South view of Lewes priory and castle engraved by S and N Buck, 1737. ESRO: PDA L1b
The priory was founded in 1077 by William de Warenne, who fought at Hastings, and his wife Grundrada.
William de Warenne was granted Lewes Rape by William the Conqueror and built Lewes Castle as his headquarters. After the Conqueror’s death in 1087, Warenne supported William Rufus to succeed William as king. Other lords, including Robert of Mortain, supported Robert Curthose, William the Conqueror’s elder son, who was Duke of Normandy. Warenne besieged Mortain at Pevensey and died when he was wounded in the leg during the campaign in 1088.
South view of the gateway of Lewes Castle, drawn by Lambert, etched by Basire, 1785. ESRO, PDA L 45
Lewes Castle, 1785 and c 1795. ESRO: PDA L 20b; PDA L 22.
Lewes priory. An engraving by Godfrey, 1765. ESRO: PDA L9e
Lewes priory. An engraving by Sparrow, 1765. ESRO, PDA L10
Ruins of Lewes priory (M Hughes)