Membership of the Friends is open to anyone who has an interest in preserving this ancient church which is an important part of the heritage of Lewes.

The Friends was launched in April, 2005, at a public meeting in the church. Colin Brent, a well known local historian spoke about the church, its origins and what is known of its history.

A committee of Friends was set up. For legal and tax reasons the Friends is a committee of the Parochial Church Council and their committee consists of 15 members. These include ex officio the incumbent, the Churchwardens, the PCC Treasurer and 4 other PCC/church members.

Those who join the Friends will be invited to special events and be kept regularly informed of activities and the progress of the appeal. They will also receive an annual newsletter.

The Friends can be contacted through:

St Anne's is a Norman Church which has been used for worship for over 800 years. The church was erected within 100 years of the Norman Conquest. It has witnessed the Battle of Lewes and the struggle for parliamentary reform, the terror of the Reformation and the Civil War.

Generations of townsfolk have prayed here, married here and found their final resting place in its shadow.

As with all old buildings, we need to continually ensure that the church is maintained in a safe and healthy state.

The Roof + Tower Appeal raised £289,705 by the end of 2007.This sum included generous help from the English Heritage Lottery Fund , and paid for re-roofing the great south roof, using the original Horsham Slate and Stabilisation, and also restoration work on the Tower.

The work was "Highly Commended" by the Sussex Heritage Trust.