Under Henry VIII, the church in England withdrew from Rome. Mary I returned England to Catholicism and in Sussex 41 Protestants were burned to death. Under Elizabeth intolerance continued on a lesser scale as many Catholics in Sussex lost their lives at this time. In Elizabeth 's reign, Sussex was open to the older Protestant forms practised in the Weald as well as the newer Protestant forms coming from Continental Europe; combined with a significant Catholic presence, Sussex was in many ways out of step with the rest of southern England. Sussex escaped most of the ravages of the Civil War with two sieges and one battle. As the Industrial Revolution took hold, the Wealden iron industry collapsed. The growth of the seaside resorts in the 18th century was especially significant in Sussex. At the Battle of the Boar 's Head Sussex men played a significant role in the World War One, which ended when the terms of Germany 's Armistice were agreed at Danny House. In World War Two the county was a base for the Dieppe Raid and D - Day landings. In 1974, the Lord - Lieutenant of Sussex was replaced with one each for East and West Sussex, which became separate ceremonial counties. In the 21st century a county day and a county flag were created for Sussex and a National Park was established for the South Downs.
when was sussex divided into east and west
In 1974