Revolution man

Lewes’ most famous resident Thomas Paine may be the greatest propagandist who ever lived. But how did a humble customs and excise officer ignite the touchpaper for revolution in not one but two countries?

- Chris Horlock

Lewes has many claims to fame: its riotous 5 November celebrations; Harvey’s Brewery; the imposing Norman castle of 1107; Anne of Cleves’ House; even the worst avalanche in British history.

But ask any local who they consider its most celebrated past resident to be, and they will not hesitate to name Thomas Paine. A statue of him stands outside the library, his portrait adorns the town’s bank notes and there’s a mural painted in his honour in Market Passage. One of the pubs – The Rights of Man – is named after one of his publications, and there are guided tours of his home, Bull House, in the High Street, at various times throughout the year.

And all this is just in Lewes. There are monuments and memorials to him across the world, particularly in America and France. There’s a whole museum in New York dedicated to his memory.

So who was Paine exactly, and what did he do that took him to such giddy heights of fame?