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Battle of Lewes remembered on milestone anniversary

Hugh B. Councill performs " You're Sure to Like [Old Lewes] In the State of Delaware," a song written by Bill Earl. BY NICK ROTH
Nick Roth
May 21, 2014
Members of the Nautical Sounds (l-r) George Macintire, Jim Brown, Dave Grassey, Mike Burkhart and Charlie Abrachinsky perform "The Sword of Freedom." BY NICK ROTH
Nautical Sounds members (l-r) Al Rae, Bob Cannon and Joe Lobb perform during the ceremony. BY NICK ROTH
Joe Lobb performs with the Nautical Sounds during the 750th anniversary ceremony of the Battle of Lewes. BY NICK ROTH
Lewes Historical Society Executive Director Mike DiPaolo talks about the history behind the Battle of Lewes in 13th Century England. BY NICK ROTH
Lewes Mayor Jim Ford talks about the celebration being held in Lewes, Sussex, England to honor the 750th anniversary of the historic battle. BY NICK ROTH

A small ceremony was held May 13 at the Lewes Historical Society complex to commemorate the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Lewes in Sussex, England.

The sister city is in the midst of a month-long celebration of festivals and activities to honor the battle's significance in English history. Working in conjunction, the two cities organized a simultaneous singing of "The Sword of Freedom" by local choral groups more than 3,000 miles apart. Sussex County-based Nautical Sounds performed three sections of the song.

The town council of Lewes, England, commissioned Sussex composer Helen Glavin to create the song, which expresses the drama of the battle and resolute spirit of those who fought.

In 1264, a battle was fought between the armies of King Henry III and Simon de Montfort. Monfort was fighting for a fairer government and individual freedoms. After defeating the king, de Montfort set about calling England's first representative government, making Lewes, England, very significant in the history of English politics.

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