The medieval great hall, later converted into a barn, suffered significant failure in 1996 with the partial collapse of its northern elevation. A supporting scaffolding was installed, and this remains in place to this day.
Our involvement began about fifteen years ago. In the first phase we restored two cottages fronting the Market Place, triumphantly restoring the derelict gatehouse. Now we are turning our attentions to the greater task of the rest site, including the great hall, the lodgings (farmhouse) and stables. All of these are medieval and presenting varying levels of challenge.
This year we completed urgent repairs and interventions to the great hall, with generous financial assistance from Historic England, SPAB, the Historic Houses Foundation and The Pilgrims Trust. We are exploring a range of possible solutions for the great hall and other buildings, including single residential occupancy. Our agents are Inigo if you are looking for a fascinating project to create a wonderfully historic and atmospheric home.
‘The Archbishop’s Palace at Charing in Kent is a marvellous architectural survival, of intense historic interest, embedded – in almost secret manner – within one of the county’s most attractive villages. Dating from at least the 10th century, with above-ground buildings ranging from the late 13th to the late 15th century, the palace – although long a partial ruin and adapted over the centuries – retains an authenticity that is almost unprecedented for a building of this type, age and location. The group includes the remains of the palace – probably last extended in significant manner in about 1495 by Archbishop Morton, the 13th century Great Hall, subsequently transformed into a barn, the ruins of a chapel and diverse lodgings, with the precinct still largely enclosed within a medieval wall and entered through a gatehouse. The nation can boast few historic buildings comparable to the palace at Charing, and arguably none so bewitchingly beautiful, picturesque – and with such potential for careful repair, conservation and adaptation – all of which can give these ancient structures new lives.’
Dan Cruickshank
We look forward to sharing our progress, and welcome any donations to help us save the Palace for future generations.