Discover Lewes
Local Area
Lewes is an old county town that is steeped in history. This Saxon town was granted by William the Conqueror to William de Warenne, when he returned to Normandy in 1067. Within a few years Warenne had built an unusual motte and bailey stronghold, surrounded by defensive earthworks and a moat.
The town was the site of the Battle of Lewes in 1264.
It is the location of several historic buildings, including Lewes Castle, the remains of Lewes Priory, and the so-called Anne of Cleves House, which was owned, but never lived in, by the divorced queen.
John Harvard, founder of Harvard University spent time here as did William Penn and even Buffalo Bill played to local audiences.
Tom Paine, a one-time neighbour to Pelham House wrote 'The Rights of Man', later played a key part in the French revolution and went on to co-write the American Declaration of Independence. Lewes is twinned with: Waldshut-Tiengen, Germany, since June 30, 1963 and with Blois, France, since June 30, 1963
For a more detailed history please visit the Lewes Town Council Website
