The founder of Peacehaven, Charles Neville, has been acknowledged on one of five new sculptures at the new Big Park. In 1916 Charles Neville purchased land for a new town calling it New Anzac-on-Sea but as a result of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps losses at Gallipoli during the First World War the name was considered inappropriate. Following a competition in 1917 the name Peacehaven was decided as being apt for a quiet location for retired war veterans to settle.
The singer Gracie Fields has also been recognised for founding a children’s home and orphanage in 1933 for the children of variety artistes. The property in Dorothy Avenue, Peacehaven was originally purchased as a home Gracie’s parents but they had found the location too isolated.
The new multi-use park is set at the gateway to the South Downs National Park and will be a valuable amenity for people of all ages.
