David Arscott, the BBC Radio host celebrated for his speech-based programs and fervor for Sussex history, passed away at 81 on November 29, 2024. He suffered a fatal incident while playing tennis in Lewes, East Sussex, England. His wife, Jill Arscott, announced his death on December 23, recalling his exceptional career and love for broadcasting and writing.
Arscott, a former newspaper journalist who had assignments in London, Dorset, and Caracas, Venezuela, became a household name through Radio Brighton, and later, Radio Sussex from the mid-70s until 1991.
Arscott was recognized for his technical proficiency during his tenure at Radio Brighton and subsequently at Radio Sussex. His wife recalled, “In those days, editing meant cutting tape with a razor blade and all too often hunting for the lost bit when it dropped into the wastepaper basket.”
Arscott’s versatility as a broadcaster was showcased in his work, which ranged from reporting on missing parrots to offering commentary at the funeral of a slain MP. He became a critical part of Radio Sussex’s identity, producing programs that mingled local news with human interest stories and interviews with local personalities.
“He liked people and rarely judged them. Although he loved his writing, he always said that radio presenting was the best job he had ever had. Few things riled David, but a misplaced comma certainly did,” said Jill Arscott. His colleagues also lauded his humor, his generosity to budding journalists, and his knack for making any subject appealing to his listeners.
Post his tenure at the BBC in 1991, Arscott founded Pomegranate Press, a publishing house focusing on Sussex-themed books, and worked in media training with Curtin and Co. His publishing house produced a variety of works, from historical records to light-hearted perspectives on English life, children’s books, poetry, and guides.
Arscott, a graduate of Hertford College, Oxford, where he studied English Literature, settled in Lewes in 1988. He authored over 40 books about Sussex, with his last work focusing on Sussex poet Hilaire Belloc. His books were more than historical accounts; they celebrated the unique tales and characters of Sussex, including local folklore and notable residents. He was also an active participant in local U3A branch events and often conducted workshops on writing and history in local schools.
Arscott’s enthusiasm for historical records was well-known, as his wife fondly remembered his laughter at entries such as “Buried Thomas Winfield, that unfortunate fornicator” and the baptism record of a daughter of “Elizabeth Rogers, a very noted strumpet of this parish.” This showcases Arscott’s fondness for discovering the charming and unusual aspects of Sussex’s past.
Arscott played a significant role in the Lewes community, building and maintaining a garden near the old Railway Inn on the corner of Friars’ Walk, which he affectionately referred to as their “forever home.” He lived in several houses around Lewes, each contributing to his bond with the town. Moreover, he was an active advocate for local conservation efforts, backing initiatives to protect Lewes’ historical sites and green spaces.
In his retirement, Arscott found pleasure in gardening, books, and Brahms. In his last days, he remained connected to the land he adored, giving his meadow its final cut in late fall and planting a rambling rector rose under the goat willow. His passion for music was evident in his collection of classical recordings and his regular attendance at Lewes concerts.
Arscott is survived by his children Lawrence, Katy, Nancy, and Louise from his first marriage to Pauline, and Rosie, Jack, and Beth with Jill, along with ten grandchildren. His family remembers him as a man of limitless curiosity and kindness, whose legacy will continue through his work, words, and the people he influenced.
