Norman Conquest Encyclopedia

The town of Lewes, in Sussex, was an important seaport until the River Ouse silted up the estuary and a New Haven had to be made on the new seashore. The Priory at Lewes was, with Battle Abbey, one of two new religious houses founded soon after the conquest. Its ruins may be seen there today. The town is dominated by the motte of the castle built by William de Warenne, crowned with a keep or donjon. There are, in fact, two mottes at Lewes, with an ancient bowling green between them. The castle is in the care of English Heritage; for visiting information telephone 01273 486290.

See also: Battle Abbey; castle; donjon; keep; motte