LEWES STROLL

Saying farewell to Lewes, one more wander through these charming streets and Twittens, a colloquial Sussex term for a narrow passage between two buildings or hedges. 

Lewes has a wealth of 14 and 15thC buildings. The most prominent historical site is the castle right in town. It is one of the first castles in England following the Norman Conquest and Battle of Hastings in 1066, making it one of the oldest. It was built by William de Warenne starting in 1068.

William the Conqueror’s troops (The Normans) eventually emerged victorious from battle, and they set about consolidating their power over the Anglo-Saxons of England.

To maintain control, William split Sussex into five different chunks – each called a ‘rape’.

At the heart of each rape, you’d encounter a castle. Lewes Castle was at the centre of the rape of Lewes. The other rapes were called Arundel, Bramber, Pevensey and Hastings.

Each of these districts had a castle at their heart. Power radiated out from each castle, all through the surrounding land. Each castle controlled military affairs, as well as local trade and agriculture.

One baron controlled the castle, and thus the district surrounding it.

William granted these deeds to his most dedicated followers, who’d supported his conquest of England.

As a result, Lewes was in the hands of a Norman called William de Warenne.

A tall Norman castle was designed to see and be seen.

Back in the 1100s, it’s likely that the main tower would have been whitewashed. The steep sides would have been a brilliant reflective white color, which would have stood out for miles. And you can see it, as we proved yesterday.

But wait! This castle builders also used a new design called machicolations .  They’re like an over-hanging balcony – except there are great holes in the floor. Anyone defending the castle could drop rocks, stones, or anything unpleasant at hand down onto those below.

Machicolations

The important Battle of Lewes was fought here in 1264 between the forces of a number of rebel Barons and the army of King Henry III and his son Edward, later King Edward I. The overwhelmed Royalists were forced into a fighting retreat all the way back to Lewes Castle. King Henry and Prince Edward were held by the Barons but Edward eventually escaped; and after raising yet another army, would meet the same Baron army again at the Battle of Evesham to settle the issue once and for all. You tell 'em, Ed! 

Secret Door

In the vault beneath the street and down these stairs were imprisoned ten of seventeen Protestant martyrs who were burned at the stake within a few yards from here in 1557.

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