Lewes Priory, Medieval priory ruins in Southover, England
Lewes Priory is a monastic ruin in southern Lewes whose remains spread across a large area. Visible foundations and wall fragments show the floor plans of several buildings, including the former church.
The founding took place in the late 11th century by Norman nobles who built it after French monastery models. It was later dissolved, like many other religious houses during the Reformation period.
The name reflects the Benedictine way of life that shaped this place for centuries. Visitors can still read the layout of the ruins to understand where monks prayed, worked, and gathered together.
The public southern section is freely accessible and has explanatory signs on the grounds. Visitors should expect uneven surfaces and open foundation trenches and wear sturdy shoes.
The priory had a clever water system that used tidal flows from the nearby river. These underground channels ran through the site to manage water in ways most medieval communities never attempted.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
