Lewes Market Tower refurbishment and repairs

We will be carrying out works to improve the safety of the Market Tower over the coming months, in two phases.

Phase one: Repairs to windows, doors and lighting

A planning application has been submitted to South Downs National Park for these works, details of which are available on the South Downs National Park planning portal using the reference SDNP/24/02451/LIS
 

Phase 2: Canopy roof replacement and bell tower structural works 

This will focus on replacement of the canopy roof and structural support works to the historic bell tower, with an emphasis on timber rather than steel supports. We will be consulting local stakeholders over potential designs, and a further planning application will follow later in the year.
 

History of the Market Tower

The idea for the tower was first conceived in 1786, when a Town Meeting resolved to build a tower to house the Town Bell 'Old Gabriel' and the Town Clock.

They agreed with Lord Hampden of Glynde to lay out the market on land he owned to the East of the Crown Inn. The Town Tower, now known as the Market Tower, was built in 1792; the same year in which Tom Paine published his seminal work: 'The Rights of Man'. 

In modern times the Market Tower has been in use as the headquarters of the Lewes Operatic Society. In 2009, the Society kindly agreed to relinquish space on the ground floor to allow more community groups to use the space.

The Tower plays host to the Lewes Friday market, a much-loved weekly market showcasing local growers and producers. To find out more visit www.lewesfoodmarket.co.uk 

For more information

If you have any questions about this, please email property@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk 

We will publish further updates on this page when available.