Ironworks of Lewes

The towns Iron foundries were a major employer in Lewes in much of the 19th and 20th centuries. This walk will visit the sites of three major iron founders/engineers active during some of this time. The ETNA works, The Phoenix Ironworks and The Ebenezer Morris Iron Foundry in the aptly named Foundry Lane will be visited. The walk will uncover where these businesses were based, their origins and how they evolved, and what they produced. Tales of lunatic owners and absent apprentices will be uncovered. Examples of existing, functioning cast Iron work will be viewed and discussed.

The walk is led by David Joyce a local historian with specialist knowledge of the ironworks industry in the town.

Timings

Friday 11 September:

14.00

Saturday 12 September:

10.30

Location & directions

Lewes House, 32 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2LX

Directions:

The walk will commence at Lewes House at 32 High Street, situated just below the towns War Memorial on the south side of the High Street. Participants are asked to go through Lewes House to the garden where the leader of the walk and stewards will be there to greet you. There are toilets at Lewes House and refreshments are being served by the Lewes House Garden Group (Saturday only). Within the house there are exhibitions prepared by the Friends of Lewes about its work in the town and also Lewes History Group who have an exhibition about its activities and a display showing the results of street stories work undertaken by its members, some of which will reflect the theme of the Festival.

Contact on day:

Peter Earl

Telephone number:

+447772031269

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

There is a high demand for all the walking tours organised as part of the Lewes Heritage Open Days Festival. Should you find that you are unable to participate in a particular walk or tour please cancel your booking ASAP. Out of respect to the leader of the walk and the organisers, if you find you are unable to join the walk on the day please get a message to the organisers so that your place can be offered to others.

Booking website:

https://friends-of-lewes.org.uk/hod2026/

Booking opens:

20 Aug 2026 09:00 AM

Booking closes:

11 Sep 2026 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

The walk takes place along public streets where there are areas of unevenness and narrow pavements. Being outside, inclement weather may be encountered and all participants should wear suitable clothing and footwear. Bus stops serving the 28 and 29 bus routes to Brighton, Heathfield, Uckfield, Tunbridge Wells, Eastbourne, Crowborough and Hailsham are located close by in the High Street.

Additional information

Max number of people:

15

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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