HMP Lewes

HMP Lewes, a Victorian prison established in 1853, is situated in East Sussex, England. It replaced the original Lewes Gaol, built in 1791 and expanded in 1818, which eventually became too small. This category B local prison, operated by His Majesty’s Prison Service, accommodates both remand and sentenced prisoners. The prison’s rich history includes notable inmates like George Witton, who was implicated in the Boer War and later pardoned. During the 1916 Easter Rising, Lewes held several key figures, including Éamon de Valera. Over the years, the facility has seen significant developments, including a £1 million healthcare suite in 2004 for physical and mental health care. However, it has also faced challenges, such as the need for urgent refurbishment in one wing highlighted in a 2008 inspection report. Lewes has a history of riots, including a significant one in 2016, attributed to staff shortages and management issues