Sussex Exclusive Magazine Edition II 2022

Lewes castle
Lewes Castle
Lewes Castle
Places to visit in Lewes
Lewes Castle
The castle is a motte and bailey design and still
dominates the town. It’s now owned by the
Sussex Archaeological Society and there is a
small museum at the entrance. Materials from
the South Downs and the Weald were used in
the castle’s construction, and it’s well worth a
visit because you can climb up the two towers
and enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding
countryside. It’s here you get a real understanding
of the strategic position it once held.
Lewes Priory
At the other end of the town are the remains of
Lewes Priory. Founded by William de Warenne’s
wife with monks from France, the Priory of St
Pancras survived until 1537. Both de Warenne
and his wife Gundrada were buried at the Priory
and their remains were discovered in 1845.
Helpful information boards tell the story of
priory life.
Historic buildings
Lewes is peppered with interesting architecture
and historic buildings including a 16th century
timber-framed house which formed part of Anne
of Cleves’ divorce settlement. It’s also now owned
by The Sussex Archaeological Society. Other
buildings worth a visit include Southover Grange
(created in 1542 by William Newton) and home
to a mulberry tree rumoured to be 350 years old,
as well as a walled garden, a stream, a well and a
sculpture of Nicholas Yonge (an English singer
and publisher).
While you’re exploring the cobbled back streets
of Lewes, take a detour down Pipe Passage where
you’ll find the Grade II listed Round House,
originally built as a windmill in 1802. It was
bought by Virginia Woolfe and her husband on
a bit of a whim in 1919, although they never
actually lived there.
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