LEWES

district, administrative county of East Sussex, historic county of Sussex, England. The mainly rural district occupies a large part of east central Sussex to the east and north of Brighton and Hove. The southern part of the district, along the English Channel, includes the port of Newhaven and the resort of Seaford. The chalk ridge of the South Downs runs across it from east to west, with the town of Lewes occupying the gap where the River Ouse cuts through the ridge to the sea. East of the gap lies Glyndebourne, known for its operatic productions. Area 113 square miles (292 square km). Pop. (1998 est.) 85,900. city, Sussex county, southeastern Delaware, U.S. It lies at the mouth of Delaware Bay just west of Cape Henlopen (state park), where it is protected by Delaware Breakwater (built 182835). Founded in 1631 by Dutch colonists, it was the first white settlement along the Delaware River. Originally called Zwaanendael, the town was renamed (c. 1685) for Lewes, Sussex, Eng., after William Penn was granted the rights to the area. A port town, Lewes has a seafaring tradition dating back more than 300 years. It was bombarded by the British during the War of 1812 and has been the site of many shipwrecks. Lewes is now a resort community known for saltwater fishing. Zwaanendael Museum (1931), a replica of the town hall in Hoorn, Neth., is maintained as a memorial to the early settlers. Restored buildings in the Lewes Historical Complex, maintained by the Lewes Historical Society, depict the city's past. Lewes is the headquarters of the Delaware Bay pilots who guide ships through the bay and river; the College of Marine Studies of the University of Delaware also is located there. Regular ferry service links Lewes to Cape May, N.J. Inc. town, 1857; city, 1969. Pop. (1990) 2,295; (1996 est.) 2,505. town (parish), Lewes district, administrative county of East Sussex, historic county of Sussex, England. Lewes lies at a gap in the South Downs and along the River Ouse where it is still tidal. A castle was built there in the 11th century, and its ruins still dominate the town, which grew as a market centre and river port of some importance, although the port later gave way to Newhaven on the coast. In 1264 Simon de Montfort vanquished Henry III at the Battle of Lewes. The Barbican House, the house of Anne of Cleves (fourth queen of Henry VIII), and Shelley's Hotel all date from the 16th century. Southover Grange, also built in the 16th century, together with its walled gardens, is municipal property. A historic assize town, Lewes in modern times has developed as the county town (seat) of East Sussex. Tourism is important to the economy, and there also are some light industries. Glyndebourne, the world-famous opera centre, is only 3 miles (5 km) from the town. Pop. (1991) 15,376.