Seaward Sussex - The South Downs from End to End by Edric Holmes
page 32 of 191 (16%)
page 32 of 191 (16%)
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those days); the book was written while Paine stayed with his
biographer, Thomas Rickman the bookseller, in London. Another famous resident of Lewes was John Evelyn, who spent a great part of his schooldays in the Grammer School at Southover. Here also was educated John Pell, the famous mathematician. A house at the end of the town on the Newhaven road belonged to the Shelleys, and Dr. Johnson once stayed here on his way to the Thrales in Brighton. The old "Star" Inn has been converted into municipal offices, but the fine front still remains and most of the old work in the interior. In the tower close by, in the Market-place, is "Great Gabriel," a bell dating, it is said, from the time of Henry III. Lower has the following lines on the bells of Lewes:-- "Oh, happy Lewes, waking or asleep, With faithful _hands_ your time _archangels_ keep! St. _Michael's_ voice the fleeting hour records, And _Gabriel_ loud repeats his brother's words; While humble _Cliffites_, ruled by meaner power, By Tom the _Archbishop_ regulate their hour." It was hereabouts that a great burning of heretics took place in 1557. Among the honoured names recorded upon the Martyr's Memorial is that of Richard Woodman, ironmaster, of Warbleton, whose protests against his pastor's weathercock attitude during the Marian persecutions resulted in the stake. The memorial perpetuates the names of sixteen persons who suffered the fiery death at this time. The consequence is that the zeal |
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