Ye Olde Lewes Borough Bonfire Society was founded in 1853 and is the oldest of the seven bonfire societies within the town of Lewes.
Until 1859 we were known as the ‘Lewes Bonfire Society’ or “Town” society. We have been marching the streets of the town for over 170 years.
Borough was over 70 years the ‘home’ of the Zulu, which was the most colourful costume ever.
In 2021 our 1st pioneers were Doctors and Nurses through the ages to recognise the fantastic work of the NHS in the past and particularly during the Covid pandemic.
Since 2022 The Celts is our First Pioneer Group and the Tudors, which is the Society’s Second Pioneer Group.
In 1863, the famous Monster Iron Key of the Ancient Borough of Lewes, weighing nearly a quarter hundredweight, (over 12 kilos) was carried in the procession for the first time. The same key is still carried in the Borough’s processions and is a symbol that on 5th November the ‘Borough Boyes’ are given the freedom of the streets of Lewes .
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