Our History: Formed in 1995 by John and Julie Belham-Payne and based in an 18th Century barn in the grounds of their home in Sussex England. The Centre was put together as a resource facility for those wishing to learn for themselves, more about the ancient religions of the world. The C.F.P.S. did however provide accurate information in lecture form from a number of eminent speakers on a variety of Pagan (mostly historical) based themes. It also provided a sheltered working space for small groups, wishing to use the grounds for rituals. The C.F.P.S. was at that time used for a number of weekend conferences. The beautiful grounds and the unique atmosphere made it an obvious venue for handfastings. It also held the first ever Pagan Art Exhibition by the renowned Visionary Artists Group.
The CFPS and Doreen Valiente our Patron. News March 2011 The Doreen Valiente Foundation is Born!
Since Doreen´s death and bequeathment of all her magical artefacts and manuscripts. In the absence of a permanent site for the Centre For Pagan Studies, we have created a temporary exhibition, which is available to any suitable venue in the world. Along with the display Trustees are available to give talks and presentations of the Doreen Valiente Collection. See the foundation’s projects page for up to date information on what we are doing now. As this has now become a full time occupation we are currently applying limited resources to maintaining this site – Please visit the DoreenValiente.org for all the updates and news. Eventually we will incorporate the Centre For Pagan Studies site into the Doreen Valiente Site.
[...] She was responsible for revising and writing much of the Gardenarian liturgy (most famously the Charge of the Goddess, the Witches Rune and the Wiccan Rede) and was responsible for bringing Wicca and paganisim in general further into the public domain by writing a string of books. After begining her own coven in 1957, she begin working with Robert Cochrane and the Clan of Tubal Cain. In the mid 1960′s she became a solitary practitioner, writing more books and becoming a noteable figure in support of the development of the Pagan Federation. She was also a patron for the Centre for Pagan Studies [...]
yes indeed a tireless researcher and talented poet.