Lewes History Group

Flint is one of the more iconic building materials to be found in the buildings of Lewes. One of the finest examples is right in the middle of the High Street, can you guess which building it is? Let one of today’s experts in this ancient art explain the mysteries and techniques which make flint so enduring and fashionable.

The Flint Man gives fascinating talks, and this outing is sure to prove highly popular. With no distance to travel this trip will be suitable for all Lewes History Group members.

More information on the Flint Man’s website

This is an exclusive day for Lewes History Group members and numbers are limited to 20.

Venue: This talk will begin at 2:30 pm at the entrance to Lewes Castle.

Admission is by ticket at £5.00

Tickets are available for this and other LHG outings from Paul Waller (Outings Organiser) on meeting nights at The King’s Church in Lewes, by contacting him on 01323 872088, or by using the contact form below.

It is essential that you book well in advance for these trips

The outings are primarily for Lewes History Group members only, but they may purchase tickets for accompanying non-members. When possible tours will be exclusively for LHG.

All members are asked to make their own way to the venue in good time. Regrettably we are not able to to arrange transportation for these trips.

See the Members’ Visits page for a list of  forthcoming monthly trips organised by the Lewes History Group.

Contact Paul Waller for tickets using this form:

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David Arnold: Dripping Yarns! The Story of a Lewes Sporting Icon

The origins of the Dripping Pan in Mountfield Road are a mystery. A favourite theory is that it was once a medieval salt pan linked to the nearby Priory. Others have surmised that it was a monastic fish farm. What’s not in dispute is that it has been a popular sporting venue for several hundred years past and host to cricket, stoolball games and numerous sports days for local schools, the police and fire brigade. Since 1885 it has been home to Lewes Football Club, affectionately known as the Rooks.

Seven years earlier in 1878 the “ground commonly known as the Dripping Pan” became part of the “Mountfield Estate” owned by wealthy local landowner George Molineux. It was a move popular with the townspeople of Lewes. The Sussex Express of 24^th August 1878 waxed lyrical: “The sale of the Dripping Pan, the recreation ground of Lewes, last Tuesday, ended in its purchase by George Molineux, Esq, the senior partner in the Lewes Old Bank, for the sum of  £4,600; and we are authorised to state that, so long as it is in that gentleman’s hands, it will continue to be devoted to sporting pursuits.”

David Arnold paints a portrait in words and pictures of the Dripping Pan and some of the people and events that give it a unique place in Lewes history.

The Dripping Pan in the 19th Century (Image from Lewes Football Club’s collection)

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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We have been alerted by Gorringes that they will be auctioning the contents of a large private library of rare and scarce books relating to Lewes, Brighton, Sussex, and Sussex villages at their Fine Art Antiques and Collectables sale on Wednesday 3rd of September.

These will be on view on the Friday, Saturday, and Monday before the sale. Viewing times and further details are on their website.

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