Jan & John Maggs Antiques
The Anne of Cleves House in Lewes
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Anne of Cleves was the fourth wife of Henry VIII. She was championed by Thomas Cromwell, but her marriage to Henry was annulled after only six months.
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As part of her settlement, Anne was given Richmond Palace, Hever Castle, and this house on Southover High Street in Lewes. Cromwell did not fare so well; he was beheaded on the day of Henry's marriage to Anne's successor, Catherine Howard.
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Quite apart from its connections to royalty, the 15th century building is a noteworthy example of the Wealden hall house, an important architectural form in the south of England. Much of the frame is exposed, giving both novice and scholar insight into its structure.
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But it was the artifacts that brought us to the house. Although no one seems very concerned about how much of the furniture currently in the house was there in Mary's day, the furnishings include several outstanding examples from the 17th century and earlier.
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Did Henry once sleep in this bed?
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This paneling is alleged to be a "fragment of Queen Elisabeth's bed from Rushbrooke Hall, Bury St. Edmonds". Perhaps so, but how did it come to Lewes? Besides, it looks like 17th century carving to us, leading us to conclude that it might have been acquired by Walter Godfrey when he restored the house in the early years of the 20th century. Still, a smashing headboard.
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Another 17th-century chest that hadn't been built in the days of Henry and Elizabeth.
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And this wonderful example of a 17th century coffer, dated 1634.
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A boarded coffer, probably from the early 1600's
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A wonderful refectory table, with carved spandrels - in daily use by staff and visitors.
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The beautifully laid out Tudor garden.
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A 19th century watercolor of the Anne of Cleves House, probably by Octavia Dodson. A bit of nostalgia, which continues into the present.
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