In April 1860 a number of Lewes passers-by witnessed a spectacle that they, apparently, found pretty amusing. The railway bridge at Southerham used to lift up to allow boats up the Ouse and into Lewes. That day a ship was let through at about 11 in the morning, but there was not enough water in the channel and it stuck fast: it couldn’t be refloated until the next high tide, some hours later. In the meantime no train could pass the bridge and passengers were forced to cross by walking along planks laid across the masts of the ship. Some elderly passengers were unable to make the perilous crossing unaided, so they were helped by porters. Quite a large crowd developed and cheered the passengers – some of whom were in a hurry to catch the packet boat from Newhaven - across the river. Unfortunately nobody in the town had a camera yet – this photograph was taken some years later. Picture courtesy of the Sussex Archaeological Society, who have an archive of thousands such shots. The SAS are currently looking for funding to help them match a grant to improve the facilities at the castle. If you can help, call Sally White at 405736.
