Priest House, Independent museum in West Hoathly, England
The Priest House is a museum building from around 1500 with timber framing, stone floors, and original wooden beams visible throughout its structure. The two-story building displays the construction craftsmanship of that era with exposed structural elements in every room.
The building was constructed around 1500 originally as an administrative office for Lewes Priory. Later owners modified it over the centuries, with some having royal connections to the Tudor court.
The house reflects how prosperous rural families lived and worked in Sussex centuries ago. Rooms are furnished with everyday objects that reveal how people used their homes and what mattered to them in daily life.
The museum is cared for by a resident curator who offers guided tours and explains the features of each room in detail. Visitors should allow time to examine the details closely, as the building is small and personal in scale.
Protective marks are carved into the wooden beams and doorframes, dating from the 17th century and reflecting folk beliefs of the time. These carvings show how people once tried to safeguard their homes against harm.
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