Publications
Lewes in Old Picture Postcards, by Bob Cairns, published December 1991 (80 pp., European Bibliotheek, ISBN-10: 902884709X & ISBN-13: 9789028847095) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Lewes Then and Now, Vol. 1, by Bill Young with Bob Cairns, published 30 November 1998 (96 pp., Seaford: S. B. Publications, ISBN-10: 1857701445 & ISBN-13: 9781857701449) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/502840] & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
A silver thread: a short history of Ringmer U3A, by Bob Cairns, published 2005 (16 pp., Ringmer: Ringmer U3A)
Lewes Through Time, by Bob Cairns, published 7 November 2012 (96 pp., Stroud: Amberley Publishing, ISBN-10: 1848688075 & ISBN-13: 9781848688070) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:The fascinating history of Lewes illustrated through old and modern pictures.
Review by John Bleach in Sussex Past & Present no. 129, April 2013:In respect of the photographic heritage of the town and its accessibility to researchers and other interested parties, Lewes is fortunate - and doubly so. Firstly, there survives a friendly photographic business (with a magnificent archive) that has been active in and around the town since the 1850s. Secondly, the Lewes area is home to a number of indefatigable collectors of postcards of local views who recognise the potential value of their respective collections to the social and local historian. One of the infatigables has selected some treasures from his collection (2,000 strong - and counting, I am reliably informed) and joined with Amberley Publishing to present this latest title in the 'Through Time' series.
The conjoining of 'then' and 'now' images is well-tried and tested (though this book does not stick rigidly to the familiar formulaic format), and results in a graphic presentation of the changes in townscape, traders and traffic over the last 100 years or so. Changes in businesses and road use are a given; alterations in the fabric of the townscape, also, are to be expected, but the amount of change can vary from town to town.
On the whole, and here I disagree with the tag to the photograph on page 2, Lewes has not been decimated, whether 'in the name of progress' or in the name of anything else. Change occurs - slum clearance in the 1930s (Westgate Street, page 48; lower North Street, page 70); war damage (Stag Hotel, North Street, page 68); post-war concern with inter alia traffic flow and car parking (Malling Street, pages 9, 11-13; Cliffe crossroads, page 22; Little East Street, page 69). And, always there will be a destructive fire or two or three or four - Lewes Sanitary Steam Laundry, now housing (page 5); The Bear Hotel, rebuilt as JCH Martin and now Argos (pages 27-8); Smith's, now Mimi and A & A Nails (page 41); Dusart's, now A & Y Cumming and Lewesiana (page 45).
But, the impression gained from reading and viewing Bob Cairns' informed and informative 'through time' journey around Malling, Cliffe, Lewes and Southover, is that much of the townscape fabric recorded in the early-20th century has survived. Further to this, some of the buildings that have appeared in the intervening years - the art deco of Argos, the restrained balconied statement of Mimi and A&A Nails, for example (both new builds on fire sites, I note) - are undoubtedly adornments to an essentially 19th century and earlier townscape.
The conjoining of 'then' and 'now' images is well-tried and tested (though this book does not stick rigidly to the familiar formulaic format), and results in a graphic presentation of the changes in townscape, traders and traffic over the last 100 years or so. Changes in businesses and road use are a given; alterations in the fabric of the townscape, also, are to be expected, but the amount of change can vary from town to town.
On the whole, and here I disagree with the tag to the photograph on page 2, Lewes has not been decimated, whether 'in the name of progress' or in the name of anything else. Change occurs - slum clearance in the 1930s (Westgate Street, page 48; lower North Street, page 70); war damage (Stag Hotel, North Street, page 68); post-war concern with inter alia traffic flow and car parking (Malling Street, pages 9, 11-13; Cliffe crossroads, page 22; Little East Street, page 69). And, always there will be a destructive fire or two or three or four - Lewes Sanitary Steam Laundry, now housing (page 5); The Bear Hotel, rebuilt as JCH Martin and now Argos (pages 27-8); Smith's, now Mimi and A & A Nails (page 41); Dusart's, now A & Y Cumming and Lewesiana (page 45).
But, the impression gained from reading and viewing Bob Cairns' informed and informative 'through time' journey around Malling, Cliffe, Lewes and Southover, is that much of the townscape fabric recorded in the early-20th century has survived. Further to this, some of the buildings that have appeared in the intervening years - the art deco of Argos, the restrained balconied statement of Mimi and A&A Nails, for example (both new builds on fire sites, I note) - are undoubtedly adornments to an essentially 19th century and earlier townscape.
Lewes: the Postcard Collection, by Bob Cairns, published 15 August 2015 (128 pp., Stroud: Amberley Publishing, ISBN-10: 1445641283 & ISBN-13: 9781445641287) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:Lewes, the county town of East Sussex, started out as a bridging point and market town. Steeped in history, the town was an important Saxon burgh by 900, boasting two licensed mints. Its importance was reinforced when William de Warenne, a key ally of William the Conqueror, built his castles here. First a temporary building on Brack Mount, known as Bray Castle, and second the impressive stone and flint building erected nearby, so giving Lewes, perhaps uniquely, two mottes and one castle. Lewes Castle still dominates and is well worth a visit.
Intercepted by the River Ouse, there are a number of gorgeous countryside walks to take advantage of in this charming ancient town. The Postcard Collection beautifully illustrates the culture and character of Lewes, taking us on a journey through its historical past.
Intercepted by the River Ouse, there are a number of gorgeous countryside walks to take advantage of in this charming ancient town. The Postcard Collection beautifully illustrates the culture and character of Lewes, taking us on a journey through its historical past.