Lewes History Group

The Ale & Hearty Project: a Social and Agricultural History of Brewing in Lewes

This local  project, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and other local organisations, focuses on the history of brewing in Lewes and its related industrial and agricultural links from the 18th Century to the present day, a period of some 200 years. It focuses on the community of Lewes; working life in relation to Breweries, agricultural workers and rural life and trades. It also links in with abstinence and religious culture locally at the time, as well as a clear relation between trades and society through social clubs.

The Lewes History Group is a partner in the Ale & Hearty project.  The purpose of the Research Meeting is to give everyone:

• an opportunity to learn more about the project,
• to see how LHG members might help the project
• consider work LHG might do as a complement to what Ale & Hearty have planned.

Nicola Benge, the Ale & Hearty project leader, will kick off the meeting with a detailed summary of their current work.

Venue: Kings Church Building, Brooks Road

All welcome

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Mathew is interviewed about his forthcoming June 10th Lewes History Group talk: ‘A Turbulent History of Pub Life in Lewes.’

Radio Lewes podcast 23 May 2013

Please note: the September 2013 speaker on the Roman dig is David Millum, not David Callum as stated in the interview.

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Mathew Homewood: A Turbulent History of Pub Life in Lewes

For centuries the many Lewes inns and public houses were the centre of the town’s social life, including its politics, its entertainment and its bonfire. Some might argue they still are.

Mathew’s talk will develop the story told last summer in John Davey’s ‘Old Inns of Lewes’ to take a closer look at what went on in some of these establishments, and the problems faced by many a landlord.

He will tell the tale of the devastating summer of 1907, when the authorities purged Lewes of 12 of its drinking establishments, and will also introduce us to the pub that never was; the Robin Hood.

Mathew Homewood is a Genealogist & Historical Researcher at Traditional Family Trees.

As usual all will be welcome, and we will be serving coffee and biscuits before the meeting.

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.