Hailsham South East Marts: A Narrative History of Sussex’s Last Livestock Market

In the centre of Market Square in Hailsham, East Sussex, stands South East Marts — the last surviving livestock market in the whole of Sussex. Its presence in the town centre gives it a character that blends heritage with daily rural life, and for generations it has been a meeting point for farmers, traders, and the wider agricultural community. As the only livestock market left in the county, it carries a significance that goes far beyond commerce, anchoring Hailsham’s identity as a traditional market town South East Marts imel.co.uk.

The market’s history is woven into the rhythms of local farming. Over the years, as other markets across Sussex closed, Hailsham’s endured, adapting to changing agricultural practices while preserving the familiar routines that farmers rely on. Today, South East Marts continues to operate from its long‑established town‑centre site, though plans for a future purpose‑built facility reflect its ambition to grow while maintaining its essential role in the region.

Each week, the market comes alive with its regular Wednesday livestock sales. Instead of a simple list of categories, imagine the day unfolding: the morning begins with the arrival of calves, followed by pigs, their pens filling as buyers walk the rows. Soon after, sheep are brought in — lambs, ewes, and rams — creating the familiar chorus that signals a market in full swing. By midday, the cattle ring becomes the centre of attention as finished cattle, cull cows, and over‑thirty‑month stock are auctioned with the practiced rhythm of seasoned auctioneers Livestock Auctioneers' Association Limited (LAA).

Mondays bring a different energy. Store and breeding cattle arrive from farms across the region, with sales held weekly during the busy spring and autumn seasons and fortnightly during the quieter months. These gatherings draw farmers who are planning ahead — building herds, refreshing breeding lines, or preparing for the next cycle of production. Throughout the year, the market also hosts collective auctions of machinery, equipment, and farm implements, as well as on‑farm dispersal sales that mark the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another for local agricultural families South East Marts.

Although South East Marts does not publish annual livestock totals, its busy weekly schedule allows for a realistic understanding of its scale. A market of this size, with consistent weekly sheep and cattle entries, typically handles tens of thousands of animals each year. Sheep and lambs make up the largest share, with an estimated twenty to thirty thousand passing through the market annually. Cattle — including prime, cull, and store animals — likely number between six and eight thousand over the course of a year. Pigs and calves, though smaller categories, still represent steady trade, with each group contributing roughly one to two thousand animals annually. These figures reflect the market’s role as a major livestock hub for the South East, consistent with the frequency and variety of sales described in its official schedules South East Marts Livestock Auctioneers' Association Limited (LAA).

Through all of this activity, Hailsham South East Marts remains more than a place of business. It is a social anchor for the rural community, a place where farmers exchange news, advice, and support. It is a vital link in the regional food supply chain, ensuring that livestock moves efficiently from farm to market. And it is a living piece of Sussex heritage — one that continues to evolve while holding fast to the traditions that have shaped it for generations.