Lewes
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Lewes from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Lewes' most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry. Skip this section and go to place by numbers
Anne of Cleves House Wings Place
Ditchling
Anne of Cleves House, a late 16th-century timber-framed building in Ditchling, features a distinctive L-shape, ornate timbering, period fireplaces, and historic architectural details.
Bronze Age and Anglo-Saxon barrow cemeteries south of Jug…
Kingston Near Lewes
The Bronze Age and Anglo-Saxon barrow cemeteries south of Juggs Road are important historical elements, showcasing burial practices and early social structures.
Corsica Hall
Seaford
Corsica Hall, formerly Millberg Hall, is a stuccoed early 19th-century building known for its modillion cornices and Doric porch. It was converted into apartments in 2006.
Hillfort and a bowl barrow on Seaford Head
Seaford
The hillfort and bowl barrow on Seaford Head are important archaeological sites, providing evidence of early Iron Age and Bronze Age activities and World War II defenses.
Firle Tower
Firle
Firle Tower, built in 1819 by the third Viscount Gage, is a circular, three-storey gamekeeper's cottage atop a hill, featuring flint facades and a castellated parapet.
Hillfort, a beacon and dewpond on Ditchling Beacon
Ditchling
Ditchling Beacon hillfort, a Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age enclosure, illustrates ancient defensive architecture and agricultural evolution in Sussex.
Lewes Quaker Meeting House
Lewes
Quaker Meeting House built in 1784 on a site which had been a Quaker burial ground since 1697. It has been extended three times, in 1801, 1860 and 1977-8.
Sutton Place
Seaford
Sutton Place is a Grade II listed building from circa 1840, featuring a stuccoed exterior and a slate roof.
Lewes Castle
Lewes
Lewes Castle, noted for its double motte structure, showcases the diversity of medieval fortifications and remains significant for archaeological study and public engagement.
Seaford Railway Station
Seaford
Seaford Railway Station, built in 1860 in Italianate style, features a complete terminus station building with unique architectural details and original canopies.
Alma House Phoenix Corner House
Seaford
Alma House at Phoenix Corner is a late 18th to early 19th-century stucco building with a hipped tile roof. It features glazing bar windows and is part of a historical group.
Glynde Place
Glynde
Glynde Place, built in 1568-69 by William Morley, underwent key alterations by Bishop Richard Trevor in the 1750s, with ongoing historic family ownership and restoration efforts.
School Hill House
Lewes
School Hill House, dating to the early-mid 18th century, features grey header bricks with red brick details, a panelled parapet, and distinct interior panelling and fire-surrounds.
12 and 13, Southover High Street
Lewes
Built in the early to mid-18th century, this pair of houses features painted mathematical tiles and distinctive woodwork detail.
The Parish Church
East Chiltington
East Chiltington's Parish Church, a Church of England structure initially from the 12th century, features a 13th-century tower and was restored in the late 19th century.
Ditchling Court Old Manor House
Ditchling
Ditchling Court, originally called Court Farm, consists of 17th-century and early 19th-century structures with distinctive brick and stucco detailing.
The Old House
Seaford
The Old House, located at 1607 High Street, was the residence of Thomas Tufton, a bailiff of Seaford in 1712.
The Folly
Barcombe
Barn and cattle shed with eye-catcher, now a residence. The north-west former barn range is of late C18 or early C19 date.
Walls of Old Naval Prison
Lewes
The Walls of Old Naval Prison, built in 1793, served during the Crimean War before its demolition. Remaining walls are red brick in English bond.
Church of St Andrew
Seaford
St Andrew's Church is notable for its Saxon features in the south porch and tower but is primarily Norman-Early English. The church, wall, and almshouses form an important group.
A platform barrow and two bowl barrows forming a linear b…
Lewes
The platform barrow and two bowl barrows near Offham Hill illustrate diverse Bronze Age beliefs and practices.
Martello tower no 74 on Seaford Esplanade
Seaford
Martello tower no 74, constructed around 1810 on Seaford Esplanade, symbolizes 19th-century coastal defense, retaining original features and contributing to historical understanding.
1,2 and 3, Pipe Passage
Lewes
1, 2, and 3 Pipe Passage is a Grade II listed terrace from around 1830, featuring stuccoed fronts, slate roofs, and characteristic architectural details.
Seaford War Memorial
Seaford
First World War memorial granite cross, unveiled 1921, with later additions for the Second World War.
Five Lord's Burghs round barrow
Alciston
Five Lord's Burgh is a historically significant funerary monument, indicative of prehistoric social and burial practices, dating from 2400-1500 BC.
Stone House (Immediately Behind Seaford House)
Seaford
Stone House, built in the late 18th or early 19th century, features two stories, an attic, and intact glazing bars, with a gabled porch added in the 19th century.
Battle of Lewes 1264
Hamsey
The Battle of Lewes in 1264 saw Simon de Montfort defeat King Henry III, reshaping power and leading to reforms, despite resistance from royal supporters.
43, Cliffe High Street
Lewes
43 Cliffe High Street is a three-story, early 19th-century shop with a yellow brick facade, featuring sash windows and a parapet.
6, Eastgate Street
Lewes
6 Eastgate Street in Lewes is an early 19th-century building with distinct architectural features, now serving as an office.
Rose Cottage and School View Cottage
Glynde
Rose Cottage and School View Cottage are early 19th-century buildings with cobble walls and red brick details, featuring a hipped slate roof and casement windows.
Anne of Cleeves' House
Lewes
Anne of Cleves House, a historically significant 16th-century timber-framed building, features Tudor architecture and connections to Anne of Cleves, reflecting Lewes' rich heritage.
12, South Street
Lewes
12 South Street is an early 19th-century cottage, featuring a painted brick ground floor and weather-boarded first floor. It's noted for its group value.
Old Brewery House
Lewes
The Old Brewery House, originally a 17th-century brewery, features C18 and C19 alterations, with distinctive red brick, timber framing, and a notable early C17 staircase.
Two bowl barrows, the south easternmost pair of a group o…
Seaford
These two bowl barrows are part of a Bronze Age cemetery on the Sussex Downs, showcasing early funeral practices and evidencing long-term human activity in the area.
No 111 and Railings to North
Lewes
An early 18th-century house with distinct brickwork, notable for its C18 interior features like fielded panelling and fireplaces. Features a prominent entrance with Ionic columns.
Castle Lodge and Stable Wing
Lewes
Castle Lodge, an 18th-century house with historic ties to Charles Dawson, features a unique Neo-Jacobean interior and was involved with the Piltdown Man discovery.
7 and 9, High Street
Ditchling
A 16th-century timber-framed building, previously a bank, features plaster infilling, red brick, and tile-hung walls on Ditchling High Street.
No 66, Old Post Office Cottage and No 67, Park Street
Falmer
Historic cottages featuring flint with red brick inlays and 18th to 19th-century architectural elements, including gabled features and Casement windows.
Explore more
Search for more listed places in LewesLewes through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Lewes changes over time. Skip this section and go to aerial photos
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Lewes
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground. Skip this section and go to archive images
Lewes
The Lewes Cement Works and environs, Lewes, 1932
Lewes
The Lewes Cement Works, Lewes, 1932
Streat
Streat Place and the church, Streat, 1952
Streat
Streat Place, Streat, 1952
Denton
The village, Denton, 1950
Denton
The village, Denton, 1950
Telscombe Cliffs
Telscombe Tye and Bannings Bottom, Telscombe Cliffs, 1934
Telscombe Cliffs
Telscombe Tye, Bannings Bottom and environs, Telscombe Cliffs, 1934
Lewes
Housing estate at Hamsey Crescent and Windover Crescent, Lewes, 1936
Lewes
Housing estate at Hamsey Crescent and Windover Crescent, Lewes, 1936
Lewes in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Lewes' past. Skip this section and go to stories about heritage
Charles George Harper Collection
Southease, Lewes, East Sussex
Date created: 1892 - 1933
Southease Church, seen from the south-east
John Gay Collection: Modern Architects
Coopersale, Epping Forest, Essex
Date created: 1970 - 1979
The modern terrace of houses at 60 to 63 Parklands, part of a late 20th century housing estate at Coopersale
John Gay Collection: Rural Life
Lewes, East Sussex
Date created: 1959
A scene from the Whitsun fair near Lewes, East Sussex in 1959, showing a fancy hat stall and its customers, and a couple of small children playing...
John Gay Collection: Counties
Exceat Bridge, Lewes, East Sussex
Date created: 1972
Looking through an open porthole window in The Golden Galleon towards Cuckmere Haven
John Laing Collection
Lewes, East Sussex
Date created: 10 Aug 1992
A view of the Tesco supermarket in Lewes from the opposite bank of the River Ouse
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Lewes, East Sussex
Date created: 1915 - 1935
GENERAL VIEW
Charles George Harper Collection
Lewes, East Sussex
Date created: 1892 - 1933
A view from the south-west of St Michael's Church, showing the round west tower
John Gay Collection: Modern Architects
Coopersale, Epping Forest, Essex
Date created: 1970 - 1979
View from beneath the canopy in front of the shops at Coopersale, looking towards the houses at 20-27 Parklands
John Gay Collection: Rural Life
Lewes, East Sussex
Date created: 1959
A close-up of a young boy biting into a toffee-apple at the Whitsun fair near Lewes, East Sussex in 1959.
John Gay Collection: Counties
Exceat Bridge, Lewes, East Sussex
Date created: 1972
Part of the front facade of The Golden Galleon, one of a chain of fish and oyster restaurants called Wheelers, showing its shutters with cut out...
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Lewes, East Sussex
Date created: 1900 - 1904
EXTERIOR VIEW OF TEA ROOM
John Gay Collection: Counties
Exceat Bridge, Lewes, East Sussex
Date created: 1972
The timber framed interior of The Golden Galleon, one of a chain of fish restaurants and oyster bars called Wheelers, showing two men standing at a...
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Lewes. Skip this section and go to education
£750k Grant Kickstarts Madeira Terrace Restoration in Brighton
Mentions Lewes
Historic England has committed £750,000 towards the restoration of Grade II* listed Madeira Terrace in Brighton, East Sussex.
The History of England’s Village Greens
Mentions Ringmer War Memorial
The origins of village greens in England date back to the early Middle Ages. Village greens are open spaces that can be registered.
6 Remarkable First World War Memorials
Mentions War Memorial
1. The Response, Newcastle Designed by Sir William Goscombe John, unveiled 1923.
7 Inspiring Writers’ Retreats
Mentions Monks House
Many of our favourite author’s writing spots are protected.
£750k Grant Kickstarts Madeira Terrace Restoration in Brighton
Mentions Lewes
Historic England has committed £750,000 towards the restoration of Grade II* listed Madeira Terrace in Brighton, East Sussex.
The South Downs Explored From Above: A Landscape of Rich Archaeology Revealed
Mentions Part of Western Brow round barrow cemetery and an Anglo-Saxon barrow field 700m south of Westmeston Farm, Lewes
Aerial imagery used to map hundreds of archaeological sites across part of the South Downs.
Lewes' social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area. Skip this section and go to grant-aided places
War Memorial, High Street, Lewes, East Sussex
Period: World War One (1914 - 1919)
This First World War memorial was built in 1920 by the architects March and March.
War Memorial, High Street, Lewes, East Sussex
Toll Gate, Southerham, East Sussex
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Two women standing by the toll gate and house at Southerham. It looks a bleak and isolated location.
Toll Gate, Southerham, East Sussex
The Old Forge, High Street, Lewes, East Sussex
Period: Tudor (1485 - 1602)
This building was built in the late 16th century as a house. It was altered in the 18th and 19th centuries for industrial use.
The Old Forge, High Street, Lewes, East Sussex
The Marine Workshops, Railway Quay, Newhaven, East Sussex
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This building was constructed in 1882 to house several engineering workshops. The workshops have been used to repair both train and ship engines.
The Marine Workshops, Railway Quay, Newhaven, East Sussex
The Carpenter's shop, Railway Quay, Newhaven, East Sussex
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This building was constructed in 1885 as a carpenters shop for the London Brighton and South Coast Railway Company.
The Carpenter's shop, Railway Quay, Newhaven, East Sussex
The Bridge Hotel, High Street, Newhaven, East Sussex
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
This hotel was built in the 18th century as a Georgian residence. The building is famous for housing King Louis Philippe of France and his family.
The Bridge Hotel, High Street, Newhaven, East Sussex
The Ancient Fig Gardens, South Street, West Tarring, Worthing, West Sussex
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
Exterior view of the tea room.
The Ancient Fig Gardens, South Street, West Tarring, Worthing, West Sussex
Tea interval, Lewes, East Sussex
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
A woman serves tea during the tea interval at a cricket match at thet Whitsun fair near Lewes in 1959.
Tea interval, Lewes, East Sussex
Discover more
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