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Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum and its collection

Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum
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Lewes Castle, originally known as Bray Castle, is a medieval structure located in the town of Lewes in East Sussex, England. It holds a significant position in the town, guarding the gap in the South Downs cut by the River Ouse. The castle is constructed from local limestone and flint blocks, reflecting the natural resources of the region.

Unique Design of Lewes Castle

Lewes Castle is unique in its design, following a motte and bailey structure but with two mottes, a feature shared only by Lincoln Castle in England. The first motte, known as Brack Mount, was completed shortly after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, and the second motte, known as the Keep, was completed in the late 11th century.

Ownership of Lewes Castle

The Sussex Archaeological Society leased Lewes Castle from 1850, and it was later acquired by Charles Thomas-Stanford. In 1922, Thomas-Stanford gifted the castle to the Sussex Archaeological Society, where it remains under their care to this day.

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NLLewes Castle
DELewes Castle
FRChâteau de Lewes
ENLewes Castle & Museum

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Castle Medieval art & Early Renaissance art

#87 Castle in England #47 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in England #132 Castle in United Kingdom #59 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in United Kingdom

#87 Castle in England #47 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in England #132 Castle in United Kingdom #59 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in United Kingdom
Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum
169 High Street
Barbican House
BN7 1YE Lewes

Images of Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum

Visitor information Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday
10:30 – 17:30
Wednesday
10:30 – 17:30
Thursday
10:30 – 17:30
Friday
10:30 – 17:30
Saturday
10:30 – 17:30
Sunday
12:00 – 17:30

1st March – 31st October

Bank Holiday Mondays – 12pm to 5:30pm

More opening hours

Admission

0 – 4Free
5 – 17£3.20
65+£5.90
Adults£6.50
Family (1 adult + up to 3 children)£10.00
Family (2 adults + up to 4 children)£16.50
More ticket prices

Facilities

Museum shop

Location & Map

169 High Street, Lewes

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum have been found.

Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum Reviews

Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum offers visitors a journey through the history of Lewes and Sussex. The castle, built in the 11th century, provides panoramic views of the surrounding area from its keep. Visitors appreciate the well-preserved Norman architecture and the opportunity to explore the castle grounds.

    The museum, housed in the Barbican House, showcases local archaeological finds and historical artifacts. Exhibits cover various periods, from prehistoric times to the medieval era. Many visitors find the displays informative, though some note that more interactive elements could enhance the experience.

    The staff is generally described as knowledgeable and friendly, often enhancing visitors' understanding of the site's history. However, some reviewers mention that guided tours, when available, significantly improve the experience.

    Accessibility can be a concern for some visitors, as parts of the castle involve steep stairs and uneven surfaces. The museum itself is more accessible, but those with mobility issues may find navigating the entire site challenging.

    Overall, Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum is appreciated for its historical significance and educational value. While it may not have the extensive collections of larger museums, it provides a solid overview of local history in an authentic setting. Visitors often recommend allowing 2-3 hours to fully explore both the castle and museum.

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  • Aggregated rating

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