The keep has undergone extensive repairs during the last centuries, culminating in the present layout you will now see on your visit. It was Thomas Read Kemp, Esq., who made many of the repairs which helped save the keep from total disintegration and made it possible for us to enjoy it today. In past times, one turret was occupied by an old servant of Mr. Kemp, who derived both pleasure and profit by coducting tours over the ruins of the castle.

 

View of the keep from the gun garden below

 

The fortification on the eastern mound, Brack Mount, was destroyed many centuries ago and nothing remains except for the foundations. It is here that William de Warenne is supposed to have sited his first castle which was probably made from wood. At this time, the threat from attack would have been more likely to have come from the north than elsewhere, so a defensive structure here would afford some protection for the town. The layout would likely to have consisted of a watch tower at the top of the mound surrounded by a palisade, with further space provided for the horses, retainers and supplies. This was fine as a temporary structure, but as wood was susceptible to fire, damage and attackers, a more permanent building was required. This stonework has all but vanished over the years, much being taken for building materials which may be incorporated in many of the town houses. There are some drawings and paintings which show evidence of stonework here, but alas, it is now lost forever in the annals of time.

                   

On the left is the east tower of the keep - the rooftop here is the highest point of the castle. The western tower of the keep on the right, holds the statues of Hercules and Minerva. This tower has never been fully restored and it consists of only the ground floor. The tree in the photograph here is probably the site of the keep well which would have been important in the castle design. There would also have been another in the bailey of the castle for the rest of the defenders.

 

 

See the Mount Harry page on the Lewes castle navigation bar on the left to read about the battle that took place there.

 

 

 

Photographs of the views from the roof of the keep are on the Lewes castle navigation bar. Each will load in a seperate window

 

 

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