Lewestown (parish), Lewes district, administrative county of East Sussex, historic county of Sussex, southeastern England. Lewes It lies at a gap in the South Downs and along the River Ouse where it is still tidal.


The town was the site of the 16th-century persecution of 17 Protestant martyrs, whose burning is commemorated as part of the unique local celebration of Guy Fawkes Day. Six bonfire societies with familial roots dating back generations stage an extraordinary parade through Lewes’s narrow streets before separating for private bonfires and fireworks celebrations.

A historic assize town, Lewes in modern times has developed as the county town (seat) of East Sussex. Tourism is important to the economy (though tourists are generally discouraged from attending the Guy Fawkes Day celebrations), and there also are some light industries. Glyndebourne, the world-famous opera centre, is only 3 miles (5 km) from the town. Pop. (2001) 15,988; (2011) 17,297.