Taking tea, that most British of traditions, was given a new twist at the turn of the century by Mr Russell who added outdoor charm to the affair by introducing the county’s first tea gardens. They are an increasing rarity these days, but Litlington’s trail-blazer is still going strong.

The clientele can stop off there after taking in this village on the east bank of the Cuckmere with the county’s own white horse chalk carving looking down on it all from the hills, not as impressive, perhaps, as those to be found elsewhere, and not as old but still a striking feature.

Mrs Maria Fitzherbert, by tradition, lived at Clapham House before she married King George IV. He seems to have been an energetic suitor, riding 18 miles over the hills to see her.