Lewes History Group

A Lewes Archaeological Group talk on Zoom

Sue Berry: The evolving parish churches of Lewes – the impact of changes in worship on our ancient churches c.1600- 1914

The Reformation began a revolution in how we worshipped in parish churches which impacted on how they were arranged internally. Most had galleries built inside which resulted in windows and staircases being inserted into the building.  Long sermons became the main feature of services and chancels fell out of use other than for pews. All Saints was given a nave designed to take galleries and became the first ‘preaching box church’ designed for the sermon based service, followed by St John’s sub Castro. Then it was change again as Anglo-Catholicism and other influences changed ritual in the 1800s. Chancels were brought back into use and added to the churches now without them such as All Saints. The interiors were reorganised again and we see the impact on the exteriors.

This talk will explore the story of our parish churches to 1914 using watercolours, prints and other resources. Much of what was done during the later 1800s can still be seen. The prints and watercolours and plans show us churches before the Victorians began their overhauls.  You can go and see much of what is described today.

You’ll need to register in advance as numbers are limited to 100 people by our Zoom subscription – if you haven’t registered already please click on the link below to do so:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYud-CgrzMpHdbJ3_8HGQOfIGxps-a9RfHV

After registering, you will receive an automated confirmation email containing your personal link for joining the meeting and reminders nearer the time. Please don’t reply to these, but contact Anne Locke on anne.locke@talktalk.net if you have any queries. The email will include a link at the bottom for you to cancel if you are subsequently unable to attend.

The meeting open from 7.15pm: please join early if you would like any technical help.

Published on 1 September 2020, our first edition sold out in under a month. We are glad to say that the new edition is now in stock!

Currently available from the Lewes History Group, you will also be able to buy it from Tourist Information Centre, and the Cafe at St John Sub Castro church, when they reopen on 3 December 2020.

The book continues to generate interest in this area of Lewes, and seems to be inspiring others to find out even more.

Read David Arnold’s recent County Yarns column for the Sussex Express where he has has expanded on the Pells’ watery theme.

The Pells of Lewes is edited by Ruth Thomson and Sarah Bayliss, and features chapters by 16 authors.

Click on the image to read David’s article

Image from the Sussex Express, with thanks

Following Government advice and to ensure the safety of staff and visitors, The Keep will be closed from Thursday 5th November 2020. While the public will be unable to visit the centre and view the archives during this period of closure, their reprographics and research services will continue to be available via their website.

They will keep their website updated with the latest news from The Keep, and will continue to post on Facebook and Twitter over the coming weeks. They will also respond to phone and email enquiries as quickly as possible.

Image at The Keep website