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.

This Pilot Episode for Most Haunted prooved to be one of the most compelling and active locations to date. The investigation begins with Derek picking up on a number of energies during dinner (2 women, a man and a young girl). During his walkaround proceedings get off to a bump when a doorway appears to open of its own accord. Derek then refers to a number of entities including Thomas Sackville (an Earl and a dark spirit) and Molly Pearson (the young girl) who runs in fear from Thomas. Derek reveals that there is a secret stairwell next to the staircase where Molly hides. Moving on from the staircase Yvette feels her backside being pinched, and Derek suggests this is Molly trying to get her attention. In the Dining Room there is a rare occurence for Most Haunted when Jason picks up anomolous readings on the EMF meter. Upon commencing the Night-time vigils Rick and Karl are startled by what they describe as the apparition of a man's lower half materialising beneath a fireplace underneath the stairwell (legs and a long cloak). Orbs are then captured on camera in the very same room. Moving upstairs further EMF readings are recorded, while Derek appears to be momentarily possesed by a large man he refers to as James Gwynne who purchased the Priory in 1897. While this occurs Jason again picks up high EMF readings around Derek. The investigation comes to end with a visit to the hidden stairwell. Cameraman Ian appears to stumble inexplicably when trying to follow Derek and Karl into the secret room, while Yvette reveals she hears laughter at the very same moment. While opening a trap door in the secret stairwell Rick and Derek believe they can see inexplicable lights moving around underneath, which appear to be picked up on camera (although they could have been dust particals). Derek senses a foreboding presence in the area, and discourages the team from investigating further.