The Grade 1 listed building, which became a country house in the 1930s and was home to evacuees and troops during the Second World War, boasts Britain’s longest continual medieval water-filled moat, which stretches a mile and encircles its site.
However, Sussex Archaeological Society – which runs the venue – says that due to gradual silt deposition and increasing invasive growth of aquatic plants, the moat has been deteriorating.
A spokesperson said, “The loss of available water in the moat has archaeological and environmental ramifications. It has also made the watermill, which has stood on the site since at least early fifteenth century, inoperable. Large amounts of vegetation were removed in 2013 and 2014 to prevent an environmental crisis, but the fundamental problem remains. The moat has to be de-silted imminently or it will be completely lost.”
With the coronavirus pandemic affecting visitor numbers and a drop in revenue, a Celebrating 175 Fund has been set up to help pay for vital restoration work.
The campaign is being backed by Wealden MP Nus Ghani who is raising the issue with government ministers and the Environment Agency to address what she described as ‘the significant conservation and maintenance needs at the site’.
Ms Ghani said, “Michelham Priory is a wonderful piece of history and I am proud Wealden is the home of the UK’s longest medieval water-filled moat.
“It is absolutely vital the moat is restored and the watermill operational again. I fully support the moat restoration project.
“Despite the devastating impact of Covid-19, the historical sites are a vital part of the cultural fabric of Sussex and local economy.”
