Lewes History Group

The Birth of LTC, by Des McAleer and Mick Hawksworth

The remarkable story of how one of the world’s leading economists was instrumental in the birth of Lewes Little Theatre in the years leading up to and during World War II.

Paul Myles will describe the origins of the club through the dramatised correspondence between John Maynard Keynes, the acclaimed economist and Father Kenneth Rawlings, rector of St. Michael’s and founder of Lewes Theatre Club.

The letters between the two men illustrate the local tensions and political undercurrents of the immediate pre-war years and the struggles of Rawlings and others to find a home for his real love, Lewes Players.

The dramatisation is by Des McAleer and Mick Hawksworth, edited by Sarah Bayliss, and based on an original article by Paul Myles.

The readers at this event will be Des McAleer, Sarah Baylis, Mick Hawkesworth, Julian Bell, Paul Myles, Cathy Myles, and Miles Jenner.

Tickets from Ticket Source

Beverley Elphick: Historical Fiction: What Comes First – Research or Imagination?

Based on her two Lewes-based novels, Three Round Towers and Retribution, Beverley Elphick’s talk will explore whether research or imagination is the key to establishing the framework for successful historical fiction. She will share details of her research material that put the stories into context.

Bev also had another valuable source of information: “My memories of growing up in Lewes really helped to mould the key character, as well as creating an atmosphere conjured up by the landscape.”

The talk will include drone footage of Hamsey, the roofscape of Lewes town, the river Ouse as it makes its way to Southease and one of the round towered churches which plays a significant role in her tale.

Beverley’s Lewes-based books are available from bookshops now.

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.

Workshop by The Keep

Manorial records form some of the oldest and most interesting of The Keep’s holdings, and were given special legal protection in 1923.

Whether you are interested in the history of a village or a house, want to find out more about your ancestors and where they lived, or push your family history back further than parish records will take it, manorial records might well provide the answer.

In this workshop, County Archivist Christopher Whittick will describe and interpret the records; there will also be a display of original material from their archives.

£10 per person, including tea or coffee. Advance booking and payment essential. Please call The Keep on 01273 482349 to book your place.