Wilmington Priory facts for kids

The remains of the priory seen from the air

Wilmington Priory is an ancient building in East Sussex, England. It was once a home for Benedictine monks. Today, it is owned by the Landmark Trust and is used as a special place for holidays. It is a very important historical site, protected as a Grade I listed building and a scheduled monument.

History of Wilmington Priory

How the Priory Started

Wilmington Priory began in the middle of the 11th century. It was first a small 'alien cell' of St Mary. This means it was a small religious house connected to a larger monastery in another country, in this case, Grestein Abbey in Normandy, France.

Growing and Changing

In 1243, the priory was made bigger. However, it mostly worked like a large farm, known as a 'monastic grange'. Its main job was to look after the lands in the area that belonged to the French monks. In the 14th century, the building was made stronger, like a small castle. It even had a 'portcullis', which is a heavy gate that could be lowered to block the entrance. It also had a three-storey tower, but this tower was taken down in the 1700s.

New Owners Over Time

In 1414, the priory, along with other foreign monastic cells, was closed down. Its ownership was then given to Chichester Cathedral. Later, in 1565, it was granted to Sir Richard Sackville. Around the year 1700, the estate went to the Compton family, who later became the Earls of Wilmington.

The priory then passed to the House of Cavendish family through marriage. In 1925, the ninth Duke of Devonshire gave the priory to the Sussex Archaeological Trust. They fixed up the building and even opened a small museum inside, showing old farm tools.

Wilmington Priory Today

In the 1960s, the priory was open to visitors every day. After that, it was taken over by the Landmark Trust. Today, you can see a two-storey L-shaped house from the 14th century. It includes parts of an even older building from the 13th century. This house was changed in the 1700s and is now a Grade I listed building. Near the house, you can also see the ruins of other old buildings. Underneath one of these ruins is a vaulted room from the 14th century.