Preston Manor

Preston Drove
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 6SD
www.prestonmanor.virtualmuseum.info

History

The ghastly history of Preston Manor, near Brighton, involves a murdered nun, ghostly monks, bodies buried on the grounds and disembodied hands floating around the rooms. Its considered to be one of the most paranormally active houses in Sussex. Dating from the 1600s, this stylish Edwardian structure was rebuilt in 1738, with substantial additions made at the turn of the last century. With more than twenty rooms over four floors, the house offers a window into life during the 1900s. Ghostly sightings are numerous, with 'Sister Agnes' the most persistent spirit to make an appearance.

Paranormal Activity

Tales of ghostly sightings and supernatural experiences at Preston Manor go back through history, including Sister Agnes, the medieval nun who helped travellers on their way; a body buried under the patio; a disembodied hand floating by the four-poster bed; the White Lady and the elegant Lady in Grey who descends the grand staircase with nowhere to go. One friendly ghost was even seen trying out a child's toy tractor during the 1960s. The reports continue with modern day sightings of non-existent visitors, doors locking themselves and lights turning off for no reason, and a ghostly hand holding onto a doorknob.

Michelham Priory

Upper Dicker, near Hailsham
East Sussex
BN27 3QS
Tel: 01323 844224

History

The Priory of the Holy Trinity was founded in 1229 by Gilbert d'Aquila. The original buildings consisted of a cruciform church with a cloister to the south, the chapter house on the east side of the cloister, the kitchen and refectory to the south and dormitories (over the cellars) to the west. In 1388 the threat of French raids led Prior Leem to surround the Priory and its immediate grounds with a moat and build a gatehouse. The Priory was dissolved in 1537 and the church and the east cloister range were immediately pulled down for their building materials. John Foote purchased the Priory in 1556 and transformed the south and west cloister ranges into a house. In 1587 the Priory was acquired by Herbert Pelham, an ironworker and landowner. He replaced Foote's work with a new stone wing but ran out of money and was forced to sell the property in 1599. The Priory was purchased by Thomas Sackville, later 1st Earl of Dorset, and the Sackville family owned the freehold for the next 300 years. The Sackvilles let the Priory to a succession of tenant farmers and barns and farm buildings were gradually built around the house. In the late 19th century a corn mill was added to the site but the house itself fell into a decline. In 1896 the Priory was bought by James Eglington Gwynne who set about restoring the medieval buildings. After 1924 the well-known conservationist architect Walter Godfry carried out further restoration and in 1959 the Priory was given to the Sussex Archaeological Society. The Society has continued the renovation and the corn mill is now in full working order.

Paranormal Activity

Reported paranormal activity at the Priory includes a servant girl wandering the corridors and a monk has been spotted accompanied by the scent of incense. A young girl dressed in a tattered dress has been seen, while strange lights have been captured in the Priest hole. Music emanating from a phantom harpsichord has been heard, shadows have been seen moving throughout the building and doors have been seen opening by themselves.

The Mermaid Inn

Rye
Sussex

History

Nestling amongst the cobbled streets of historic Rye, this ancient inn is reputed to be one of the most haunted pubs in England. Originally dating from 1156, the Mermaid was rebuilt, much as it still stands today, as the principal Inn of Rye. Not only were ships' timbers used in the construction but also baulks of Sussex Oak. Mermaid Street, formally Middle Street, was the main entrance from the sea through the Strand Gate. The anchorage below Mermaid Street had 20 feet of water at high tide, with space for over one hundred ships to anchor off the Quay. Rye was a big smuggling locale, and it can be considered that the Mermaid was involved in this trade.

Paranormal Activity

Amongst the strange occurrences at the Mermaid Inn, guests have spotted a lady by the fireplace and found dry clothes left by the fire have becomesoaking wet. In Room Five a maid is said to haunt the room where she was murdered by smugglers, while a vision of men fighting has been seen in the Elizabethan Room. The inn also has other phantom duellists, while along the corridor in Room 17 a chair is said to rock by itself.