Publications
Quakers in Lewes: an Informal History, by David Hitchin, published 1984 (vi + 87 pp., Lewes: Lewes Quakers Friends Meeting House) accessible at: & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:A history of the Quaker faith in Lewes, Sussex from its beginnings in 1655, through times of persecution, to the 1980s. Lewes Quakers had an influence in the town quite disproportionate to their numbers and a few became figures of national importance.
Quakers in Lewes: an Informal History, by David Hitchin, published 18 June 2011 (2nd edition, 116 pp., Lulu, ISBN-10: 1446144887 & ISBN-13: 9781446144886) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/502424] & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:This is a history of the Quakers of Lewes Meeting from its origin in 1655. From being persecuted by the other inhabitants they gradually achieved respectability and then civic prominence. Their religious thinking has developed over the years, but it is still centred in the silent Meeting for Worship.
Review by John Wickens in Sussex Family Historian vol. 21 no. 8, December 2015:This book goes back to the start of the Quaker movement in Sussex c1655 and covers not only Lewes but also much of Sussex including Brighton, Horsham and Hurstmonceux. We are introduced to the leading lights in the Quakers: George Fox, William Penn, Thomas Paine - associated by family connection - as well as many local traders, businessmen and their families. They were subject to charges for not attending Church, sometimes resulting in imprisonment. Much detail is given aboutthe legal battles ensuing. It wasn't until 1689 with Act of Toleration that they were released from the obligation of attending church. The current Meeting House dates back to 1784 where Meetings are still held and the building was open to the public which I visited as part of the Heritage Weekend in Sept 2015. I found the book most interesting as a regular visitor to Lewes. It is well researched and presented with photos and illustrations, although perhaps does contain rather too many quotations from official sources for comfort. Copies are available from WSCC-and no doubt ESCC-libraries.