A timber-framed hall house built in the 15th century for the Priory of St. Pancras in Lewes, The Priest House was seized by Henry VIII in 1538 and belonged in turn to Thomas Cromwell, Anne of Cleves, Mary I and Elizabeth I. Central chimneys and a fine Horsham stone roof were added in the 16th century to create a substantial yeoman farmer's house.

The Priest House opened as a museum in 1908 and contains a varied collection of 17th and 18th century country furniture, ironwork, textiles and other domestic bygones, displayed in furnished rooms. Temporary exhibitions also take place throughout the season.

Standing in the beautiful surroundings of a traditional cottage garden, the house is the only example of its kind open to the public in the Weald.

The colourful cottage garden includes exuberant mixed borders of herbaceous perennials, shrubs and wild flowers, and features over 170 culinary, medicinal and household herbs.

Click the link above to see opening times

Click the link above to see admission prices

Groups of 15 or more qualify for a reduced admission charge.

Please contact the Curator at the Priest House for more details.

Half price admission for Historic House Association and CPRE members.

Free admission for Sussex Past members and members of The Friends of the Priest House.

Adult and school groups are welcome. A visit to The Priest House is an excellent starting point for school projects focusing on the Tudors or Victorians.

Myth, Medicine & Magic: a guided tour on the uses of the many herbs in the garden can be arranged for groups.

Guided tours of the historic Wealden village, including the 11th century church, can be arranged for groups visiting The Priest House.

All visitors are welcome although wheelchair access to the house is limited due to the historic nature of the building. There is ramped access to the garden.