Historic Bull House in Lewes opens doors

It's The Former Home of Radical Thinker Thomas Paine

Lewes, East Sussex - August 22, 2023 – Bull House, the former residence of the influential radical thinker and pamphleteer Thomas Paine, is set to open its doors to the public on Thursday 24^th August.

Owned and cared for by registered charity, The Sussex Archaeological Society, the opening marks the first time in almost half a century that this historic site will be accessible to visitors on a regular basis.

Bull House, located in the heart of Lewes, East Sussex, has long been associated with the legacy of Thomas Paine, a man whose writings played a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual landscape of the late 18th century. Paine, known for works such as "Common Sense" and "The Rights of Man," was a key figure in the American and French Revolutions. His ideas on democracy, human rights, and freedom of thought have left an enduring mark on the world.

Visitors to Bull House will have the unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the very rooms where Thomas Paine lived and wrote one of his political works, “The Case of the Officers of Excise,” which called for better employment conditions for excise (tax) officers working in Lewes.

Annie Wills, Head of Operations and Commercial Activities at Sussex Past said “We are thrilled to see Bull House opening its doors to the public, offering visitors a chance to walk in the footsteps of Thomas Paine and explore the ideas that shaped nations. This opening marks a remarkable moment in our shared history, and we invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone.”

Visitors to the heritage site can take a curator-guided tour at 11am and 1.30pm on Thursdays, which must be pre-booked in advance, or alternatively can visit during the general opening hours of 11am to 3pm, Friday to Sunday.

Curator-guided tours cost £20 per person and discounted entry for groups of 10 people, or more is available. Led by The Sussex Archaeology Society in-house curator, the tour will take visitors on an immersive in-depth journey of Bull House and the life of Thomas Paine, delving into the rich historical details, bringing this unique building to life in full colour.

General admission £5 for adults, £3 for seniors, children and students and is free for Members of The Sussex Archaeological Society and combined ticketholders for Lewes Castle & Museum and Anne of Cleves House.

If you’re lucky, you can catch a real-life Thomas Paine still wandering the halls and rooms of the house.

Find out more about visiting Bull House here: Bull House - Sussex Past

About Bull House:

Bull House is a historic residence located in Lewes, East Sussex, owned by The Sussex Archaeological Society. It was once home to the renowned 18th-century political thinker and writer, Thomas Paine. Throughout its history the building has had many uses, including serving as an inn, draper, ironmongers and more recently a restaurant.

About The Sussex Archaeological Society:

The Sussex Archaeological Society was founded in 1846 and is the oldest organisation of its kind in the country. It is a registered charity that opens historic houses and gardens to the public, curates six fully accredited museums and undertakes and encourages research.

The heritages sites it cares for under its Sussex Past brand include Lewes Castle & Museum, Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens, Anne of Cleves House Museum & Gardens, Michelham Priory House & Gardens, Marlipins Museum, the Priest House & Garden, Bull House, and the Long Man of Wilmington.