Lewes History Group

Simon Stevens: Old Walls, Wellies and Wasps – Recent Archaeological Work at Lewes Priory

Archaeology South-East has undertaken a number of watching briefs at Lewes Priory in recent years, monitoring groundworks associated with the restoration and upkeep of the site. The Priory was founded shortly after the Norman Conquest by the Cluniac order and became one of the richest monasteries in medieval England, and as a Scheduled Ancient Monument all intrusive works at the site require archaeological monitoring.

Finds made during the various works have included masonry and tile remains from some of the Priory buildings, along with a range of other material. Closely datable discoveries included an assemblage of pottery dating from the 13^th to the 20^th centuries, a small number of clay pipes and other material including metalwork, glass, animal bone and oyster shell.

But that’s just part of the story….. Simon Stevens will give an illustrated talk on recent archaeological work at the Priory.

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 £2 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.

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David and Lynda Russell: The Pubs of Lewes, East Sussex 1550-2000. Lynda Russell, September 2015, 322p.

“At one time or another the Church, the military, Puritans,temperance campaigners and the taxman have all tried to curb the boisterous habits of the Lewes drinker.

This book traces the Lewes drinking habitat through all its manifestations from rude hovel to alehouse, tavern, inn, beer house and the present day pub.

On the way we present some history, be it from the romantic times of the coaching inns to the darkest days of gin fever and the role of the pubs in wartime.”

David Russell

Available via the publisher. Also Harvey’s shop, Cliffe High Street, Lewes, or try other Lewes bookshops.

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Paul Myles: The Genesis of Lewes Little Theatre

A lively story told from the archives of Lewes Little Theatre, a triumph of endeavour over adversity.

Based on a recent discovery of an exchange of letters between John Maynard Keynes and the Reverend Kenneth Rawlings from 1936 to 1944, Paul shows how Keynes assisted Rawlings, despite much opposition, in the establishment of permanent amateur theatre premises in Lewes.

Lewes Little Theatre was established in the Old Chapel in Lancaster Street in 1939, and became central to the war effort in Sussex.

Paul Myles‘ article titled ‘Maynard Keynes and the Reverend Kenneth Rawlings: The Genesis of a Theatre’ has been published in The History of European Ideas.
History of Lewes Little Theatre

Paul Myles with letter from Sir John Maynard Keynes.
Photo at Sussex Express, copyright Johnston Press plc
Courtesy of Sussex Express

7.45pm Lecture Room, Lewes Town Hall.

Open to all – admission free to Friends of Lewes members, £3 for non-members. Wine can be purchased in the interval.

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

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