Pictures of England

Search:

Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

Harwich Low Lighthouse

Harwich

in the county of Essex

Bridgend looking towards Garw valley

Bridgend

in the county of Bridgend

Arbroath

Arbroath

in the county of Angus

Pictures of Michelham Priory & Gardens

in the town of Upper Dicker, in the county of East Sussex

About Michelham Priory & Gardens

Michelham Priory is a hauntingly beautiful place set against a backdrop of fine Sussex countryside, splendidly surrounded by a moat. It was founded in 1229 as an Augustinian order by Gilbert de I'Aigle, and it is his emblem that flutters in the wind above the 14th century gatehouse.

Late in the 16th century the house was adapted as a Tudor farmhouse but fortunately some of the original building can still be seen within. Originally, there was a Church with a cloister, a Chapterhouse, Kitchen, Refectory and dormitories. The moat, which is now a haven for wildlife, was only added in the 14th century at the same time as the gatehouse. Both were built to protect against invasion by the French. The moat, is the longest surviving medieval moat in England.

The priory was closed down at the time of the Persecution, at this time the church and other parts of the building were pillaged for their treasures and building materials. The ravaged building stood idle until it was purchased by John Foote, a local man in 1556. For a time the Priory was subjected to a bit of a chequered history, until it was bought by Thomas Sackville, Ist Earl of Dorset. It remained with the Sackville's for over 300 years, however mostly, it was let out on lease to tenant farmers, and its fluctuating fortunes continued. Again the Priory fell into decline, and passed through a series of owners. Richard Beresford-Wright was responsible for much of the 20th century restoration and improvements, and its last owner Mrs. Stella Hotblack bought the Priory for no other reason than to preserve it from further desecration - she gave it to Sussex Archaeological Society in 1960. They continue to care for the building, and have embellished it accordingly, so that it makes an interesting and exciting visit for people of all ages and from all countries.

Visitors can see a working watermill from the medieval period which still produces stone-ground flour, the exceptional moat inhabited by swans and other creatures of the wild, restored barns and a working forge. Once inside, the house takes on the warm, easy feel of a home, where quite possibly the owners have popped out for an hour or so - all the rooms are laid out as if it were still in use by the family. The range of rooms runs from a children's bedroom to the Michelham Priory Room on the first floor where visitors see detailed displays recalling the history of the Priory, and an atmospheric 13th century Priors Chamber with a medieval fireplace and fine decorative tapestries.

Michelham Priory makes a super day out for all the family. There is lots to explore and much to do. In the Iron-Age centre, children can experience what life was like in Iron-Age Britain, and everyone can follow the Sculpture Trail in the garden. The gardens are a joy and offer peaceful walks amongst fragrant plants, lovely old trees and colourful flowers. An exploration of the medieval moat with its rich wildlife is not to be missed.

For tired feet there is an excellent restaurant where you can relax over a refreshing drink and a meal. The restaurant is open for most of the day.

There is a year long list of special events, and at Christmas, Michelham Priory hosts an enjoyable Christmas Fair, presenting an ideal opportunity for visitors to purchase gifts not normally available in the High Street.

Share the beauty of England..

Recommended towns & villages near Michelham Priory & Gardens

Clergy house

Alfriston (66 Pictures)

a Picturesque Village in the county of East Sussex

(4.5 miles, 7.3 km, direction SW)

Alfriston occupies a favoured position in the beautiful Cuckmere Gap and serves as a tourist village to which hoards of visitors flock to enjoy the many well preserved fine old buildings to be seen, one of the most important being the local church...

Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex

Herstmonceux (27 Pictures)

in the county of East Sussex

(5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction NE)

..

Beachy Head

Eastbourne (356 Pictures)

a Seaside Town in the county of East Sussex

(7.5 miles, 12.1 km, direction SE)

Eastbourne, is a genteel town, that owes it's distictiveness to the 7th Duke of Devonshire...

Seven Sisters to Birling Gap

Birling Gap (52 Pictures)

in the county of East Sussex

(8.2 miles, 13.2 km, direction S)

The Birling Gap is a coastal hamlet on the South Downs in East Sussex, situated on the Lighthouse, West Quay, Newhaven

Newhaven (41 Pictures)

in the county of East Sussex

(8.8 miles, 14.2 km, direction SW)

Best known for its cross channel ferries and for its fort built in the 1860's as part of Britain's coastal defences, but which is now a fascinating museum offering visitors the opportunity to experience a massive fortress at first hand...

All towns in East Sussex
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Recommended attractions near Michelham Priory & Gardens

The Wilmington Long Man, East Sussex

The Long Man (8 Pictures)

(3.9 miles, 6.2 km, direction S)

Where he comes from nobody knows, nor does anyone know the identity of this 240 foot figure of a man carved into the side of a.....

This is the studio at Charleston Farmhouse in East Sussex.

Charleston Farmhouse (8 Pictures)

(4.4 miles, 7.1 km, direction SW)

..

Alfriston Clergy House. Alfriston, East Sussex

Alfriston Clergy House (3 Pictures)

(4.6 miles, 7.4 km, direction SW)

Amongst the treasures of this town is the first house to be acquired by the National Trust, this is the magnificent Priest's, or.....

The Pevensey Levels on an October evening, East Sussex.

The Pevensey Levels (1 Pictures)

(4.7 miles, 7.6 km, direction E)

..

Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex

Herstmonceux Castle (25 Pictures)

(5.5 miles, 8.9 km, direction E)

The 15th century red brick Herstmonceux Castle with its magnificent gatehouse, was built in the romantic era when splendour and.....


All attractions in East Sussex
Complete A to Z of attractions in England