Heritage Open day

Saturday 9th September 2023

We caught the earlier ferry back today - the water was like a millpond! Then straight round to pick up the cats and go home. This weekend is Heritage Open day around the UK and quite a few places are open in Lewes that you dont normally get to see. So we set off to see as many as we could. Clockwise from the top. The Malcolm Rose harpsichord and spinet makers in English Passage. This is an old black and white building hidden down one of the small lanes in Lewes - wonderfully restored building but also an amazing array of the instruments that he has made - the details were amazing. Then into the Jireh chapel, which was totally unexpected inside - wooden box pews everywhere and a large gallery around the top. Apparently it has had 1000 people in it - but nowadays he says they just manage to fill the front row. Reeves the photographers next - an old building with this studio which actually is next to Lewes castle! They have an amazing archive, it was set up in 1858 and has stayed on the family all this time. Really interesting to see the old photos and recognise the background that is still in the studio today! Nearby was an old jewellers workshop, the picture is of the basement where they still work and hold classes - again absolutely fascinating. What a rich history in these buildings. In the evening we went to the old Priory ruins as they were lit up by candlelight - very atmospheric! Busy day!