History of Lewes

The town of Lewes in the South Downs has a long and fascinating history. From its Saxon origins it grew into a medieval walled town dominated by its spectacular Norman castle. Such was its importance that it was the site of a ferocious battle between Henry III and Simon de Monfort. Later still, it was a strongly Protestant community, and the famous Lewes bonfire celebrations continue to draw visitors to the town to this day.

Modern Lewes

Lewes continued to prosper as a market town and, by the 1840s, a major railway junction. Here Bob Cairns takes a fresh look at Lewes's fine architecture and colourful local life, to discover how this fascinating community has developed through the ages, with stunning modern photographs and an unrivalled selection of old images from Lewes's outstanding Edwardian photographers.