It was founded in the 12th century, by monks from the Cluniac Priory of St Pancras in Lewes, East Sussex, and passed into private hands at the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII.

The last private owner, the jeweller R. A. Jones, gave the priory and the grounds to the local council.

Lewes, holding dominion over the monastery at Prittlewell, were responsible for electing the prior who would rule there.

This led to a prolonged conflict between the two priories, with Lewes promoting the ascension of James de Cusancia, and William steadfastly opposing his displacement.

During this audience, William outwardly resigned his position, only to return to the monastery and forcibly occupy it with his supporters.

Captives were seized and spirited away to face punishment, and William himself was struck a fatal blow at the altar, his death finally allowing James de Cusancia to succeed him as prior of Prittlewell.

[5] The family created a walled kitchen garden, which originally had hot houses and a melon pit.

[5] The Victorian extension of the Priory, which once housed the bedrooms, now hosts an interactive display on the local wildlife.