Heritage Open Days: Bull House

Visit Bull House in Lewes, the home Thomas Paine, author, radical 18th century thinker and hero of democracy.

The opening of Bull House, gives a rare opportunity to visit Thomas Paine’s residence in Lewes. He lived at Bull House from 1768 – 1774 and it was here that he wrote his first political pamphlet ‘The Case for the Officers of the Excise’, 1772.

Paine travelled to America in late 1774 where his pamphlet ‘Common Sense’ and ‘American Crisis’ papers were widely read, these were hugely influential and inspired the American Revolutionaries to declare independence from Great Britain in 1776.

Paine also played a significant role during the French Revolution and in the early 1790s was elected a member of the French National Convention. He advocated the abolition of slavery and argued for comprehensive state support for the population including universal free public education, state pensions and subsidies for the poor, all to ensure the welfare of society.

Today, Thomas Paine is recognised as one of the most important political activists, a great revolutionary thinker and philosopher.

Bull House, also known as Thomas Paine House is a stunning late 15th century house, and visitors will be able to learn more about Thomas Paine and his time in Lewes.

Event Times
Friday 8 September: 11.00-14.00
Saturday 9 September: 11.00-14.00
Sunday 10 September: 11.00-14.00

Booking Details
No booking required

Access
Access to the building is via three steps and may not be accessible to wheelchair users.