a parliamentary borough and market-town of England, county of Sussex, on the Ouse, here crossed by a stone bridge, 8 miles N.E. of Brighton, and 50 miles S. of London by railway. It stands on a declivity sloping down to the water side, and is surrounded by hills. The inhabitants are principally employed in rope-making, brewing, tanning, and lime-burning, as well as in the grain, malt, and cattle trade. By the River Ouse, which becomes navigable 2 miles above the town, goods are sent down to Newhaven for shipment to London and other places.

Lewes is one of the oldest towns in England, and numerous remains of Roman art have been excavated in the town and neighbourhood. It was strongly fortified by the Saxons; and after the Norman conquest, when it fell to the lot of William de Warren, son-in-law of William I., a castle, the ruins of which occupy a commanding position above the town, was erected to keep the inhabitants in awe. Earl de Warren also founded a monastery here, now a ruin. In May 1264, the famous battle between Henry III. and the barons under Simon de Montfort was fought in the vicinity, when the latter were victorious. Lewes has returned two members of parliament from the time of Edward I. Pop. (1851) 9533.