Lewes History Group

Lewes Library
Temporarily closed for general use, expected to reopen on 12 April 2021, depending on Government plans. At the moment you can reserve books from the library catalogue or by calling 0345 60 80 196 to pick up from the entrance of the library. Essential computer access will remain available at the library for Internet banking or Universal Credit applications, please pre-book a computer session. You can access a wide range of eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers and eMagazines, as well as information through East Sussex’s eLibrary – from home.

The Keep
Will reopen on Tuesday 13 April 2021, depending on Government plans. To ensure social distancing, they will continue to limit the number of people per day in their Reading Room to a maximum of 10, by appointment only. Archive material must be ordered at least two working days in advance. Documents will be quarantined for 72 hours between use, and the Reference Room will remain closed. Research and reprographics services are still available during closure.

The National Archives at Kew brings out an emailed update each month with news, topical information from their holdings, priority booking for events – such as the upcoming Agents for change? Women and protest, 12 March | 14:00, a film blog, and even online jigsaws.

Image at the National Archives website

Sign up for the National Archives mailing list

A Lewes Archaeological Group talk

John Bleach: Malling, Lewes

Malling, on the northeast side of Lewes, has been known by this name for probably 1200 years and more. What names were given to the area by the earliest Anglo-Saxons, by the Romans, or by the prehistoric populations are not and almost certainly cannot be known. Suffice for the moment that Malling with its predecessors has a long and fascinating history.

This history, however, is often subsumed within the well-documented, much-studied, and oft-told story of Lewes, in which it generally enters the stage as a supporting bit-part player. John’s talk places Malling at centre stage, perhaps in a fleeting attempt to slightly redress the historical balance shared unequally with its (rightly) well-known neighbour.

We shall open with a modern suburb and close with a prehistoric ‘estate’. On our journey we will visit, amongst other ‘Mallings’, the archbishop of Canterbury’s huge medieval manor and the associated – and possibly quite early – Christian centre founded on the east bank of the River Ouse.

The talk will be free, but numbers are limited. Please click on the link below to register:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMlcuygpjwuGtBylDqIRX4i4fdACXnAtaT-

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Please don’t reply to this, but contact anne.locke@talktalk.net if you have any queries.