330C1 The lamb Inn Old town Eastbourne

330C1 The lamb Inn Old town Eastbourne is the oldest pub in the town. The eighteenth century extension of the original hostelry whose cellars date back to the twelfth century was used as the Assembly Rooms of the village and theatrical productions were among the social activities which took place there. Notable amongst these were amateur dramatic productions in some of which Dickens participated. The Blue Plaque on Pilgrims opposite - which is Eastbourne's oldest house and pre-dates the Lamb - records: "Charles Dickens made several visits to this ancient house in the 1830s." Two of his close friends were Holman Hunt the artist and Dickens who would join Egg at his summer retreat, Hunt coming over from his home in Fairlight and Dickens down from London. Pictures of Eastbourne, by Photographer and local artist, Lionel Fraser