For two days this Spring, Anne of Cleves House will come alive as a working late‑medieval household, bustling with the daily tasks, routines and rituals that shaped life behind its timbered walls.

Skilled historical reenactors will transform the house into an immersive living-history experience, portraying the servants, craftsmen and gentlefolk who would once have lived and worked in a residence like this. Rather than preparing for specific visiting dignitaries, the focus this year turns to the everyday rhythms of a medieval home – the practical, the domestic, and the quietly extraordinary.

Visitors are invited to wander freely through the rooms and gardens, discovering scenes of authentic period activity:
• The heat and clamour of a working kitchen
• The duties of household staff
• Crafts and pastimes of the era
• Clothing, food, medicine, and the rituals of daily living

Together, these scenes offer a vivid glimpse into the world of an ordinary but important medieval household, revealing how people lived, worked, and kept a large home running smoothly centuries ago.

This living history weekend promises an engaging and atmospheric journey into the past – a chance to step inside the everyday life of the late Middle Ages.


About the event

Date: 4th & 5th April
Time: 10am to 4pm
Venue: Anne of Cleves House, Lewes
Age suitability: All ages

This event is included in general admission, and free for Members of Sussex Past. Find out more about becoming a Member here.

Patisserie Lewes Cafe at the House will be open both days of the event. 

Admission starts at £4.50 for children aged 5+, £7.00 for seniors and £7.50 for adults, with discounted family passes available. Essential carers and under 5’s go free. Plus, why not make a day of it and visit Lewes Castle & Museum too, with combined admission discounts available. Gift Aid your admission ticket and you’ll get free admission for 12 months.

Drop in anytime from 10am, with last admissions at 3.30pm. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

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From our visitors

"Incredibly stunning place. You get a medieval feel and can imagine being there as a King. They have done well to keep it like this and would highly recommend"

TheoB via Tripadvisor - Lewes Castle

“A Trip Back in Time. Fascinating history of the Roman Palace. Well explained. Lots to see in the museum and the remains. Incredible detail in the layout of the Palace.”

Sue A via Tripadvisor - Fishbourne Roman Palace

“Go Visit NOW! The gardens are genuinely some of the most beautiful we’ve seen. We are going back soon.”

HorshamLass via Tripadvisor - Michelham Priory

“This was such an interesting place to come to. You could really feel the history of this place.”

Fifi582014 via Tripadvisor - The Priest House and Gardens