David Arscott, a notable BBC Radio host recognized for his speech-centric shows and commitment to Sussex history, passed away at the age of 81 on November 29, 2024. His death occurred in Lewes, East Sussex, England, following a game of tennis. His wife, Jill Arscott, announced his passing on December 23, sharing recollections of his distinguished career and love for broadcasting and writing.
Prior to his radio career, Arscott was a newspaper journalist in London, Dorset and Caracas, Venezuela. From the mid-70s until 1991 he became a well-known figure on Radio Brighton and later Radio Sussex.
Arscott’s wife remembered his technical skills during his time at Radio Brighton and Radio Sussex, saying, “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.”
His adaptability as a broadcaster was demonstrated through a variety of assignments, ranging from reports on missing parrots to commentary at an MP’s funeral. Arscott became a key figure at Radio Sussex, producing shows that combined local news with human-interest stories and interviews with Sussex 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,” stated Jill Arscott. His colleagues have extolled his humor, his benevolence to novice journalists, and his ability to make any subject captivating for his listeners.
After parting ways with the BBC in 1991, Arscott founded Pomegranate Press, a publishing house dedicated to Sussex-themed books, and started working in media training with Curtin and Co. His publications ranged from historical records to humorous perspectives on English life, further extending to children’s books, poetry, and guides.
Arscott, an English literature graduate from Hertford College, Oxford moved to Lewes in 1988. Throughout his career, he penned over 40 books about Sussex. His works were not limited to historical narrations but also celebrated the distinctive people and narratives of Sussex. Beyond his writing, he was an active participant in local U3A branch activities and often conducted writing and history workshops in local schools.
Arscott’s wife highlighted his fondness for historical records, citing how he used to chuckle 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.” These examples reflect Arscott’s zeal for discovering the unique and charming aspects of Sussex’s past.
Deeply involved in the Lewes community, Arscott created and maintained a garden near the old Railway Inn. He was also an outspoken advocate for local conservation efforts, supporting initiatives to protect Lewes’ historic sites and green spaces. He lived in several houses in Lewes, each further cementing his bond with the town.
Post-retirement, Arscott pursued his interests in gardening, books, and classical music. In his last days, he continued to care for the land he cherished, leaving a tangible legacy through a newly planted rambling rector rose. His music appreciation was evident in his collection of classical recordings and frequent visits to local concerts.
Arscott is survived by his seven children— Lawrence, Katy, Nancy, and Louise from his first marriage to Pauline, and Rosie, Jack, and Beth with Jill— and ten grandchildren. His family remembers him as a man of endless curiosity and kindness, whose legacy continues through his work, words, and the lives he influenced.
