Lewes Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lewes Castle |
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| Lewes, East Sussex | |
Two towers of Lewes Castle, East Sussex, photographed from the west
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 Lewes Castle
Shown within East Sussex
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| Coordinates | 50°52′22″N 0°00′27″E / 50.8729°N 0.0076°E |
| Type | Norman |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Site history | |
| Built | late 11th century |
| Built by | William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey |
| Materials | Stone |
| Official name: Lewes Castle | |
| Designated: | 28 August 1915 |
| Reference #: | 1013268 |
Lewes Castle is an old medieval castle in the town of Lewes, England. It is located in East Sussex. The castle was first called Bray Castle. It stands in a strong spot, protecting the gap in the South Downs hills. This gap was carved out by the River Ouse. The towns of Lewes and Cliffe are also in this important area. The castle is built on a hill made by people. It uses local limestone and flint.
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History of Lewes Castle
Lewes Castle has a special design called "motte and bailey." A motte is a large mound of earth. A bailey is a walled-off courtyard. Most castles have one motte. But Lewes Castle is unusual because it has two mottes! The only other castle in England with two mottes is Lincoln Castle.
Building the Castle Mottes
The first motte was named Brack Mount. It was finished soon after the Normans conquered England in 1066. The second motte, called the Keep, was finished in the late 1000s. Both of these large earth mounds were built by William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey.
At first, these mottes had wooden fences called palisades on top. But in the early 1100s, these wooden fences were replaced. Strong stone walls, known as shell keeps, were built instead. The bailey area also got a stone wall with towers.
Battles and Changes
In 1264, soldiers from the castle went to fight. They joined the Battle of Lewes against Simon de Montfort.
In the 1200s, towers were added to one of the stone shell keeps. A strong gatehouse, called a barbican, was added in the 1300s. The last owner from the de Warenne family was John de Warenne, 7th Earl of Surrey. He died in 1347 without children. He was buried in Lewes Priory. His castle then went to his nephew, Richard FitzAlan, 10th Earl of Arundel.
Modern History and Ownership
The Sussex Archaeological Society started leasing the castle in 1850. This society helps protect old historical sites. In 1922, Charles Thomas-Stanford bought the castle. He then gave it as a gift to the Sussex Archaeological Society. Today, the society still looks after parts of the castle.
Wall Collapse Event
On November 11, 2019, a part of the castle wall fell down. This section was about 10 meters by 10 meters. It collapsed onto a house and garden nearby. Luckily, no one was hurt. The castle was closed for a short time to make sure it was safe.
See also
