I’ve driven by Lewes quite a few times over the years but never stopped or had occasion to visit this small East Sussex town. With Bridget attending a day and a half workshop in the town’s centre last weekend that situation changed.

The first day was spent down at Cuckmere Haven (see previous blog post) and the second was a sunny day in Lewes itself. Apart from never visiting the place I had scant knowledge of its position in world political history. The Battle of Lewes in 1264 between Henry III and the English barons led by Simon de Montfort led directly to the formation of the English parliament and representational government. Later, in 1768, Thomas Paine was appointed Excise Officer for Lewes and started his career of political writings. Later pieces were largely in opposition to monarchies, being pro-republicanism, and influential in both the American Revolution and the French Revolution. World changing indeed.

The town itself is a blend of different eras - the Norman castle, medieval churches, Tudor residences, 17th centuary houses, 18th century breweries - spread at the top of an escarpment and then down steep narrow roads towards the river Ouse. The place is rife with artist studios, galleries, antique houses, an excellent flea market, jewellers, potteries etc. Well worth a visit.

All photos taken with the Fujifilm X-Pro3