The late Reverend Harry Salsbury entered the Claretian Congregation as a novice in 1954 and relates the story of Highcliffe Castle when the monastic Order of Claretians were in residence.

In 1953 to the Claretian Missionary fathers purchased Highcliffe Castle, firstly a noviciate, then for use as a seminary. However, rising costs and a restructuring of the scholasticate (body of students studying for priesthood) saw the Claretians move from the Castle in 1966.