Events

Battle of Lewes 1264

Saturday 16th May 2015

The Battle of Lewes on 14 May 1264 had a significant impact on parliamentary democracy. Simon de Montfort and the rebel Barons defeated the army of Henry III leading to De Montfort running the country in the name of the King. In January 1265 he summoned a Parliament which included burgesses for the first time and is considered the first Representative Parliament.

The walk is organised in conjunction with Sussex Archaeological Society and will be led by Michael Chartier (Chair of SAS) and John Freeman who were both on the Steering Group of the 750th Commemoration Committee in 2014.

Parking is in the town car parks (John can email/post a map). Meet at 11.00 a.m. at Lewes Castle entrance - 169 High Street, Lewes, BN7 1YE. The Castle opens at 11.00 a.m. and we suggest a visit (£7.00 entrance fee). It offers views towards the battlefield and was Prince Edward’s (later Edward I) base. We then will be proceeding to the Priory (Henry III’s base).

Lunch can be taken in a café/pub at approx.1.00 p.m.

After lunch drive to the car park at the west end of the town at St. Anne’s Crescent, BN7 1UE to start the battlefield walk at 2.00 p.m.. Mike and John will lead the group up onto Landport Downs. The distance of the walk is approx. 2 miles with excellent views over the town, with a return to cars at approx. 4.30 p.m.

For further information.

• Contact name : John Freeman
• Contact email : johnfreeman11@hotmail.co.uk
• Contact phone : 07957 829997