The Priory

The Priory

House incorporating Abbot's Lodging. Immediately post-Dissolution (1536) and 14th century. Ashlar sandstone re-used from monastic church to front block, timber framed with plaster infill, English bond red brick underbuild to 14th century rear, old tile roofs. Two storeys, three bays, two cell plan to front block, two storeys two cell plan at rear. Front block has two ground floor three-light, one first floor two-light and one single light chamfered straight-headed mullioned windows with 20th century leaded casements. One 20th century first floor three-light oak-framed flush casement. Central re-used 15th century two-centred gothic arch, chamfered, with brick reveals. Hipped roof with gablets and central brick stack. Both returns have single ground floor four-light chamfered mullioned and transomed casement windows. Chamfered plinth with set-off buttress at south-east. Rear wing of 14th century has 18th century underbuild with two segmental arched windows and two door openings, one blocked. First floor has close-set studwork with plaster infill and four sets of 20th century casements in earlier unmoulded openings. Off-centre in-built brick stack. Tile-hung service additions at north-west with outshut roofs.

Interior: front block has lobby entrance plan with two heated chambers and fireplaces with stone cheeks and chamfered wooden bressummers. Tiled floor in south-east room. Framed rear wall with stairs in extra bay towards 14th century build. Ridgeless through-purlin roof with crude Queen post struts. The 14th century block comprises two cells, presumably single storey hall and kitchen, with framed internal walls with passing braces. One first floor in situ post and panel partition. Three bay double-framed Crown post roof with lateral and transverse head braces, with central girder supporting collars paired to each rafter, ridgeless with through purlins. Stack originally in-built.

A small priory of Augustinian or Black Canons was translated here from Hastings in 1413 by Sir John Pelham and dedicated in 1417. It was granted at the Dissolution in 1536 to Henry VIII's Attorney-General Sir John Baker and remained in the inheritance of his descendants as of 1986.