Alfriston Clergy House

This low, timber-framed, thatched house was probably built for a wealthy farmer, despite its name.

It became known as the Clergy House because it was subsequently owned by the Church and not because the parish priest lived there.

The house is situated on the green of this Sussex village and is one of very few surviving 14th century Wealden hall houses. It was built in around 1350 and has a central hall rising to the rafters, flanked by two-storey blocks on either side. One block contained the family's private accommodation and the other the service quarters. The hall has beams decorated with oak-leaf carvings and a rammed chalk floor. This was local to Sussex and consisted of lumps of chalk, laid and sealed with sour milk.

Alfriston Clergy House was the first building to be acquired by the National Trust and was purchased in 1896 for £10.

The hall, exhibition room and two other rooms are open to the public. The house is surrounded by a charming garden planted with traditional cottage favourites.