Pictures of Lewes Castle

a Castle in the town of Lewes, in the county of East Sussex

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About Lewes Castle

Lewes is dominated by its famous castle built by William de Warenne, trusty confidant and follower of William the Conqueror. It is one of only two English castle's to have two mottes.

The original fort that stood here was built of wood, the spot is imaginative enabling the building of one motte on high ground above the River Ouse, whilst the other motte is linked into the town wall. Interesting parts of the castle include part of the shell keep dating from around 1080, and the Barbican of the 14th century which is possibly the best preserved of its kind in the country.

During the 14th century the castle came into the hands of the Earls of Arundel as John de Warenne, 8th Earl of Surrey had no legitimate heir. It remained uninhabited and was damaged in riots of 1382. Later, it was plundered of its stone for building materials. What was left fell into disrepair and it was not until 1733 that it was granted to Thomas Friend, who wanted to turn the keep into a summer house. This was achieved by 1744.

The Sussex Archaeological Society purchased the keep in the 20th century, it now makes a fascinating, entertaining visit for all the family, with unrivalled views from its high towers over the town, river and distant forest.

The admission fee allows visitors to tour both castle and the Barbican building.

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Recommended attractions near Lewes Castle

	Anne of Cleves House (0.5 miles, 0.8 km) .. Information | Pictures (3) | Hotels
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Recommended towns & villages near Lewes Castle

	Lewes (0.3 miles, 0.6 km) Lewes is the boyhood home of the famous diarist, John Evelyn (1620 - 1706) He lived at Southover Grange, an Elizabethan house, which is close to the castle... Information | Pictures (72) | Hotels
	Telscombe (4.2 miles, 6.8 km, direction S) The tranquillity of this attractive little village is owed to its seclusion. Telscombe rests in a fold of beautiful Sussex countryside, and the fact that it is difficult to reach from the coast, adds to its charms... Information | Pictures (3) | Hotels
	Newhaven (6.0 miles, 9.7 km, direction S) Best known for its cross channel ferries and for its fort built in the 1860's as part of Britain's coastal defences, but which is now a fascinating museum offering visitors the opportunity to experience a massive fortress at first hand... Information | Pictures (26) | Hotels
	Brighton (6.9 miles, 11.1 km, direction SW) Once a fishing village, Brighton was firmly put on the map in the 18th century by the young Prince of Wales, later to become George IV... Information | Pictures (253) | Hotels
	Fletching (8.1 miles, 13.0 km, direction N) The village grew out of a Saxon settlement, near the spot of one of the entrances to Sheffield Park, now owned by the National Trust... Information | Pictures (3) | Hotels

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Nearby travel help

Lewes Station	(0.7 miles, 1.1 km)
Cooksbridge Station	(2.2 miles, 3.5 km, direction N)
M23 Junction 10A	(16.9 miles, 27.2 km, direction NW)
M23 Junction 11	(17.0 miles, 27.3 km, direction NW)
London Gatwick Airport	(20.6 miles, 33.2 km, direction NW)
Lydd Airport	(41.5 miles, 66.8 km, direction E)
Lewes Castle to London	(44.1 miles, 70.9 km, direction N)

Accommodation & Hotels near Lewes Castle

Hotel Name
The Shelleys Hotel	(0.3 miles, 0.5 km)
The White Hart Hotel	(0.4 miles, 0.6 km)
Pelham House	(0.5 miles, 0.7 km)
Newmarket Inn	(1.0 miles, 1.6 km)
White Horse Hotel	(5.7 miles, 9.1 km, direction SW)
Crockstead Hotel And Conference Centre	(6.9 miles, 11.1 km, direction NE)
Alvia Hotel	(6.9 miles, 11.1 km, direction SW)
Westbourne Hotel	(6.9 miles, 11.1 km, direction SW)
Colson House	(6.9 miles, 11.1 km, direction SW)
Hudsons	(6.9 miles, 11.2 km, direction SW)
All of our hotels are available to book online & with special discounts