Michelham Priory is located in Upper Dicker, East Sussex in England.
Gilbert d’Aquila founded the Priory of the Holy Trinity in 1229. Originally the building was in the shape of a cross with the Chapter house on the eastern side, dormitories on the western side and the kitchen and refractory to the south.
King Henry 8th had the priory dissolved in 1537 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. During this point in time the church and the eastern side were demolished and used for building materials.
In 1556, John Foote purchased the priory and converted the southern and western sides into a house.
Herbert Pelham who was an ironworker and landowner gained possession of the priory in 1587. Herbert added a stone wing to the building but he ran into financial trouble and was forced to sell the priory in 1599.
The first Earl of Dorset, Thomas Sackville purchased the priory in 1601. The priory remained within the Sackville family for the next three hundred years. During the time the priory was under ownership of the Sackville family, it was leased out to many farmers and barns were built surrounding the building along with other farm buildings.
A corn mill was built on the land during the late 19th century. When James Eglington Qwynne bought the estate in 1896 the priory was in a bad state of repair. James restored the buildings during the time of his ownership.
In 1928 Walter Godfry who was a well known conservationist architect restored the buildings further and in 1959 the Sussex Archaeological Society was given the priory. Renovations have been continued and the 19th century corn mill is now in full working order.
Today the priory is still in possession of the Sussex Archeological Society and is open for public viewing. Ghost walks are held at the priory every other thursday and the building is also available for hire as a wedding venue.
Reported Paranormal Activity
Michelham Priory is said to be haunted by the ghost of a servant girl who haunts the corridors of the building.
Sightings of a Monk have been reported along with smells of incense at the same time.
Lights have been seen shining through the priest holes.
Music has been heard playing from an invisible harpsichord.
Doors have been seen to open and close by themselves.
