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The Priory of the Holy Trinity was founded in 1229 by Gilbert d'Aquila. The original buildings consisted of a cloister which contained a chapter house on the eastern side a kitchen and refectory area to the south, dormitories to the west and also a church. The dormitories were situated over the cellar. In 1388 the threat of an invasion by the French meant that Prior Leem decided to surround the grounds with a moat and also a gatehouse. The Priory was dissolved in 1537 and the east cloister range was demolished so that the building materials could be used elsewhere.
The priory was puchased by John Foote in 1556 and he demolished the south and west clioster ranges to make way for a house. The Priory was then owned by Herbert Pelham who was an ironworker and land owner. He replaced the original work that Foote did with an new stone wing, howvere, he ran out of money and was forced to sell the house in 1599. The Priory was then bought by Thomas Sackville, who later became the First Earl of Dorset and the house was owned by the Sackville’s for 300 years.
They leased the Priory to many farmers who built outer buildings around the house, a corn mill was also added to the site, but eventually the house fell into a state of disrepair.
In 1896 the Priory was bought by James Eglington Gwynne, who decided that he would restore all of the medieval buildings. In 1924 further restoration was carried out and in 1959 the Priory was given to Sussex Archaeological Society. The society has continued all of the restoration work and is now in full working order.
The monk
There has been a vision of a monk seen descending what is thought to be an old staircase. It is unknown who he was. There has been a scent of incense when he has been around.
Servant Girl
A girl thought to be a Sackville has been seen wandering the corridors looking quite despondent. Could this girl be linked to another apparition of a girl that has been seen walking around wearing a tattered dress?
Other Phenomena
Music has been heard possibly from a phantom harpsichord, shadows have been seen moving throughout the building and doors have been seen opening apparently on their own.
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