THE HISTORY OF SUSSEX HOUSE

Hand tinted postcard showing an ivy clad Sussex House circa 1900

Sussex House is a substantial five-bay building set in a prominent location on Lewes’ High Street. The building dates from the early 18th century.  Its front elevation is made of brick with its sash windows without horns, set behind the façade.

In 1777, the house is noted to have been in the ownership of Dr David Bayford who sold it that year to Mr J. Hoper senior. The Hoper family retained the ownership through several generations until 1954.  During the Hoper’s ownership the house was briefly a “School for Ladies” during the 1920’s & 30’s.

In 1954 the building was sold and converted to offices.  Three years later, Sussex Rural Community Council occupied the building and it was referred to as Sussex House.  In April, 2018 Stephen & Anita Yeomans became only the 4th owners of the house, with the aim of restoring the building to its original usage as a family home for their two children, Beatrix and Thea and their Basset Hounds, Gilbert and George.