The Ghosts of Lewes Castle

Lewes Castle, built shortly after the Norman Conquest, dominates the ancient town of Lewes in East Sussex. The castle and town have witnessed nearly a thousand years of history, including religious persecution that left spiritual scars still felt today.

The Castle

William de Warenne built Lewes Castle after 1069 to control the surrounding area. The unusual double motte design makes it architecturally significant. The castle saw action in the Battle of Lewes in 1264 when Simon de Montfort defeated King Henry III.

The Grey Monks

Figures in grey monastic robes have been seen near the castle ruins, particularly around the Barbican Gate. They may be connected to the Priory of St Pancras, once one of England’s largest monastic houses, now largely vanished.

The Martyrs

Lewes has a dark history of religious persecution. During the Marian persecutions of the 1550s, seventeen Protestant martyrs were burned at the stake in the town. Their spirits are said to walk, particularly on November 5th when the town holds its famous Bonfire Night celebrations.

The Battle Ghosts

The 1264 Battle of Lewes left hundreds dead. Knights and soldiers from that medieval conflict have been seen on the Downs above the town. The clash of steel and cries of the wounded have been heard on the anniversary of the battle.

The Prison Cells

The castle’s Barbican served as the town prison for centuries. Prisoners were held in harsh conditions, and some died within its walls. Their spirits remain, with visitors reporting feelings of despair, cold spots, and glimpses of ragged figures.

Assessment

Lewes Castle and its town represent a concentration of historical trauma: conquest, battle, and religious martyrdom. The spiritual residue of these events makes Lewes one of Sussex’s most haunted locations.