Lewes Town Hall

Redbrick building reconstructed in 1893 from the Star Inn which was the principal inn of the town. The grand Elizabethan staircase in the main entrance hall was bought and installed by the then owner of the Inn when he was rebuilding in 1730. The present Council Chamber, to which the staircase now leads, was built in 1830, and houses the Town's, and former Borough's plate, maces, weight and regalia (can be viewed by arrangement with Town Hall staff). A plaque on the front wall commemorates the 17 protestant martyrs burnt at the stake outside in 1555-57, during the reign of Henry VIII's Catholic daughter, Queen Mary Tudor. The death of the Martyrs gave rise to the town's Bonfire tradition. Below the Town Hall is the 14th century vaulted cellar which is where some of the Martyrs were confined prior to their execution. On the Downs at the end of Cliffe High Street, and visible from the Town Hall, is an Obelisk erected in their memory.