Early History and Construction
Anne of Cleves House was originally constructed around 1456, during the late medieval period. It is a fine example of a timber-framed Wealden hall house, a typical style found in Sussex.
The building likely served as a merchant’s house or the home of a prosperous local family in Lewes, an important market town and port in medieval England.
Architectural Features
The house displays classic Tudor architectural elements:
- Timber-Framed Construction: Visible wooden beams forming a sturdy framework.
- Wealden Hall Layout: A central open hall flanked by two-story bays on either side.
- Jettying: Upper floors projecting over the lower walls.
- Large Chimneys and Mullioned Windows: Characteristic of the period’s domestic architecture.
These features reflect the craftsmanship and aesthetic of 15th-century England.
The Connection to Anne of Cleves
Acquisition by Anne of Cleves
After her annulment from Henry VIII in July 1540, Anne was granted several properties in England as part of her settlement. Although there is no direct evidence that she lived extensively at this particular house, it was named “Anne of Cleves House” due to its ownership or association with her estate holdings in the region.
This connection enhanced the building’s historical importance and linked Lewes to Tudor royal history.
Anne’s Life After the Annulment
Anne lived comfortably in England until her death in 1557. Unlike Henry’s other wives, she maintained a peaceful existence, attending court occasionally and managing her estates.
The house in Lewes represents part of this legacy. shutdown123