Anne of Cleeves House

There is a lovely timber-framed medieval house found in Lewes which dates back to the 15th century. Given to Anne of Cleves at the end of her brief marriage to Henry VIII it is now known as The Anne of Cleves House Museum, although she never actually lived there. Owned and maintained by the Sussex Archaeological Society, the beautifully restored house and its exhibits give visitors a fascinating glimpse of Tudor life.

The timbered house is beautifully laid out with a Tudor kitchen, a parlour and a large bedroom with a four poster bed. The garden is inspired by a traditional Tudor scheme, planted with herbs, shrubs and fruit trees appropriate to that period.

The central hall is the oldest part of the house still standing today, dating from the 15th century. The house was originally linked to Lewes Priory and was built to house the many pilgrims who came to visit what was then one of the wealthiest priories in the south-east of England.

The house is a lovely place to visit, offering a fascinating look at life in Tudor England, and is well worth a visit.

Anne of Cleves House Museum,

52 Southover High St,

Lewes

BN7 1JA

You can read about ‘One End Street’ and author, Eve Garnett’s link to Lewes here and ‘Bag of Books, Lewes’ brilliant bookshop here. My review of ‘Six Queens’ by Lydia Monks can be found here.