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St Anne's church, Lewes
The church lies outside the west gate of the town, and until 1881 was outside the boundaries of Lewes as well.
It was part of a endowment given by William II de Warenne about 1095 to the Priory of St Pancras.
In 1538 the parish united with that of Saint Peter Westout, St Peter's church fell into disrepair and nothing remains of it.
St Anne's was originally dedicated to St Mary, but by 1537 had been referred to as Saint Anne's , by 1820 the name was always used. Saint Anne's is the oldest church now remaining in Lewes.
The nave, south Chapel of the nave, and western chancel are early 12th century. The three stage tower is of the same period, although the shingled broach spire is probably later . There are three bells.
The main north doorway is Norman.
The nave originally had no south aisle, the arcade was added in the late 12th century. The capitals have carved foliage ornamentation.
The chancel arch is modern, but the west half of the chancel was built in the 12th century. It was extended eastward in the first half of the 13th century. On the north side there is a 14th century altar tomb, possibly an Easter Sepulchre with a stone canopy.
There was a originally an anchorite cell on the south side of the chancel probably from the 13th century. It was not known of until 1927 when a new vestry was built. Bones found on the site of the cell were thought to be those of the anchorite - they were re-interred in the chancel.
The nave roof dates from 1538 and has tie beams, Queen posts and struts.
The pulpit was given in 1620.
There is a late 18th-century west Gallery which is still in situ.
St Anne's has an early 12th century tub font with a basket weave pattern and rope moulding. There is a suggestion that it was originally a capital from Lewes Priory that was later hollowed out.
The glass is 19th or 20th century.
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