Our History
1100 – 1900
St. Michael’s Church was built
St. Michael’s Church was built, and the original village of Plumpton was built between the Church and the manor house.
In Saxon times, Plumpton Manor originally belonged to the church of Bosham. The manor house (which has been rebuilt many times) is first mentioned as being lived in from 1118. Plumpton village is rumoured to have been burnt down due to numerous deaths from the plague, and moved to where the village is now.
Jan 31, 2021
Council takes lease
East Sussex County Council took a five-year lease of the 340 acre Wales Farm, Plumpton, from the Chichester Estate.
1926
First students
17 students studied for two terms about Animals, Crops, Poultry, Horticulture, Bookeeping and Practical Skills. R.H.B Jesse was the first Principal of the them named Farm Institute.
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1927
Officially opened
The East Sussex Farm Institute was formally opened by Sir Arthur Griffith-Boscawen, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
1937
Building extended
The first significant extension, costing £22,000 was opened by Walter Elliot, Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, increasing residential accommodation to 40 rooms, a new lecture room, Principal’s room, matron’s sitting room, staff room, dining room and locker room.
1939
Women’s Land Army
The Sussex School of Agriculture became a training school for the Womens’ Land Army and normal courses were indefinitely suspended. 4500 Land Grils were trained in farm work.
1939 – 1945
The war effort
As well as hosting the Land Army, much of Wales Farm was used for food production, which included growing Mangold (a type of fodder for livestock), and the Moat Barn area become one of the County War Agricultural Committee’s machinery depots.
At the end of the war, responsibility for Plumpton passed from the County Agricultural Committee to the County Education Committee which ran the college until April 1992.
1941
Impact of war
On 31st January 1941, a Heinkel III German bomber plane crashed into a field opposite the College at the foot of the downs. A bomb from this aircraft was later discovered in 1993.
1945-1950
Post-war growth
A total of 61 full-time students were enrolled, around one-quarter of the total number of applicants.
1951
Middleton Manor
Middleton Manor opens as a residence for students. Poultry Husbandry and Horticulture courses launched. An additional 200 acres of farmland was acquired on Plumpton Plain. The Tandem Milking Parlour is modernised.
1953
New Principal
RHB Jesse retired and NJD Nickalls was appointed Principal.
1960
New facilities
An extension to the main building saw a new lecture-assembly room, laboratory block and demonstration room added.
1962
Courses develop
Plumpton began offering courses in Farm Organisation and Business Management on a part-time basis and a full-time course in Farm Machinery.
1964
Expansion
Further extensions to the main building included a new block of lecture rooms, laboratories, recreation and common rooms, with a new dining hall and kitchen. The existing dining room became the library, and foundations were laids for the new machinery workshops.
1967
New beginnings
On 1st of January 1967 the name of the school was officially changed to Plumpton Agricultural College.
1970 – 1975
Growth continues
A new poultry plant opens, greenhouses are erected. By 1975 just over 400 students enrolled at Plumpton College, studying Agriculture, Poultry, Horticulture and Machinery.
1980’s
New courses
Courses became more diversified with the introduction of equine and animal management courses, in addition to agricultural mechanisation and horticultural programmes. The vineyard is planted, construction of indoor riding school and laying out of golf freens is completed. Principal M Pollard starts.
1986
Diamond Jubilee
College holds diamond jubilee Anniversary Dinner.
1992
College independence
The College was removed from County Council control and was incorporated under the Further Education Act – becoming independent. First vintage produced – a dry and medium table wine.
2008
Farming education for young people
New Children’s Rural Education Centre opened by The Princess Royal, marking the Year of Food and Farming.
2014
Wine Centre opens
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall helped to celebrate the opening the new Wine Research Facility.
2021
New destination for Brighton
One Garden Brighton opens, a free to enter garden, shop and cafe and Horticultural Centre of Excellence for training and education.
2023
Multi-million investment
College invests in AgriFood and Tech developments for the rural economy. AgriFood Centre opens. Multi-million pound farm developments including robotic milkers and a new pig unit.
2023
UK’s Highest National Honour
College receives a Queen Anniversary Prize for its impact on the English and Welsh wine sector, recognising its contribution to the sector through education and skills.
2025
National recognition
Veterinary Studies Centre opens with commercial canine hydrotherapy facilities. College receives National Green Gown Award for Sustainability. Centenary Vineyard is planted with a high level of technology and data analysis equipment aimed at teaching students about precision vineyard management in order to support the industry’s future.
2026
RHS Partner Garden
One Garden Brighton is recognised as an RHS Partner Garden, regarded amongst the best open gardens as selected by the RHS.
100 years
Centennial Celebrations
College celebrates its centenary with a history exhibition, 50th Anniversary of Open Day, Parliamentary Reception and visit from Charitable Foundation Patron Her Majesty, the Queen.