A Turbulent History of Pub Life in a Market Town

By Matthew Homewood

Lewes was once famous for having ‘7 churches, 7 breweries, and 70 pubs’. Although much has been written about Lewes pubs themselves, little has been researched on the people within these establishments.

This talk will take an intriguing look at the landlords, landladies, and customers, and the highs and lows of the pub trade. From the smoking concerts, social clubs and family celebrations, to the mass closing of many of the town’s popular inns and taverns, causing much heartbreak for landlords and customers alike.

The high number of pubs in the town inevitably resulted in much drunkenness. This reached its height during the Edwardian period, and many an amusing tale will be told about the drunken behaviour (by both men and women) at that time.