Sussex

Founded as abbey of St Mary and St Laurence [sic] by Ralph of Dene (West Dean near Seaford – RIGOLD), a sub-tenant of the castlery of Pevensey, with the help of the Brade family of Hellingley, who retained the right to appoint one canon.  Between 1180 and c. 1187 – probably before 1183 if it was colonised from Durford, which appears to be in doubt.

‘Impossibly damp and inhospitable’ (RIGOLD)

United to Bayham 1208 – 11, wherafter it became a grange with a chapel, probably served by the religious from Bayham.  (KNOWLES)  Otham’s abbot Jordan became first abbot of the combined house (RIGOLD)