Publications
Fitzroy House Restored and the creation of the Lewes pedestrian precinct as told by the restorers, by Jim Franks, published 2007 accessible at: The Keep [LIB/502890]
Making Lewes History Model: The model-makers remember, by James Franks, published 15 March 2012 (50 pp., Pomegranate Press, ISBN-10: 1907242260 & ISBN-13: 9781907242267)
Abstract:Between 1984 and 1986 more than a hundred volunteers joined forces to build a scale 'sound and light' model of the historic centre of Lewes as it had been during the 1880s. Some were experienced model-makers, but others were simply brought together by chance and enthusiasm: students at Lewes Technical College, local artists and even prisoners at Lewes Gaol. The model, now known as 'The Story of Lewes Town', was recently renovated and can be enjoyed by all visitors to the castle.
James Franks's account of this remarkable project explores the logistics of its making and records the memories of many of those involved.
James Franks's account of this remarkable project explores the logistics of its making and records the memories of many of those involved.
Building and Saving Fitzroy Library, Lewes, by James Franks, published 1 October 2012 (132 pp., Pomegranate Press, ISBN-10: 1907242325 & ISBN-13: 9781907242328)
Abstract:In 1862 Hannah Fitzroy, an heiress of the fabulously wealthy Rothschild family, bought a plot of land at the foot of School Hill in Lewes on which to build a memorial to her late husband Henry, the town's MP for more than twenty years. She decided on a library, and appointed the most notable architect of the day, George Gilbert Scott.
For a hundred years Fitzroy Memorial Library served the people of the town, first as a private institution and later - a transfer timed to mark Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee - under public ownership. In the 1960s the books were housed in a new library and, with the Gothic style out of fashion, the old building fell into sorry decay, its roof beams open to the sky. At a crucial moment the Franks family stepped in to buy it and, with the help of a team of volunteer restorers, to convert it into the family home now known as Fitzroy House.
For a hundred years Fitzroy Memorial Library served the people of the town, first as a private institution and later - a transfer timed to mark Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee - under public ownership. In the 1960s the books were housed in a new library and, with the Gothic style out of fashion, the old building fell into sorry decay, its roof beams open to the sky. At a crucial moment the Franks family stepped in to buy it and, with the help of a team of volunteer restorers, to convert it into the family home now known as Fitzroy House.