Clocks of Lewes Walk
Lewes House, 32 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2LX
The town of Lewes has several notable clocks which have played an important role in the town's history and in the past a vital public service as few would own a time piece or watch, let alone a mobile phone.
The clock to St Thomas a Becket Church in the Cliffe district of the town caused the expenditure of a considerable sum having been originally made in 1670 by Ditchling blacksmith, James Looker, who is recorded as a 'turret clock maker' for Lewes from 1664 to 1670. Recently, the mechanism of this clock has been restored requiring it to be wound at regular intervals. Expenditure on different clocks in the town has continued at intervals highlighting the value that is placed on them and the importance to public life. The walk will provide an understanding of the changes that have been made to ensure they remain operational and how their original provision and upkeep have been financed.
Lewes’s Market Tower, a Grade-II listed building, was constructed from red and brown brick in 1792 and includes a clock with a crest below depicting the arms of Lewes. The St John the Baptist in Southover is another church which is also wound manually.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 14 September:
- 11.00
- Sunday 15 September:
- 10.30
Location & directions
Lewes House, 32 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2LX
- Directions:
- The walk starts from Lewes House situated at 32 High Street, on the south side just below the war memorial. Participants are asked to go through Lewes House to the garden where the leader of the walk and stewards will be there to greet you. There are toilets at Lewes House and refreshments are being served by the Lewes House Therapeutic Garden Group. Within the house there are exhibitions prepared by the Friends of Lewes about its work in the town and also Lewes History Group who have an exhibition about its activities and a display showing the results of street stories work undertaken by its members, some of which will reflect the Routes, Networks, Connections theme of the festival.
- Contact on day:
- [email protected]
- Telephone number:
- +447772031269
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- You can book the walk free of charge by clicking on the appropriate link to the Eventbrite website. You will need to set up a user name and password if you have not booked through Eventbrite before. For walks which happen more than once, you will be able to select the day you want. You will receive confirmation of your booking by email, but you do not need to print out the email to attend. Walks can be oversubscribed so if you find you cannot make it please cancel your place by logging on again
- Booking contact name:
- Peter Earl
- Booking telephone number:
- +447772031269
- Booking website:
- https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lewes-clocks-walk-tickets-965057501967
- Booking opens:
- 23 Aug 2024 01:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 13 Sep 2024 12:00 PM
Accessibility details
The walk involves the use of public street and accesses to buildings where there are steep steps and uneven surfaces. Participants should wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for inclement weather. When climbing or descending stairs the handrail must be held at all times.
Additional information
- Max no of people per tour:
- 12
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s) 15 minute(s)
