Lewes, formerly the county town of all Sussex when Sussex was one county is now the county town of East Sussex. Lewes is an old town, it was sufficiently important that, after the Norman Conquest (circa 1066), a fortress was built to help control the unruly English (nearly a 1000 yrs. on they have still not managed it! <G>). The Battle of Lewes was fought on the Sussex Downs just outside the town in 1264 between the opposing armies of Simon De Montfort and Henry III. Simon won and the peace terms he extracted are seen by many to be the foundation of the parliamentary government in England. Lewes was a stronghold of Protestantism and many of the townsfolk were to become martyrs during the reign of Queen Mary I. Such is the feeling of the townsfolk that the Pope has often featured as the effigy on the bonfire. The remains of Lewes Castle keep still stand, on high ground, near the centre of Lewes and offers a commanding view over the local town and countryside. Opposite the castle gates is Barbican House, a 16th century timber-framed building, now a museum. Lewes is not a place for driving, the streets are narrow. It is also very hilly with the lower end of the town, down by the river Ouse, prone to flooding. At the top of the hill is the county hall, with wonderful views across the valley to Newhaven. That’s the place to work, with a highly sought after window seat facing south ‘ish! Today Lewes is best known for its November 5th firework celebrations. Many torch-light processions march through the town to their various bonfires. If you have plans to view these antics you need to be in town before noon. The Lewes bonfire night celebrations are very well attended. | 
