LEWES CASTLE

'Lewes Castle' stands at the highest point of Lewes, East Sussex, England on an artificial mound built originally of chalk blocks. The original name was Bray Castle.
The original fortification was a wooden keep, later converted to stone. It is unusual for a motte and bailey construction because it has two mottes.
It was built in 1087 by William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey, the brother-in-Law of William the Conqueror. William de Warenne and his descendants also had estates and built castles in Reigate, Surrey (Reigate Castle) and in Yorkshire (Sandal Castle and Conisbrough Castle). When the last of the Warennes John, the 8th Earl died without issue in 1347, he was buried in Lewes monastery. His title passed to his nephew Richard Fitzalan who was also Earl of Arundel.
The Castle is currently host to a small souvenir shop attached to the mains structure, a museum in the rooms above the gate, and occasional events that take place in the Castle Gardens, such as concerts during Lewes Guitar Festival 2006. It is considered by many residents to be a prideful feature of the town's character, situated close to the High Street and viewable from much of the surrounding residential areas.

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