 The demolition of the monastery began without delay, however the Priory House was not demolished and was reserved as a place of residence for the new owner.In a letter to his father in April, Gregory Cromwell gives the details of his arrival, and of the warm reception and presents given to him and his wife, by the families of the neighbourhood.However, the rats of Lewes had "presents" of their own, and in May, plague had broken out in the town.