Thomas Paine, Founding Father of America, has Kent and Sussex connections

This week marks the 250^th anniversary of the publication of “Common Sense”, a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine advocating American independence from Great Britain at the beginning of the American Revolution.

This publication was a huge instant success, selling over 100,000 copies in three months, and was said to have inspired the Declaration of Independence in July later that same year. This led to Paine becoming known as the “Father of the American Revolution,” having played such an influential role.

Thomas Paine has strong links to South East England, particularly the picturesque medieval town of Sandwich on the East Kent coast. Paine moved here in 1759 and lived in a cottage at 20 New Street, marked by a plaque today. He ran a business making corsets, and married Mary Lambert in St Peter’s Church in the town centre. Sadly, his business collapsed, and his wife and unborn child died shortly afterwards.

Tom Paine's Cottage, Sandwich

He later lived in Lewes in East Sussex in the 1760s, which was known for a tradition of opposition to the monarchy and pro-republican sentiments. He had a number of jobs there, including running a tobacconist’s shop, and became a prominent voice in local civic matters and political activism. He moved to London, where he met Benjamin Franklin, one of the strongest advocates for American independence. Franklin encouraged him to emigrate to Philadelphia, providing a letter of introduction. After narrowly surviving a difficult transatlantic crossing, Paine argued strongly against monarchy and in favour of egalitarian rule, publishing several articles and pamphlets.

Thomas Paine is also thought to be responsible for proposing or popularising the title of the United States of America, and drafting the Declaration of Independence itself. To this day, Common Sense remains the all-time best-selling American title and is still in print today.

Today, both Lewes and Sandwich are well worth a visit, having each played their part in Paine’s life. In Lewes, the county town of East Sussex, Bull House can be found in the historic High Street. This is where Paine lived above the tobacconist’s shop, and is open to visitors on Thursdays and Saturdays. Nearby, the White Hart Hotel is regarded as a cradle of American independence, as Paine founded the “Headstrong Club” there, where he expounded his revolutionary theories.

Sandwich is one of England’s best-preserved medieval towns, in the White Cliffs Country in Kent. It was once one of the most important ports in England, until coastal deposits changed the geography and it became inaccessible from the 14^th century onwards. Today its charming cobbled streets are full of history from throughout the centuries. The Founding Father Thomas Paine is a part of that rich history.

St Peter's Church, Sandwich

Why not visit Lewes or Sandwich on a guided tour with an accredited guide, to find out more of this region’s fascinating past?

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