WHERE: Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker, Hailsham, BN27 3QS
WHEN: 4th October 2025
TIME:7pm-1am
PRICE: £49 per person
DEPOSIT: £20 per person deposit
👻Over 18s Only
👻Refreshments provided
👻Use of our paranormal equipment
👻Small group sizes
👻Free time for you to investigate
HISTORY
Michelham Priory, located near Hailsham in East Sussex, England, is a remarkable historical site with a history that spans nearly eight centuries. Originally founded in 1229 by Gilbert de Aquila, the priory was established as a house for Augustinian canons—members of a religious order that combined a monastic lifestyle with pastoral work. The canons lived a life of prayer, study, and service to the local community. The priory was built in a peaceful, rural setting and featured the typical structures of a medieval religious house, including a church, cloisters, refectory, and dormitories.
Michelham Priory remained an active religious institution for over 300 years until it was dissolved in 1537 during the reign of King Henry VIII. This was part of the larger Dissolution of the Monasteries, in which the king broke away from the Catholic Church and seized the wealth and lands of religious institutions across England. At the time of its closure, Michelham was not a large or wealthy priory, but it still held local importance. Following the dissolution, many of the original buildings were demolished, and the land was granted to private owners.
In the centuries that followed, Michelham Priory was transformed from a religious site into a private residence and working estate. A Tudor manor house was built using stones from the original priory, blending the site’s medieval origins with more modern architectural styles. Throughout the years, the estate passed through several hands and was adapted for various uses, including farming.
During the Second World War, Michelham Priory took on a new role, providing shelter for evacuees and housing Canadian troops. This period added another layer of history to the site, showing how it continued to serve the community in times of need.
In 1958, Michelham Priory was purchased by the Sussex Archaeological Society, which undertook the task of preserving the historic site. Today, it operates as a museum and heritage attraction, offering visitors a chance to explore the Tudor house, restored watermill, medieval gardens, and England’s longest water-filled moat.
Michelham Priory’s long and varied history—from its monastic roots to its modern role as a cultural landmark—offers a window into the religious, social, and political changes that have shaped England over the centuries.
REPORTED ACTIVITY
The Ghostly Monk Is one of the most frequently reported apparitions is that of a black-robed monk, believed to be a remnant of the Augustinian canons who once lived there. Witnesses claim to have seen him walking the grounds, especially near the cloisters and undercroft.
The Crying Girlis another recurring presence is the ghost of a young girl, whose crying and laughter have reportedly been heard in various parts of the house. Some believe she may have been a child who lived or died there during the Tudor or Victorian period.
Visitors and staff have reported unexplained noises, objects moving on their own, and sudden drops in temperature. Flickering lights and doors slamming without explanation are among the phenomena reported, especially in the upper rooms of the Tudor house. Several guests have claimed to see shadowy figures, particularly in the chapel and long corridors
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