Anne of Cleves House

Before the Dissolution of the monasteries, this traditional Wealden type building had been owned by Lewes Priory and, until the early 20th century, was known as the Porched House. It is a remarkable example of medieval and late Elizabethan craftsmanship, where many of the original features have been well preserved.

When the marriage between Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves was annulled in 1541, she was given this house in Southover as part of her settlement, but it is doubtful whether she ever stayed at the property, or even visited it. After her death, the house again became Crown property until it was sold on three years later.

During the next 350 years Anne of Cleves house changed hands countless times, and the accommodation was altered to provide three separate units. For most of the time Anne of Cleves house was occupied by tenants, much as it was in her own lifetime. Eventually, in 1923 it was given to Sussex Archaeological Society who have since repaired and re-modelled the premises to provide a living museum within the walls of the old house.

An abundance of exposed timber beams, white plastered walls, and richly carved oak furniture help preserve the atmosphere of a substantial dwelling house, whilst displays of local artefacts create an historical insight into the surrounding area. On the ground floor several finds are exhibited from excavations carried out at Lewes Priory, including some beautiful pieces of carved stonework. As the property once formed part of the monastic estate, and probably incorporates some quarried materials from priory buildings destroyed after the Dissolution, it is an appropriate and poignant reminder of the house's origin.

The kitchen presents a fairly typical scene of the medieval era, there are some wonderful early 18th century tapestries hanging in one of the upper rooms, and examples of Victoriana in display cases in the Long Gallery. An entire room is dedicated to people and events associated with Lewes, and a recent gallery has been set up to show the history of the iron industry, an important part of Sussex life for several centuries. At the back of Anne of Cleves house is a small garden which gives an entirely different view of this fascinating building, much altered over its time yet seeming to have retained its original identity and charm.