Barbican House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Barbican House |
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Barbican House (on the right) stands next to the entrance of Lewes Castle.
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| General information | |
| Type | Historic house, museum |
| Architectural style | Vernacular (16th-century timber construction with later brickwork) |
| Location | Lewes, East Sussex, England, United Kingdom |
| Coordinates | 50°52′21″N 0°00′30″E / 50.8726°N 0.0084°E |
| Current tenants | Barbican House Museum (Museum of Sussex Archaeology) |
| Construction started | 16th century |
| Renovated | 18th century (enlarged and refronted) |
| Owner | Sussex Archaeological Society |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Timber, red brick |
| Floor count | 3 plus basement |
Barbican House is a historic house located right next to the famous Lewes Castle in England. Built in the 16th century, it now serves as a fascinating museum and is the main office for the Sussex Archaeological Society. Because of its historical importance, it is protected as a Grade II* listed building.
History of Barbican House
Barbican House has a long and interesting story. It has changed a lot over hundreds of years, from a family home to the museum it is today.
From a Tudor Home to a Brick Mansion
The house was first built in the 1500s using a strong timber frame. Inside, an old stone fireplace has the date 1579 carved into it, giving us a clue to its age.
During the 18th century, the house was given a major makeover. It was made larger, and its front was rebuilt with red brick, which was a popular style at the time. Today, the building has three floors and a basement. In 1907, a large fire broke out nearby, but firefighters managed to stop it before it could reach and damage Barbican House.
On May 8, 1952, the house was officially recognized as a Grade II* listed building. This special status means it is a nationally important building that must be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
The Museum of Sussex Archaeology
Today, Barbican House is home to the Museum of Sussex Archaeology. The museum is run by the Sussex Archaeological Society, a group dedicated to studying and protecting the history of the county of Sussex.
Inside the museum, you can explore the history of Sussex from the Stone Age all the way to modern times. Some of the amazing objects on display include:
- Pottery dug up from the grounds of Battle Abbey.
- Beautiful old floor tiles from Wilmington Priory.
- Special green tiles discovered at a property in the town of Rye.
One of the most popular exhibits is a detailed model village showing what the town of Lewes looked like in the 1880s. It gives visitors a wonderful glimpse into the past.
In 2020, the museum faced challenges because of lost income during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it continues to share the rich history of Sussex with visitors.
