Lewes in East Sussex, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

The Shell Keep and Angled Towers

Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 12, 2018

1. The Shell Keep and Angled Towers Marker

Inscription. The Shell Keep and Angled Towers The second motte towers 20 metres above the High Street. It was built around 1100 and topped with a shell keep. This was basically a wall around the top of the motte. The most secure and important buildings, where the de Warenne family lived, were inside the shell keep.

In the early 13th century three angled towers were added to make defence of the Castle easier.

The South and West Towers survive and displays in the South Tower will tell you the story of Lewes Castle.

Did you know?
That spiral staircases always climb on a clockwise direction? This is to leave more space for a defender, coming down the stairs, to use his sword.
The post in the centre of the staircase made it difficult for an attacker to use his sword.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.

Location. 50° 52.378′ N, 0° 0.495′ E. Marker is in Lewes, England, in East Sussex. Marker can be reached from the intersection of High Street and Castle Gate, on the left when traveling east. Located in Lewes Castle. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lewes, England BN7 1XH, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Curtain Wall and Castle Moat (a few steps from this marker); Stocks

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(a few steps from this marker); Barbican Gate (a few steps from this marker); The Norman Gatehouse and the Barbican (a few steps from this marker); Anchor (a few steps from this marker); Russian Cannon (a few steps from this marker); Brack Mount (within shouting distance of this marker); What Happened Where? (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewes.

Also see . . .
1. Sussex Archaeological Society Lewes Castle & Museum. (Submitted on February 7, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Lewes Castle on Wikipedia. (Submitted on February 7, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 12, 2018

2. The Shell Keep and Angled Towers Marker

The Shell Keep and Angled Towers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 12, 2018

3. The Shell Keep and Angled Towers

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 7, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 143 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 7, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.