About

Come walk in the footsteps of US Founding Father Thomas Paine and hear about his extraordinary life.

"We have it in our power to begin the world over again" (Common Sense, 1776)

This 18th-century thinker and writer was born in Thetford, Norfolk, and lived in Lewes for six years (1768-74), before heading to the American colonies in 1774. His time in Lewes was hugely influential on him and is where he wrote his first political pamphlet 'The Case of the Officers of Excise'. This was part of the first national unionised action anywhere in the world.

Paine used his talents as a writer to try to bring about change. His pamphlet 'Common Sense', published in Philadelphia in 1776, lit the touch paper of revolution and galvanised the colonists to fight for a new nation, a nation that Paine himself would name the 'United States'. This powerfully written work was a clarion call for independence to the 13 colonies. Written in clear, simple language, it was read in taverns and meeting halls, the pamphlet and its ideas spreading like wildfire. The initial print run of 1,000 sold out almost immediately. Within three months, more than 500,000 copies had been sold. His publications earned significant sums - money he did not keep - directing his printers to give every penny he earned to buy war supplies for George Washington. Emerging research suggests that Paine may also have contributed to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.

Bull House will provide a place for people to come together and be inspired by Paine's creativity and activism to imagine the world anew within their own lives and communities. Please visit our website for updates on our events programme. www.thomaspainelegacy.org

FREE ENTRY
Thurs & Sat, 11am-3pm