Lewes History Group

Sarah Bayliss and Wenda Bradley

Pictures have hung in Lewes Town Hall for more than 120 years and an analysis of the collection helps tell the history of our town. Three of the most important oil paintings have recently been restored with Heritage Lottery funding and their subjects stand out as depicting key moments and influences on local as well as national culture, from The Battle of Lewes to the Protestant Reformers to The Visit of William IV and Queen Adelaide. Other paintings in the Town Hall collection contribute to a rich visual heritage, ranging from images of famous men and two women, shipbuilding, orientalism, cricket, Bloomsbury and Bonfire.

A book has been written about the collection by journalist Sarah Bayliss, with educational materials prepared by Wenda Bradley of Artemis Arts. Their September 2019 talk for Lewes History Group will reveal colourful stories about the paintings’ subject matter, the artists and the generous benefactors who have donated such a variety of art to the people of Lewes.

King William IV ascending the steps of The Friars and being welcomed by Lewes’s MPs and High Constables, 22 October 1830. (Detail from painting by Archibald Archer)

All are welcome from 7.00pm for free refreshments and updates on the Group’s activities. The talk will begin promptly at 7:30pm and will finish by 9.00pm.

There is an entry fee for these meetings, payable at the door, of £1 for members, and £3 for non-members.

Venue: The King’s Church building on Brooks Road, Lewes, BN7 2BY. (Between Tesco car park and Homebase)

See the Meetings page for a list of  forthcoming monthly talks organised by the Lewes History Group.

The Autumn season of events at The Keep is impressive and includes both evening and daytime talks, plus heritage film screenings.

Ticket prices start at £5, which includes free parking (usually £2.50).

It is essential to book in advance via www.thekeep.info/events or call 01273 482349.

Image from The Keep, illustrating an upcoming performance of the Darker Shades of Sun Street, by the Lewes Little Theatre and the Lewes Saturday Folk Club

There will be a Battlefield Walk on the site of the Battle of Lewes on Sunday 11 August 2019, led by John Freeman, Battlefields Trust Sussex coordinator.

The walk will start at 2 pm at the entrance to the County Hall Car Park at the west end of Lewes (BN7 1UE).

It will cover the battlefield site on the Downs above Lewes, with splendid views, and will last approximately 2½ hours.

A donation of £5 per adult towards the work of the Battlefields Trust, a registered charity, would be appreciated.

Contact: John Freeman, Downsview House, North Chailey, BN8 4DH, 01825 722612, Battlefields Trust Sussex coordinator  johnfreeman11@hotmail.co.uk

The Battle of Lewes was a key battle between King Henry III and his supporters and Simon de Montfort, leading a coalition of rebel lords and Londoners. De Montfort’s victory led to the first representative Parliament being held in January 1265, before his bloody downfall at the Battle of Evesham later that year led to the reinstatement of King Henry III.

Image at www.battlefieldstrust.com