THE BATTLE OF LEWES 750 - Sussex Past · We hope the ‘Battle of Lewes 750’ will be successful...

THE BATTLE OF LEWES 750 COMMEMORATIVE PROGRAMME

...’The occasion in history when the town of Lewes became the

Point of national events which laid a stone in the building of our nations’

freedom… that each and everyone of us may thankfully receive

our gift of freedom, and faithfully fulfil our duty of citizenship.’

- ‘The Bidding,’ Seventh Century of The Battle of Lewes Commemorative Service, May, 1964

1 sussexpast.co.uk/battle-of-lewes-main

CONTENTS

CONTENTS THEN AND NOW: MAY 1964 – MAY 2014

Then and Now

Information

Event and Services

Event and Music

Music and Drama

Walks

Walks and Exhibition

Exhibitions and Talks

Talks and Exhibitions

Talks and Exhibitions

Exhibitions and Ceremony

Other Related Events

Battle Plan with Coats of Arms

Then and Now: May 1964

Interviews And Stories

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

In the Sussex Archaeological Society library are ephemeral memories of the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Lewes: newspaper cuttings, programmes, black and white photographs of a model of the battle (focusing on the King of the Romans).* These commemorations shed light on the community and social life of Lewes in the late mid C20. Page 14 lists many of these and their organisers.

We hope the ‘Battle of Lewes 750’ will be successful as 1964 and that our commemorations will inspire future organisers. *Please contact the SAS library if you have any information on the model, who made it and if it still exists. Tel: 01273 405738 Email: sussexpast.co.uk/contact-library

ROYALISTS BARONS AND LONDONERS

King Henry III

John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey

Simon de Montfort

Gilbert de Clare

Edward I

Richard of Cornwall, ‘King of the Romans’

Nicholas de Seagrave

The Londoners


INFORMATION

Lewes Castle Lewes Castle Opening Times From March to October: 10 am to 5.30 pm. Last admission: 30 minutes before closing. 11 am on Sundays, Mondays and Bank holidays. Barbican House Museum, 169, High Street, Lewes, BN7 1YE. Tel: 01273 486290

The Battle of Lewes Commemorative Notes

Lewes pound notes will be available at the following issuing points:

Lewes Town Hall, Cheese Please, Richards, Harveys, Laporte’s, Fifty Sheep, the Lewes Pound stall in the farmers market (on the first Saturday in the month) and Tourist Information Centre. Notes will be available at the CHALK Life Medieval Mayhem Festival and the Southover May Fayre. (Please see page 3.) For further information, please see page 12.

Details correct at time of

going to press.

Tourist Information Centres Lewes and

Seaford

Lewes & Seaford Tourist Information Centres are here to help you enjoy your time in the Lewes District. Supporting the Battle of Lewes with souvenirs, information and advice on what you can do to make your visit a truly memorable one! For information on where to stay and what to do in advance of your stay, visit www.staylewes.info Help us to spread the word and tweet #whatdoesfreedommeantoyou We’ll be collecting your messages and displaying them in our Lewes TIC window throughout the events. Lewes Tourist Information Centre 187 High Street, Lewes East Sussex, BN7 2DE Tel 01273 483448 [email protected] Summer Opening Hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday, 10am - 2pm Sunday

Seaford Tourist Information Centre 37 Church Street, Seaford East Sussex, BN25 1HG Tel 01323 897426 [email protected] Summer Opening Hours: 9am - 4:45pm Historical Fact: Montfortians From Lewes Most of the surviving evidence is about substantial tenants of John de Warenne, Earl of Surrey and Lord of Lewes. But there are records of him taking revenge on two ‘little men’ living in Lewes. Ernald de Dype, a rebel, had his tenement seized as did William Wylur. However, there are three possible explanations. 1. That Dype and Wylur fought for Montfort and the Barons at Lewes. 2. That they joined Montfort’s supporters after the battle, joining the winners. 3. That the accusation of them being rebels was false (this was the case with other people) and John de Warenne took advantage of the disturbances to seize their lands unjustly.


EVENTS AND SERVICES

CHALKlife Festival

with Medieval Mayhem

Family Festival Free festival celebrating the people, history and wildlife of the South Downs. TAG tunic will be on display (please see page 11). Access from the old racecourse road.

Location Landport Bottom Date 3 Sat Time 11am - 4pm Admission Free

Historical Fact: The Last ‘Gentlemanly’ Conflict The Battle of Lewes was the first on English soil for nearly fifty years. It was the last ‘gentlemanly’ conflict; no barons and only a few knights were killed. At Evesham in 1265, and from then on, no quarter was given. Great men were slain and the participants were brutal and unforgiving.

May Fayre

6th Annual May Fayre to Celebrate Feast of St Pancras Traditional May Fayre activities include: Archery, Crossbows, Tug of War, Mystic Meg and a wood carver. Try on armour and experience the amputations necessitated by battle in the medieval operating theatre. Admire Owls About Town while awaiting the arrival of King Henry III with the Lewes Footpaths Group (please see page 6). Location Priory Park Date 10 Sat Time 10:30 am - 4 pm Admission £2

Plumpton 1264 Dedication, Service and Hog Roast at Plumpton College Dedication of New Commemorative Stone, The Cross, Followed by a Service at St Michael’s. Location north slope of the Downs above St Michael’s Church, at Plumpton College Date 14 Wed

Time 6pm Service at St Michaels Date 14 Wed

Time 7:15pm Plumpton 1264 Demonstrations of Mediaeval Horsemanship and Combat. Hog Roast with Licensed Bar. Music - Jazz Band Riddle of Steel www.plumptonvap.co.uk

Location Plumpton College on green in front of animal centre (under cover if wet) Date 14 Wed

Time 8 pm Admission Adult £7.50, Under 16s £5, Family ticket (2+2) £22

A Brief Service for Simon de Montfort

and his Knights Service in Fletching Parish Church A brief service will be held to commemorate the vigil kept by Simon de Montfort and his knights on the eve of the battle, their return to the church after battle and all the knights slain that were buried (in full armour) under the nave. The church accommodates approx. 250 people.

Location Fletching church Date 14 Wed Time 7pm Admission a retiring collection would be most welcome.


EVENTS AND MUSIC

Medieval Mayhem Feast

(part of Chalklife Festival)

Medieval Mayhem Live music from Starfish. (Nevill Bonfire Society.) (Please see page 4 for CHALKlife with Medieval Mayhem.) Location Landport Bottom Date 3 Sat

Time 10:30pm Admission Tickets from £5.00 www.lewes.gov.uk

Tolling the Town Bell

Tolling of ‘Old Gabriel’ The Town Bell was cast between 1529 and 1536 by Frenchman John Tonne. ‘Old Gabriel’ is the largest pre-Reformation bell in Sussex; possibly cast for Lewes Priory. Location The Market Tower, Market Street Date 14 Wed

Time TBC Admission Free

Fireworks Display

In collaboration with Lewes Town Council. Participants of the Battle Royal 750 will light up the Lewes sky on the day of battle to mark its 750th anniversary. Fireworks by Commercial Square Bonfire Society. Location The Dripping Pan Date 14 Wed

Time 9:30pm Admission Free

Prepare for Battle This is both an experiential camp for young people and unique 13th century festival for all ages. It celebrates the role of the battle in forging parliamentary democracy.

With music, C13 village, political debate and drama including a new play by poet John Agard. Location Lewes Railway Land Date 16 Fri - 18 Sun Time 16 Sat 5 - 11pm 17 Sat 2 - 11pm 18 Sun 5 - 11pm Admission £8 Fri; £10 Sat; £10 Sun; £25 for a 3-day pass. Under 25s Free. For tickets please visit www.lewesyouththeatre.co.uk

Re-enactments Follow re-enactors and townsfolk (including bonfire boys and girls) in medieval costume. A series of brief vignettes will be performed of the major skirmishes; from the Gallops down to Lewes Priory. Martin Brown, narrator.

Locations Vignette 1 - Prince Edward’s Charge, The Gallops Vignette 2 - Capture at the Windmill, Black Horse Vignette 3 - Storming of the Gates, Westgate Street Vignette 4 - Attack on the Castle, Castle bowling green Vignette 5 - Muster at the Priory (please see page 5 for the Mystery play) Date 17 Sat

Time 1:30 - 4:45pm Admission Free

Post Battle Royal 750 Medieval Events Activities include: living history, archery and a run through of the previous day’s vignettes. (Please see page 15.) Location The Dripping Pan Date 18 Sun

Time 10am - 2pm Admission Free www.battleoflewes.com [email protected] Lewes Castle Tel: 01273 486290


MUSIC AND DRAMA

SOUTHOVER BONFIRE SOCIETY

Battle of Lewes Bash Dance to live music; medieval and modern. Infectious rhythms and foot tapping barn dance music from the Sussex Pistols, Appalachian Old Time dance music from So Last Century and medieval music from internationally acclaimed Dirk and Adam Campbell. Bar provided. Location All Saints, Lewes BN7 2LE Date 10 Sat

Time (Doors 7:30pm) 8pm - 11pm Admission £10.00 on the door. Advance tickets available from Union Music Store, Lewes Tourist Centre, and www.wegotickets.com

Choral Music: The Sword of

Freedom

“Embodying in song the spirit of the battle and those that

fought.”

The Sword of Freedom Music specially commissioned to mark the 750 anniversary. Composer and writer - Helen Glavin. Musical director - John Hancorn. Performed by the Everyman Ensemble choir. Soloist - Oliver Hicks. Concert includes troubadours and vocal ensembles. Lewes, Delaware will also perform part of the The Sword of Freedom The aim is doing a simulcast via the web with Lewes, East Sussex. Location Lewes Town Hall Date 13 Tues

Time 7:30pm Admission Free

www.helenglavincomposer.co.uk

The Day of Battle, a Mystery Play

The Day of Battle Open air performance at three different locations. Play by Mike Turner. Director: Kate Turvey. Sponsored by Lewes Town Council. Location Lewes Castle Gun Garden Date 17 Sat

Time 10:30 - 11am Admission Free Location Harveys Yard Date 17 Sat

Time 12pm Admission Free Location Lewes Priory Date 17 Sat Time 4:30pm Admission Free

St Anne's Concert

Battles for Peace and Freedom The Norman Church of St Mary Westout (now St Anne’s) was already 100 years old when it was a silent witness to the fighting. The battle will be remembered with readings from "The Song of Lewes.” Music includes plainchant, polyphony and a modern work. Performances by Lewes Chamber Choir and East Sussex Community Choir. Piano and organ accompaniment. Conductor: Nicholas Houghton. Refreshments served afterwards. Location Western Road Date 25 Sun

Time 6:30pm (lasts 1 hour) Admission Retiring collection for the Friends of St Anne's Fabric Fund. Contact: Diana Rogers

Tel 01273 474964


WALKS

Montfort’s March It is the dawn of the battle. De Montfort’s army is ready to set off over the South Downs to fight Henry III. Do you have what it takes to join his Army?

A new site-specific play suitable for those who can manage the four mile march over the Downs from Warningore Farm to Landport Bottom.

Dates and Times 3 Sat - 4 Sun, 2 - 5pm 5 Mon, 2 - 5pm 10 Sat - 11 Sun, 2 - 5pm 14 Wed, 6 - 9pm (twilight performance) Sat 17 - Sun 18, 2 - 5pm

No toilet facilities. Please no latecomers. Bus journey at start of performance.

Contact: stephen@thecompany sussex.plus.com Location Meet at bus stop on the A275/Nevill Rd by Nevill Crescent, Lewes, BN7 1ND, 2pm (twilight performance is 6pm). Admission £10 and £6. Tickets available from Lewes Tourist Information Centre Tel 01273 483448 and Brighton Festival Fringe, Tel 01273 917272. Please wear appropriate clothing, footwear and bring a cold drink.

Henry’s March on Lewes

Lewes Footpaths Group Commemorating Henry III’s March from Berwick to Cliffe, in period costume. Gather at St Thomas A Becket Church 11am. March off around 11:40 to Cliffe Bridge. Marking the King’s arrival on May 10, 1264, he and his army will be welcomed by town worthies, marching bands, knights and entertainers. 12:20 All march to May Fayre to arrive 12:45 (please see page 3).

Spaces limited on march. Period costume required. Contact Graham Heap for details. Tel 012730472678. [email protected] Location Glynde Railway station Date 10 Sat

Time Start approx. 10:15am Admission Free

DAWN MARCH ON LEWES

(FULLY BOOKED) A 12½ mile walk from fletching, where de Montfort first gathered

at dawn

Mid Sussex Ramblers Ascend the downs to Blackcap near Boxholte, site of the Sheriff’s Court, where de Montfort’s forces gathered. Finish with tea and cake at Lewes Castle.

Bring picnic breakfast. Option to join at Newick (11 miles) or South Chailey (7.5 miles). Minibus back to Fletching (TBC). Led by Sue Berry of Mid Sussex Ramblers. Location Fletching Parish Hall car park. Optional later start at points nearer Lewes Date 14 Wed

Time Dawn to 4pm Admission £6 for minibus. Space is limited. Contact [email protected] Tel 01825 723768 Booking Form Please visit http://sussexpast.co.uk/battle-of-lewes-main/battle-of-lewes-750-may-2014

Historical Fact: Henry III’s Expectations The King and his advisers expected to win; they rejected terms for peace put forward on behalf of the Barons by the Bishop of Chichester.


WALKS AND EXHIBITIONS

The Arrival of de Montfort

(Part of the Dawn March on Lewes)

Greet the Ramblers Join the cheering crowd of costumed stitchers from the Battle of Lewes Tapestry and medieval troubadours to help greet the ramblers from de Montfort's army as they arrive to storm the Westgate. (Please see pages 6 and 11.) Location Westgate Car Park Date Wed 14

Time ETA 12pm Further details will be posted on twitter @LewesBattle. Admission Free

Historical Fact: Prince Edward The Lord Edward committed the cardinal error of a cavalry commander in pursuing his routed opponents, the Londoners, off the field, giving Montfort’s forces an advantage.

Showdown at the Windmill:

How a Small Army Defeated a King at

(Part of Tales and Trails) Exhibition of Cartoon Panels Cartoons describing a major skirmish in the battle. Accompanied by a handmade diorama of the Battle at the Windmill. Peter Cole, artist. Location Barbican House Museum Date 3 Sat onwards

Time 10 - 5:30pm (11 - 5:30pm Suns and Mons) Admission Admission price

(Ralph Basset of Drayton)

Banners

Street-Based Exhibition Event Featuring the coats of arms of battle participants. Sponsored by local businesses and organisations. Painted by inmates at Lewes Prison. The Battle of Lewes was fought in the streets of the town itself. "Banners" aims to bring some colour and spectacle to Lewes. Location Selected lamp posts, buildings and entrances into town. Date May throughout summer Time N/A Admission Free

The Battle of Lewes Tapestry

(Part of Tales and Trails) A Commemorative Tapestry This was stitched by local embroiderers to mark the battle’s 750th anniversary. It tells the story of the battle using appropriate 13th century embroidery techniques. Drawings by Lewes artist Tom Walker. By invitation only. Unveiling by Dr Louise Wilkinson, 14 Wed. (Please see page 11 ‘How the Battle of Lewes Tapestry came about.’)

Location Barbican House Museum Date 14 Wed onwards

Time 10 - 5:30pm (11- 5:30pm Suns and Mons) Admission Admission price


EXHIBITIONS AND TALKS

Schools Art and Creative Writing

Competition

Art and Creative Writing Exhibition of top entries from Lewes-wide schools. (Organised by the Rotary Club of Lewes.)

The aim is to excite and interest children in the battle and its legacy. Art Competition All media is welcome.

Creative Writing Competition Students explore through essays and poems what it was like to fight and which side. Older students explore philosophical questions.

Judging is on 9 Fri (pm) and will be led by Councillor Michael Chartier and Mayor Ruth O’Keefe.

Exhibition will be held in two locations: (For all entries) Location Church of St John sub Castro Date 10 Sat and 17 Sat Time 9 - 5pm (For winning entries) Location Town Hall Foyer Date 12 Mon - 16 Fri Time 9 - 5pm Admission Free (Artwork: a triumphant Simon de Montfort approaching Royalist held Lewes Castle. Artist - Matthew Gardner, St. Peters C.E. Primary School, North Chailey)

Historical Fact: Londoners Were Divided Some of the aldermanic oligarchy supported the King but many inhabitants were rabidly anti-alien and the mob had attacked aliens and royalists.

Medieval Marquee

(Part of the Battle of Lewes Story)

Lewes in 1264 and the Battle Drop in for a chat about 1264 with some of our resident experts. Learn about heraldry and discover who fought at the battle. There may even be a chance to try on some armour. Location Lewes Castle Gun Garden Date 11 Sun - Thu 15 Time 12 - 4pm daily Admission Free to the marquee. Does not include entry to the rest of the castle site.

TAILS AND TRAILS

(Part of the Battle of Lewes Story)

Daily throughout May Activities, trails, displays and exhibitions including the Battle of Lewes Tapestry, a battle diorama, battlefield archaeology, photographs and documents. Plus the story of the battle re-told in graphic panels and a chance to examine a garment made using medieval techniques. Location Barbican House Museum Date 14 Wed onwards

Time 10 - 5.30pm (11 - 5.30pm Suns and Mons) Admission Included with admission


TALKS AND EXHIBITIONS

BATTLE BITES A Series of Free Lunchtime

Talks on Medieval Life. (Part of the Battle of Lewes Story)

Free Lunchtime Talks Picnics welcome. Limited places. Booking essential. Tickets will be available after April 1 from www.sussexpast.co.uk or Lewes Castle. The Knights Of 1264 With the castle’s Knight in Residence Jon Gunson. Location Lewes Castle Gun Garden Date 11 Sun Time 1:15 - 1:45 pm Admission Free Lewes In 1264 With John Bleach. What did Lewes look like in 1264? Location Lewes Castle Gun Garden Date 12 Mon Time 1:15 - 1:45 pm Admission Free

Dresses, Decoration and Democracy With Joanna Wilkins. Life in 13th century England. Location Lewes Castle Gun Garden Date 13 Tue Time 1.15 - 1.45 pm Admission Free The Victorians and the Battle of Lewes. With Michael Chartier. How have attitudes to the battle changed? Location Lewes Castle Gun Garden Date 15 Thu Time 1:15 - 1:45 pm Admission Free

MEDIEVAL NIGHTS

(Part Of The Battle Of Lewes Story)

Talks, Late-Night Opening and Twilight Views from the Keep Medieval Nights includes a series of talks by experts in their field. Limited places. Booking essential. Ticket prices vary. They will be available after April 1. Please visit www.sussexpast.co.uk or Lewes Castle. Tel 01273 486290 The Battle of Lewes: The Context and the Event A talk by Professor David Carpenter, a leading expert on the battle. Refreshments available. Location Lewes Castle Gun Garden Date 12 Mon Time 7 - 8:30 pm. Admission £6 The Archaeology of Landport Bottom Finds Liaison Officer Stephanie Smith tells the story of Landport

Bottom and reveals the results of the recent archaeological survey. Location Lewes Castle Gun Garden Date 13 Tue Time 6 - 7.30 pm Admission £6 Late Night Opening at the Castle Soak up the atmosphere on the anniversary of the battle with a twilight view from the keep. Drinks available. Location Lewes Castle Gun Garden Date 14 Wed Time 5:30 - 8 pm Admission Normal admission price Death in Lewes. A Medieval Mystery Solved? Experts come together to discuss the battle’s epicentre and reveal surprise news about a skeleton uncovered at the site of the medieval hospital of St Nicholas in 1994. Location Lewes Castle Gun Garden Date 15 Thu Time 6.30 - 8.30 pm Admission £10


TALKS AND EXHIBITIONS

(Simon De Montfort)

Lewes Loves Freedom ‘What does freedom mean

to you?’ Social Media Campaign Inspired by a 1929 newspaper piece on a proposed memorial scheme by Mr H. L. Smith. He wanted to commemorate the Battle of Lewes. This was outlined during a meeting of Lewes Chamber of Commerce, held in the White Hart. This is open to all. It explores the following: ‘What does freedom mean to you?’ The Tourist Information Centre will be displaying messages in their Lewes branch window throughout the commemorations. (Please see page 3.)

Twitter: @LewesFreedom Instagram: #Freedom2014

The History and Archaeology of Landport Bottom

(Part of Tales and Trails) Display Of Artefacts Includes a display of old photographs of the battlefield and the artefacts which were found during the recent archaeological survey. Location Barbican House Museum Date 14 Wed onwards

Time 10 - 5:30pm (11 - 5:30pm Suns and Mons) Admission Admission price

Historical Fact: Eleanor of Provence The Lord Edward’s animosity to the Londoners was fired by his anger at the way they had treated his mother. When, in July 1263, the Queen set off from the Tower of London to go by boat to Windsor, she was showered with eggs, stones and insults as she tried to pass under London Bridge.

Dr Graham Mayhew

on the Battle of Lewes

Talk On The Battle Of Lewes Dr Mayhew gives a talk on the Battle. Location Anne of Cleves House 52, Southover High St, Lewes BN7 1JA. Tel: 01273 474610 Date 16 Fri

Time 7:30pm Admission Part of Museums at Night.

Historical Fact: Six Weeks prior to the battle de Montfort and his barons swore an oath of mutual support with the Mayor and commune of London only six weeks before the Battle of Lewes. This would explain the contingent of Londoners who made up the left flank of de Montfort’s army at the battle.


EXHIBITIONS AND CEREMONY

How the Battle of Lewes Tapestry came about

(Part of Tales and Trails) Meet the Stitchers of the Battle of Lewes Tapestry. Find out what happened in the battle, how the stitchers met and how and why they created this permanent memorial to the Battle of Lewes. An exclusive opportunity to visit the tapestry free of charge will be included. (Please see page 8 for details on the tapestry.) Location Barbican House Museum Date 17 Sat Time 11:30 - 12:30 Admission Free but booking essential. Very limited places. Please visit www.sussexpast.co.uk

The Tunic Project

Brighton and Hove Textile Arts Group TAG have made a tunic for a working person c1264. Following closely as possible the methods used in medieval times. The group researched the shape, spun and wove, using Romney fleece. It can be seen at the following locations: Location CHALKlife Festival With Medieval Mayhem (Please see page 4.) Date 3 Sat Time 11am - 4pm Admission Free

Location Barbican House Museum Date From 10 Sat (please check on the day)

Time Opening times Admission Admission price

Battle of Lewes Monument Ceremony

Newly-Bronzed Pictorial Panels Revealed The Mayor will officiate in the presence of distinguished guests. Location Lewes Priory Park Date 14 Wed

Time 3pm Admission Free


RELATED EVENTS AND PRODUCTS

The Battle of Lewes Commemorative Notes

‘Local Power Reclaimed’ New Lewes Pound notes to commemorate the Battle of Lewes. These were designed by local school pupils. The official Battle of Lewes logo will feature on the back of the £5 note. There are three easy ways to change your Sterling for Lewes Pounds: 1. Visit one of the issuing points -

see page 3 for list of retailers and events.

2. Download the list of issuing points

with contact details from the website: www.thelewespound.org

3. Ask for Lewes Pounds in change, whenever you buy an item at one of the shops listed.

Battle Of Lewes

Banquet Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner and Auction For the Lewes Community Football Club. Four course feast. Entertainment includes cabaret from West End musical star Julian Littman, The 1264 And All That Band and special guests. Black tie or medieval costume. Location Lewes Town Hall Date 9 Fri Time Doors open 6pm for 7pm Admission £45 Tickets available from Lewes www.battleoflewes.com

Priory Ale

A New Ale Produced by local brewers Harveys to commemorate the battle. Check out the local pubs and Harveys’ own shop.

Historical Fact: After The Battle The King was kept in virtual imprisonment until the battle of Evesham as a figure head of Montfort’s government. Henry III’s brother, son and nephews were imprisoned in various castles. Nothing like this had happened to the royal family before. (Richard I was imprisoned by foreign ‘enemies’ whilst abroad.)

Battle of Lewes – An Alphabet

The Lewes Printmakers This book is a set of 26 individual print reproductions with a 16-page booklet. The prints and text are the work of sixteen local artists. The subject for each letter and manner of interpretation were left entirely at the printmakers’ discretion. The results bring context and insight into a number of the Battle’s less well-known aspects. Price £12 Sold at Tom Paine Printing Press, 151 High Street, Lewes


BATTLE PLAN WITH COATS OF ARMS AND BATTLE COLOURS


THEN AND NOW: May 1964 ‘Bang For Each 100 Years On ‘B’ Day’ (Sussex Express and County Herald, Friday May 15th, 1964) Below are some of the events which marked the ‘Seventh Century’ celebrations. 7am from Castle Banks, Thurs 14th, seven explosions from maroons awakened Lewesians (in charge - Mr. R.D. Gillett, Hon. Secretary of Lewes Bonfire Council). 7:30am ‘came the tolling of the great bell, Gabriel,’ at Market Tower; tolling seven times throughout the day. Odeon cinema organised special programmes for children. Mr Otis Smith, Mayor of Lewes, Delaware and his wife took part in many of the commemorations. They unveiled the ‘Delaware Road’ street sign, Winterbourne Estate. An oak sapling was planted in Southover Grange gardens by the two mayors. Its acorn was taken from an oak planted by Jane Austen in her Hampshire garden. Sat 9th, 1964 Carnival Procession. From the motor roads, Lewes Race Course, it made its way ‘of Nevill -

road, High-street, Friars-walk, Landsdown-place, Station-approach, Mountfield-road, Ham-lane to the Priory.’ It was led by the Royal Marines from Portsmouth. Up to 50 vehicles took part. Bands included Uckfield and District, Eastbourne Sea Cadet Corps and the 1st Lewes Co. of The Boys Brigade. Floats included Raystede Rescue Centre for Animals, East Sussex Road Safety Organisation. and Lewes Tape Recording Club. The East Sussex School of Agriculture, Plumpton took part in the procession with wooden cow and slogan ‘ A Daily Pinta Made Simon A Fighta.’ Fete in the Priory Grounds Sheep dog display, parade of the Southdown Foxhounds and pushball competition. Bands: Eastbourne Sea Cadets and Eastbourne Scottish Pipe Band. Exhibitions by the East Sussex Division, Civil Defence (Lewes and Chailey Branch), a 25 - pounder gun of the 257 Yeomanry Regiment and vintage motorcycles. Stalls included a lucky dip, white elephant, a jumble, penny-a-roll. 7000 attended.

‘A Taste of Old England’ Wines and English cheeses were enjoyed in the Town Hall. Profits donated to local charities. An ox roast (1,080lbs) fed 50 people, including MP Sir Tufton and Lady Beamish An Anniversary Ball (Town Hall) was arranged by ‘three Lewes sports clubs’ - hockey, rugby and cricket. Sunday 10th May, 1964 ‘Seventh Centenary Of The Battle of Lewes Commemorative Service’ A special service was held on the Old Fair Ground. Participants included: Archdeacon of Lewes; the Mayor’s Chaplain; Rev F. R. Sage, Eastgate Baptist Church; Mayor of Lewes; Council members; the Glynde and Beddingham Band. Hymns sung and words spoken, followed by a blessing. The bells at Southover church were pealed by The Sussex County Association of Change Ringers - in three hours and seven minutes they ‘rang a peal of 5,040 changes of Bob Royal. The composer was Mr. J. Carter. Mr. W. L. Weller, conductor. Exhibition staged at Anne of Cleeves by the Sussex Archaeological Society.

Students from nine schools in Lewes, together, gave a concert in the Town Hall. A medieval tavern created in the entrance hall, Southover Grange (Lewes Committee of the Freedom From Hunger Campaign). At nightfall, ‘all four bonfire societies’ displayed a 2,000 torch lit procession, tableaux of St George and the Dragon (Cliffe) and Lewes Barbican (Commercial Square), with 300 torches ‘picked out in fire, 1264 in giant numerals.’ Publications And Further Reading: The Second Barons' War Simon de Monfort and the Battles of Lewes & Evesham by Sadler, J. Pub: Pen & Sword Military ISBN: 9781844158317 (2008) Battle Royal (out of print) Beamish, T. Pub: Frederick Muller Ltd (1965) UK Battlefields Resource Centre (created by The Battlefields Trust) www.battlefieldstrust.com/resource-centre/medieval/battleview.asp? BattleFieldId=22


INTERVIEWS AND STORIES

Message from Councillor Michael Chartier

The 750th anniversary of the Battle of Lewes provides us with the opportunity to share with visitors to the town the unique nature of Lewes its beauty and heritage. This is also a special anniversary that should be remembered and marked. There are a range of activities and events during the festival and I am certain that there will be something for everyone. Finally let's make this May a month to remember, Lewes at its best.

Remembering the 700th Anniversary of the Battle of Lewes

I attended Pells Junior School in 1963 when the headmaster, Mr Turner, was my teacher. With great foresight he chose a medieval theme for our school play that year and also ensured it had an enormous cast. The result of this was that scores of us kids were owners of medieval costumes a whole year ahead of the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Lewes. Of the anniversary events I remember most vividly the torchlight parade made by thousands of Bonfire Boys and Girls. I also went to the big fete down on the Convent Field where an entire ox was roasted. The helmet memorial was pretty impressive too. So was I in costume? No. You see, a year is a lot of growing time when you are 11. When I went to try on my outfit in May 1964 I found it was far too small for me! David Arnold, Lewesian

The Re-Enactment Societies

Many societies will participate in The Battle Royal 750, bringing experience and knowledge from as far as Scotland, Eire and Sweden. Francis Burrows (Swords of Albion) is director and field marshal. Significant contributions come from Ian Denyer. Re-enactors will also take part in CHALKlife Festival Medieval Mayhem. (Please see pages 3 - 4.) Swords of Albion Sussex (Host Group) portray Simon de Montfort & Henry III. Formed in the late ‘70s, members are coming out of retirement for this. (King and de Montfort were in their mid-fifties.) Free Men of Blean, Canterbury portray Prince Edward and Men at Arms. They combine combat and an accurate depiction of campaign life. Vignettes: Charge of Prince Edward, The Gallops and castle. Phoenix Norfolk will create a living history encampment in the Dripping Pan.

Greensand Rangers Scotland Led by Fergus Cannan-Braniff, medieval historian specialising in medieval military history. Portray Robert De Bruce, Snelling’s Mill. The White Horse Living History Society, Ireland regularly portray the de Clares in re-enactments. Portray Gilbert de Clare & Men at Arms. Surrender at the Windmill. Echoes from History Rochester portray townsfolk, Lewes castle. They provide activities and lessons at schools and colleges; arrange study days, visits, talks and classes on medieval life. Prior Stephen, Knight Hospitaller West Sussex A re-enactor will give impromptu talks and demonstrations at Lewes Priory. The Greyhounds of St Edmund Bury St Edmunds portray Richard of Cornwall and Men at Arms. They are re-enactors and living history enthusiasts. Surrender at The Windmill. Crusade All over England portray men-at-arms and will participate at all four vignettes.

THE BATTLE OF LEWES 750 - Sussex Past · We hope the ‘Battle of Lewes 750’ will be successful...

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Transcript of THE BATTLE OF LEWES 750 - Sussex Past · We hope the ‘Battle of Lewes 750’ will be successful...