Lewes

Lewes

Lewes, town (parish), Lewes district, administrative county of East Sussex, historic county of Sussex, southeastern England. It lies at a gap in the South Downs and along the River Ouse where it is still tidal.

A castle was built there in the 11th century, and its ruins still dominate the town, which grew as a market centre and river port of some importance, although the port later gave way to Newhaven on the coast. In 1264 Simon de Montfort vanquished Henry III at the Battle of Lewes. The Barbican House, the house of Anne of Cleves (fourth queen of Henry VIII), and Shelley’s Hotel all date from the 16th century. Southover Grange, also built in the 16th century, together with its walled gardens, is municipal property.

The town was the site of the 16th-century persecution of 17 Protestant martyrs, whose burning is commemorated as part of the unique local celebration of Guy Fawkes Day. Six bonfire societies with familial roots dating back generations stage an extraordinary parade through Lewes’s narrow streets before separating for private bonfires and fireworks celebrations.

A historic assize town, Lewes in modern times has developed as the county town (seat) of East Sussex. Tourism is important to the economy (though tourists are generally discouraged from attending the Guy Fawkes Day celebrations), and there are some light industries. Glyndebourne, the world-famous opera centre, is only 3 miles (5 km) from the town. Pop. (2001) 15,988; (2011) 17,297.