HAILSHAM

hailsham, a market-town in the eastbourne parliamentary division of sussex, england, 54 m. s.s.e. from london by the london, brighton & south coast railway. pop. (1901), 4197. the church of st mary is perpendicular. the picturesque augustinian priory of michelham lies 2 m. w. by the cuckmere river; it is altered into a dwelling house, but retains a gate-house, crypt and other portions of early english date. there was also a premonstratensian house at otham, 3 m. s., but the remains are scanty. hailsham has a considerable agricultural trade, and manufactures of rope and matting are carried on.