Bull House

NOTE (Westgate at the time of Paine shared an emphasis on the promotion of good works and charity; these were the markings of zealous Methodists as well. Non-conformists in Lewes with Methodist leanings would have probably attended Westgate during Tom Paine’s time in the town. The only other major meeting place then, the Quakers with whom Westgate has always had good relations.)

Tom and Elizabeth Paine lived in Bull House adjoining Westgate and He extended Bull house and some of the congregation were not too happy about his modifications. He agreed to pay a shilling a year to the trustees as ‘an acknowledgment of their suffering the droppings of rain’ on to their courtyard from the eaves of the extension he made at Bull House. Westgate is still awaiting such payment to this very day!

Funeral Hatchment

It is very likely that Westgate encouraged Tom Paine’s views, “Practical religion consists of doing good; and the only way of serving God is, that of endeavoring to make his creation happy. All preaching that has not this for its object is nonsense and hypocrisy” (Paine, 1797), as these sort of sentiments are very much those of Westgate even today. Having married Elizabeth, Paine became a ‘house owner’ and this entitled him to join the Parish Vestry and have a say about the poor laws in Lewes and beyond.
Tom Paine was not the only person of note to be a part of Westgate, and around the building will be found many names from the past, eminent people of their day. The Funeral Hatchment of Francis 5th Baron Napier of Corsica Hall, Ringmer 1773 (Corsica Hall was later moved to Seaford in 1786), Memorial tablet to Thomas Walker Horsfield F.S.A. Minister of Westgate ( 1817-27) and author of The History of Lewes and The History of Sussex, memorial Tablet to William Smith F.L.S. author of A Synopsis of British Diatomoceae Minister of Westgate (1850-54) and later Professor of Natural History at Queen’s College, Cork and a picture of J.M. Connell by d’Acres Adams.

Many of these people were famous in their day and Westgate has seen many in its pulpit who history records as notable people, such as Phillip Doddridge who preached here in 1742. (prolific author and hymn-writer of hymns such as ‘O happy day’)
  Public service has been a part of the religion of those who were members of Westgate over the years. Many were honoured as members of the Lewes Council several having held the office of High Constable of Lewes.
Westgate was one of the first non-conformist chapels to offer marriages when the law changed in 1837 allowing churches other than the state church to conduct such services. To the rear, the area under the stilted Vestry and stables was extended in 1843 to provide room for the Sunday school (officially founded in 1843 The Westgate Sunday school even had one child who went to university on the basis of his education at Sunday School). There were no places for ordinary children to learn until education was provided by the state in 1891, so such schools originally provided basic education for children who would not have learned to read and write, as education was only for the wealthy then. Westgate gave education to many and at one time ran a Mechanical school, not for profit but to help local lads to gain qualifications.
Over the many years since its formation some have felt Westgate too liberal and tolerant so other non-conformist congregations have established themselves in Lewes, some leaving Westgate to do so. In general Westgate has evolved and moved with the times. It has welcomed into its number those who come from other traditions. Former Ministers have been welcomed and have brought with them different ideas. The congregation has stayed and adapted to these as the years progressed.