Michelham Priory, set on a medieval moated island, was founded as The Priory of the Holy Trinity in 1229 by Gilbert d'Aquila. In 1388 the threat of French raids led Prior Leem to surround the Priory and its grounds with a moat and built a gatehouse. The Priory was dissolved in 1537 and the church and the east cloister range were pulled down for their building materials. 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. Michelham Priory is surrounded by tranquil gardens with the moat providing beautiful reflections. There is a kitchen garden, a cloister garden, fine old trees and an orchard. The psychic garden is particularly intriguing where the visitor can walk between the fragrant plants and read the fascinating labels. Paranormal activity at the Priory include the visitation of a young girl dressed in a tattered dress with ribbon in her hair. Also a maid has been seen and a monk has been heard, together with the smell of incense wafting down a corridor. Strange lights have been captured in a Priest hole, the sounds of a phantom harpsichord have been heard, strange shadows have been seen moving throughout the buidling and doors have been seen opening by themselves.