Michelem Priory

9th September 2026

26 members and guests took the short journey by coach to the above venue situated in Upper Dicker, near Hailsham.

On arrival at 1pm,after a comfort break and light refreshments for some we were met by their guide (another Dave) who described some of the history behind the Priory. The tour commenced outside in the gardens and later we toured the house.

The Priory was founded in 1229 by Gilbert de Laigle one of many Augustinian and surrounded by England’s longest medieval water filled moat. During the 16th century it was seized by Henry V111 during his reign and later converted into a Tudor House. Subsequently it became a farm and in 1939 evacuees from Rotherhithe were welcomed by the then owners, the Beresford-Wrights. During the winter of 1941 and into1942 Canadian soldiers were billeted there and used the estate as a base for preparation for their part of the Dieppe landings known as “Operation Jubilee”. In 1943 the Priory became the headquarters of the Auxiliary Territorial Service. It is currently managed by the Sussex Archaeological Society.

After the tour we all enjoyed a splendid tea in the quaint cafe before eventually departing at 4.15pm for the return journey.

Here are a few photos from the day taken by me, Pat Jarvis and Tim Kent

Dave Stedman

Chairman