The Priory, of Augustinian Canons was founded 1253 by Sir John Mansell (Lord Chief Justics, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, etc.). It was dissolved in 1536 and used as a Farmhouse, becoming progressively more ruinous until restoration 1906. Foundations and remains of cloisters still exist to the north, the church (of St. Mary the Virgin and St. Nicholas) beyond that and further still the Gate House and Holy Well, as well as 3 fishponds (1 a moat to the south-west).