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Jaime
Kaminski
Sussex Archaeological Society
Barbican House
169 High Street
Lewes
BN8 1YE
The striking rectangular pattern of the central Lewes streets is considered in its historical context. The absence of evidence for Roman settlement of the town and its first recorded appearance in the Burghal Hidage suggest an early Saxon origin. Detailed measurements of the layout of features of the town lead to a comparison with Hidage towns such as Wareham and Cricklade which were deliberately laid out as fortified settlements in the mid to late ninth century. It is concluded that Lewes fits this pattern. Based on this and recent discoveries, an estimate of the probable position of the Burgh Ditch is made.