Friends of Lewes was founded in 1952.  It is a registered charity.  Two of its formal aims are to stimulate public interest in the beauty, history and character of the town of Lewes and its surrounding area and to organise concerted action for protecting and enhancing the townscape and for preserving free access to the surrounding area.  The Society liaises with the County, District and Town Councils and other relevant bodies on questions related to these issues.