Lewes Castle, Medieval castle in Lewes, United Kingdom
Description
Lewes Castle is a medieval fortification built on an artificial chalk mound in this English town. The structure features two distinct elevations, defensive walls, towers, and a preserved barbican entrance that remains largely intact.
History
William de Warenne, an earl who supported William the Conqueror, built this fortress in 1069 following the Norman invasion. The location and design reflect the defensive approaches the Normans used to control newly conquered territories.
Culture
The castle's distinctive double mound shape reflects Norman defensive strategies that dominated medieval England. Visitors can observe how the layout physically demonstrates the engineering approaches that made these fortifications effective strongholds.
Practical
Access is on foot via paved paths that climb quite steeply from the town center. Visiting on quieter weekdays tends to offer a more relaxed experience on the grounds.
Did you know?
This fortress belongs to a small group of English castles with a double motte design, a construction method rarely used elsewhere. The feature makes the site a distinctive example of Norman engineering that visitors encounter in few other places.
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Sussex extends along the south coast of England, between London and the Channel. This area has different types of scenery: white chalk cliffs that rise above the sea, gentle hills of the South Downs, old forests, and valleys with quiet rivers. There are seaside towns such as Brighton and Eastbourne,...
Lewes Crown Court
167 m
Town Hall
236 m
Southover Grange
234 m
Pelham House
163 m
Barbican House
82 m
Church of St Michael
67 m
Westgate Chapel
117 m
The Lewes Arms Public House
210 m
The White Hart Hotel
210 m
Crown Hotel
274 m
99 And 100, High Street
129 m
47, Abinger Place
267 m
Bartholomew House And Railings
65 m
Barbican To Lewes Castle And Walls To South
76 m
Castle Lodge And Stable Wing
58 m
Bull House
108 m
Wall To West Of Pelham House
195 m
K6 Telephone Kiosk, Abinger Place
261 m
Brack Mound House
174 m
105, High Street
158 m
The Maltings
171 m
Castlegate House And Railings To West
98 m
Tyne House And Railings To South
151 m
The Old Poor House
189 m
St Michael's Church Hall
75 m
The Round House
65 m
9 And 10, Castle Banks
184 m
Milestone, High Street, No. 99/100 ; in wall of timber framed house, now a bookshop
127 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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