast, and let themselves out for the season to catch herrings for the merchants. It is supposed there was some engagement near it formerly, from the great number of mens bones that have been dug up on the W. side of it, for near a mile together. K. Ch. II. after hiding and wandering about from one place to another, made his escape from hence to France. Here is a wall facing the sea, in which are many port-holes for cannon. The town-hall, which has a dungeon under it, faces the sea, and in its walls are several arched rooms, where the stores are kept. Before it, next the sea, is the gun-garden, large enough to hold 4 cannon. The French have several times attempted to demolish it; but its situation is so low, that their cannon-balls usually flew too high, to do execution. It is well, however, if it be not at last wholly devoured by the sea, which is continually incroaching on it, and has, in 40 years time, destroyed above 130 tenements, to the damage of near 40000 l. The vicar here, having but a small revenue, claims the old episcopal custom of a penny per head (commonly called Smoak-Money, or the Garden-Penny) and the fourth of a share out of all fishing- vessels. There are two considerable ch. scs. here, one for 50 boys, who are taught arithmetick and navigation. Here is a Mt. on Th. Great flocks of sheep are fed on the neighbouring hills, whose wool is judged, by those who are concerned in its mf. to be the finest in England.