Lewes

Welcome to Lewes, or Loo-is as the locals call it. You are standing in a town that serves as a living museum of English history, a place that wears its past on its sleeve while maintaining a fiercely independent and bohemian…

To truly understand the urban morphology of Lewes, one must explore the Twit-tens. These narrow, often steep, medieval pathways snake between the more modern buildings, acting as the historic veins of the town. …

On the western end of the High Street, adjoining what was once the town’s West Gate, stands Bull House. This substantial timber-framed property dates back to the 15th century, but its most significant historical period occurred…

Continuing along the High Street, we encounter St. Michael's Church, a building that stands as the only surviving medieval parish church within the original town walls. …

A short walk south from the High Street leads us to the Southover Grange Gardens, a public park that surrounds the picturesque Southover Grange. The Grange itself was a 16th-century manor house built using stones reclaimed from…

Further south in the Southover area lies the Anne of Cleves House, a stunning 15th-century timber-framed building. Its name stems from its most famous historical connection: the house was given to Anne of Cleves as part of her…

Moving toward the eastern side of the town near the railway station, we find one of the most unusual sporting venues in the country: The Dripping Pan. This is the home of Lewes Football Club, and its history is as unique as its…

Our final stop in the southern part of the town is the ruins of Lewes Priory, once one of the most important monastic houses in England. Founded in the late 11th century by William de Warenne and his wife Gundrada, it was the…

As we conclude our journey through Lewes, I hope you have gained a deeper appreciation for the complex and layered identity of this extraordinary town. We have walked the medieval Twit-tens, stood before the homes of radicals…