Prittlewell Priory

PRIORY PARK 1. 5219 PRITTLEWELL Prittlewell Priory TQ 88 NE 2/16 23.11.51 I 2. Prittlewell Priory was founded in the C11-C12 by the Cluniac Order as a cell to the Priory of St Pancras at Lewes. It was one of the lesser monasteries housing not more than 18 monks. It survived some 400 years before it was dissolved in 1536 when much of the building was destroyed. The remaining house and foundations stand in a park of about 45 acres presented to the town in 1917. The Refectory and Priory building were restored by the Corporation in 1920-21. The Refectory dates from the C12 and the south and west ranges, including the Priors Chamber and Cellars dates from the C15. It was much altered in the C18 particularly on the west side. Indications of the cloister can be seen on the north wall of the Refectory and the cloister garth is still retained as an open garden. The Refectory was restored and partly rebuilt on the original foundations in the early C20. The north wall has much of the original work and there is a C12 doorway with Chevron and dog tooth ornamentation. The interior has a fine early C15 crown-post roof. The windows are C20 restorations. Roof tiled. The west range has 4 C18 gables on the west front. The north end has exposed timber-framing on the 1st storey on the east and west fronts. On the east front the ground storey is built up in brick. The windows on the 1st storey are mullioned and transomed casements with lattice leaded lights. The south front has 4 window range, double-hung sashes with glazing bars, in plain reveals. Roof tiled, hipped. The interior has 2 band vaulted chambers on the ground storey and the Priors Chamber on the 1st storey has a fine C15 king post open roof and a Cl6 fireplace. AM.

Listing NGR: TQ8764587336