Martha Gunn Blog Page.
18th May, 2026
The previous week, I visited Woodvale Cemetery in Brighton in search of the grave of Stephen Gunn, grandson of Martha Gunn. It took some time to locate, but the following week we returned with the intention of cleaning the grave as thoroughly as possible. Members of the Martha Gunn Trust, together with Anne Price and her husband, arrived equipped with brushes and tools, and set to work. The task did not take long, and we were pleased with the improvement.
Stephen Gunn chose a different path from the generations of fishermen before him, becoming a lawyer’s clerk rather than entering the fishing trade. He was regarded as a respected and valued resident of Brighton, and it felt fitting to honour his memory. Having Anne, his three‑times‑great‑granddaughter, and Debbie Wallis, his three‑times‑great‑niece, present made the occasion especially meaningful. Alongside Stephen is his wife Ruth who passed away five years after him.
17th May, 2026.
The Mackerel Fayre at the Fishing Museum.
The Blessing of the Nets at Brighton is an historic May tradition that marks the opening of the mackerel season and celebrates the town’s longstanding relationship with its fishing community. This year’s event featured a spirited appearance by Martha Gunn and her brother‑in‑law, Smoaker Miles, brought to life with great energy and humour by performers Karen Antoni and Rhys Bloys.
The Mackerel Fayre, held at Brighton’s Fishing Museum, was hosted by Brian Ogilvie, the museum’s treasurer, and attended by the Mayor, Amanda Grimshaw.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable occasion, honouring both the traditions of Brighton’s fishing past and the people who continue to keep those stories alive.
2nd May 2026.
The 211th Anniversary of the death of Martha Gunn.
It is wonderful to see this becoming an annual pilgrimage to Martha Gunn’s grave, where we gather to pay our respects. The event was attended by members of the Martha Gunn Trust as well as descendants of Martha herself.
A particularly touching moment came when Martha’s seventh great‑grandson, aged just eight, laid flowers and a card at her grave. He then decided she also needed a flower made from Lego — a gesture as sweet as it was heartfelt. We hope that, as he grows, he will continue to share in our mission to honour and commemorate the remarkable legacy of Martha Gunn.
8th March, 2026.
We did some exciting filming for the BBC at the Fishing Museum. Unfortunately there is an embargo on showing any photographs or giving out details until the show has been aired on television. It was a fun afternoon but most importantly, as always, it gives our Martha much needed publicity.
Here's some Martha Toby Jugs until we can update with photos from the day!
7th March 2026.
Celebrating the installation of our Martha Gunn history board into the Fishing Museum.
Today we installed our first commemorative piece honouring Martha Gunn — a dedicated history board celebrating her life and the legacy of Brighton’s bathing women — at the wonderful Brighton Fishing Museum. The occasion became a full afternoon’s event, complete with members of our group dressed as Martha Gunn herself, and an official unveiling led by the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Amanda Grimshaw.
Brian Ogilvie, Treasurer of the Fishing Museum, delivered an engaging and informative talk on Brighton’s historic fishing industry. The atmosphere was further enriched by sea shanties performed by The Wreckers, a Seaford‑based band whose music brought an authentic maritime spirit to the day.
Latest TV attended to film the proceedings, with Teodoro Falchetta reporting, and the talented Francis Lennon serving as our chief photographer.
The event was warmly attended by friends, supporters, and descendants of Martha Gunn. It was a meaningful opportunity to honour those who came before us and helped shape Brighton into the town we know and cherish today.
7th March 2026.
Joining us on our Fun Day at the Fishing Museum were these wonderful puppets of Martha Gunn and her friend George IV. Created by Philip Sugg of the Puppet Theatre, next door to the Fishing Museum. If you're walking along there, do pop in, it's a beautiful place.
28th June, 2025.
Annual Charity & Community Day
Pavilion Gardens.
The Martha Gunn Trustees were out in force on the 28th June at the Annual Charity & Community Day in the Royal Pavilion Gardens.
This event was originally started many years ago by garden cafe proprietor David Sewell, just one of several events he runs for the benefit of the community.
We thought it would be a good opportunity for us to take our place alongside the other community groups and charities and promote our Martha Gunn project.
It was a chilly and overcast day but that didn’t stop our dynamic and engaging trustees from enjoying the day.
We had a great response and there was much interest and many conversations about Martha Gunn and the other folk who helped shaped Brighton into what it has become today.
We were also delighted to have the Mayor make a point of coming over to say hello and offer words of support and encouragement.
A great band ‘Unkempt’ and a Ukrainian Choir kept us entertained through the day.
All in all it was a very successful day for us, we raised £231 through book selling and donations, but we also got some incredible feedback and support.
Keep a lookout for further events as we have exciting plans for the next 12 months. You may even want to come and help or just say hello, either way we’d love to see you. Check our contact details.
You can’t miss us, we now have a lovely new banner! (see pic).
Ian Barnett
2nd May, 2025
210th Anniversary of the death of Martha Gunn.
Paying our respects to Martha Gunn at her place of rest St Nicholas Church, Brighton.
Attended by us, the Martha Gunn Trust and relatives and supporters.
28th June, 2024.
St Nicholas Church, Brighton.
Paying our respects to Martha Gunn and her family.
Present were three of the Martha Gunn Trustees, John Wingham, Gaynor Wingham and Carol Homewood. Also Charlie Homewood, 8th Great grand nephew of Martha Gunn.
Flowers from Gunn's the Florist at Castle Square, Brighton, direct descendants of Martha Gunn.
