On 12 Mar 2007 at 11:45am expat wrote:
Am in Sussex for a holiday and found this about Lewes, thought it was great!
Rural Rides by William Cobbett 1762 ? 1835
Thursday, 10 Jan. 1822
Lewes is in a valley of the South Downs, this town is at eight miles distance, to the south-south-west or thereabouts. There is a great extent of rich meadows above and below Lewes. The town itself is a model of solidity and neatness. The buildings all substantial to the very outskirts; the pavements good and complete; the shops nice and clean; the people well dressed; and, though last not least, the girls remarkably pretty, as, indeed, they are in most parts of Sussex; round faces, features small, little hands and wrists, plump arms, and bright eyes. The Sussex men, too, are remarkable for their good looks. A Mr. Baxter, a stationer at Lewes, showed me a farmer's account book, which is a very complete thing of the kind. The inns are good at Lewes, the people civil and not servile, and the charges really (considering the taxes) far below what one could reasonably expect.- From Lewes to Brighton the road winds along between the hills of the South Downs, which, in this mild weather, are most beautifully green even at this season, with flocks of sheep feeding on them. ? Brighton itself lies in a valley cut across at one end by the sea, and its extension, or Wen, has swelled up the sides of the hills and has run some distance up the valley. The first thing you see in approaching Brighton from Lewes, is a splendid horse-barrack on one side of the road, and a heap of low, shabby, nasty houses, irregularly built on the other side.
Have to say I agree about the hills, had forgotten how beautiful they are, even looking from the top of Landport.
On 13 Mar 2007 at 11:51am ExiledfromLewes wrote:
Good post, I enjoyed reading that. i'm going to have to dig that book out for myself
On 14 Mar 2007 at 11:35am expat wrote:
Glad you enjoyed it! A book of personal opinion of farming and politics during this guys travels. Some hilarious, but unfortunately mostly boring unless you're a farmer!
On 14 Mar 2007 at 9:24pm expat two wrote:
Isn't Cobbett a name I remember from History lessons at school? What was his major claim to fame?
PS expat - you've missed some dramatic weather this week. I hope you've got your logs stocked up for when you get back.
On 14 Mar 2007 at 10:44pm ExiledfromLewes wrote:
Wow! Did some research on this (actually I ask my old man for info). Apparently this is quite a famous book and it is often quoted by other authors. It is still taught in some schools around the country. Apparently he is famous for founding Hansard.
On 15 Mar 2007 at 7:22pm expat wrote:
I don't remember the name Cobbett from school. Did a search on ebay and the book is still being published. There are a few for sale, but the copy I saw is still in Kent, 1910 version.I'm trying to get hold of it.
Expat 2, yes the family told me the snow's down, we were on the beach the day before I left! The weather here in Sussex has been really mild though, with great sunny days too, so not too bad here, as I was dreading the Feb frosts! I'm back in three weeks, hopefully it will warm back up by then! Enjoying the green countryside, daffodils and old buildings, but to be honest apart from family and friends, not too much else! Piles of rubbish along the railway embankments,too many cars, dirty buildings and I understand what a Chav is now! I think London has moved South.
On 19 Mar 2007 at 5:17am expat two wrote:
Back to blistering again this weekend. 25 deg. I was waiting 20 mins for a bus on saturday and got a burnt face.
Thanks for the reality check.
On 19 Mar 2007 at 3:12pm expat wrote:
I spent this morning walking around Lewes. Every one looks depressed! Rubbish blows around and I understand why one of the main subjects in this forum is about parking fees! Some interesting old shops,and lovely building fronts if you look up. The history i.e. castle and Keere St etc is great, but Expat 2 we're better off where we are! Lewes tugs the heartstrings when I'm not here, but you're right about the reality check! It's bloody cold now too!