Lewes History Group

The Lewes Pells and St Johns Neighbourhood Association are planning to celebrate the Pells’ centenary on 6-7 June 2020.

19^th Century cosumes and games, boat rides, a swimming gala, a photographic exhibition, house histories, an I-spy trail, and a Pells School reunion are among suggestions already put forward to mark this centenary celebration.

Come and share these ideas and more, and help turn them into reality on Saturday 9 March 2019, 3-5pm, at St John’s Church Hall, Talbot Terrace, Lewes.

If you can’t come to this meeting, but would like take part or to be kept informed about the celebrations, we’d love to hear from you. Email Pellscentenary@gmail.com

Dean Bell, Louise Holloway, and Millie Manley will give three talks for this eco-themed evening

The Friends of Lewes is primarily known for its built environment work, but we also focus on the natural environment of our area. These three short talks demonstrate our commitment to this aspect of keeping our town special. Our speakers describe varied projects spanning the town’s trees, sustainability, and its problems with litter. FoL supports all these projects in one way or another.

Dean Bell of Plumpton College will describe the work he has put into a tree survey of the town, which the FoL Trees Committee started in 2012, and which Dean has recently revitalised.

Louise Holloway will describe the evolving town asset that is Tingle’s Way, a walk around Lewes that speaks to sustainability and ecosystem services, named for the late Dr Colin Tingle. Amongst many other achievements, Colin was a significant contributor to the philosophy and substance of the town’s Neighbourhood Plan.

Millie Manley will speak about Litter Free Lewes, her successful and passionate initiative to stem the tide of discarded litter which blights our streets and parks.

River Ouse from Malling, Lewes. Image © Neil Merchant

7.45pm Lecture Room, Lewes Town Hall (Fisher Street entrance)

Open to all – admission free to Friends of Lewes members, £3 for non-members

Wine and juice can be purchased in the interval

See the Diary page for a list of  forthcoming events organised by the Friends of Lewes.

Helen Poole: Thomas Cromwell & the Dissolution of the Sussex Monasteries

The dissolution of the monasteries marked one of the most dramatic changes in English history. Thomas Cromwell, one of the most enigmatic figures of Henry VIII’s reign, was the mastermind, having seen the process at first hand at Bayham Abbey.

All 17 of Sussex’s religious houses were to suffer, with Cromwell being granted Michelham and Lewes Priories. However, his promotion of Anne of Cleves as a wife for his temperamental king meant that he did not live to see the benefits.

Helen Poole has been actively involved with Lewes Priory Trust since 1991 and worked at Michelham Priory for ten of those years, so she approaches this critical aspect of Tudor history with great enthusiasm.

Lewes Priory from the Mound. Photo © Helen Poole

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.