Castle mount gets a haircut

The mound, behind the Lewes Arms pub, which is usually covered with brambles, ivy and other vegetation is part of the town's ancient defences.

Brack Mount is so steep that it is very difficult to keep in good condition.

Experts, in the form of a team of specialist garden maintenance workers, are currently trimming the vegetation back to a manageable length.

To do this safely they have to work on a system of ropes.

Said Sussex Archaeological Society (SAS) property manager Dr

Sally White: 'For the first time in ages it is now possible to see the real outline of the mound.

'One of the castle's main claims to fame is that it is the only castle in the country with two mottles (mounds) at opposite ends of the bailey (open area).

'Brack Mount is believed to be where William de Warenne built his first castle shortly after the Norman Conquest, before extending it to include the second mound and shell keep that most people recognise these days as Lewes Castle.'

It is not open to the public although the SAS does organise occasional tours.