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Take a step back 750 years to one of England’s most famous battles



Take a step back 750 years to one of England’s most famous battles

June 7, 2022

Man and woman in period outfits next to interpretation panel for the Battle of Lewes Walking Trail

A fascinating walking trail that delves into one of the most important battles in English history has been launched in the South Downs National Park.

The audio-visual trail allows people to step back in time 750 years to find out more about the Battle of Lewes – an event that laid the foundations for parliamentary democracy.

Taking in stunning downland views and the beautiful town of Lewes, the trail navigates Landport Bottom, where the battle was fought on 14 May, 1264.

As they stroll around the site, walkers will be able to watch six short films on their phones, accessed via QR codes or NFC tags. Each unique film, produced by The Company and incorporating experts and reenactors, tells the story of the battle from a different perspective.

Local actor Mark Williams, best known for playing Arthur Weasley in the Harry Potter franchise, narrates the films, taking walkers into the heart of the fighting and the politics that went with it.

The history of the battle is well-researched and continues to be celebrated in Lewes today. On 14 May 1264, two armies clashed on the hills above Lewes town. At stake was King Henry III’s right to rule without taking advice from his subjects.

The rebel army, led by Simon de Montfort, fought and won the battle against the King’s army, and de Montfort effectively took control of the country’s government.

In 1265, he summoned a council – or parliament – where, for the first time in English history, elected representatives from towns sat alongside knights and churchmen, to discuss affairs of state.

A special ceremony took place at Landport Bottom last week to mark the opening of the trail, with Mayor of Lewes, Cllr Shirley-Anne Sains, cutting the ribbon. The trail has also been supported by Lewes Town Council, The Chalk Cliff Trust and The Battlefields Trust.

There were some mighty roars and high-energy clashes as a mock battle took place with historical re-enactors and children from Wallands Primary School, complete with inflatable swords.

Cllr Sains said: “This is a wonderful initiative and something that is uniquely Lewes.”

John Freeman, from The Battlefields Trust, said: “This was a major step forward towards parliamentary democracy. Not many battles can say they altered something as large as parliamentary democracy. The trail takes in some key parts of the Downs and has some lovely views of the National Park.”

National Park Ranger Jan Knowlson, who ran the project alongside fellow ranger Mark Hayward, added: “This project was a great collaboration between the Lewes Town Council, Chalk Cliff Trust, The Battlefields Trust, The Company and ourselves.

“The films will be a lasting legacy – showing the history in such an engaging way, you don’t realise you’re learning! It really connects you to the landscape around you.”

The films are accessed via small plaques and information lecterns around the Landport Bottom site. Either scan the QR or simply tab your NFC-enabled phone (most smart phones have this) on the plaque to play the film.

Getting to Landport Bottom:

Landport Bottom is best reached by public transport. Get the train to Lewes town and there are a number of Compass buses that will drop you off near Highdown Road off Nevill Road, just a short walk away from the site.

Alternatively, if you’re coming by car, there is small lay-by on Nevill Road where you can follow the public footpath on to the site. East Sussex County Hall Car Park is the nearest main car park.