Heritage Open Day - Thomas Paine House

About

Visit Bull House in Lewes, the home of 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 to 1774 and it was here that he wrote his first political pamphlet 'The Case for the Officers of the Excise' in 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. He 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.

Visitors will enjoy a brief tour of the building, learn about its history and Paine's time in Lewes as well as viewing associated objects relating to the author which are in the care of The Sussex Archaeological Society, the registered charity which owns and cares for the building.

Drop in any time between 10.30am to 4pm, no advance booking required.