England > Kent > Historic Buildings

Historic Buildings in Kent

See also our listing of stately homes (historic houses) in Kent

8 Palace Street   One of Canterbury's best  half-timbered buildings. 8 Palace Street is a 13th century building with later additions. It may have been built as the rectory for the nearby church of St Alphege. 8 Palace Street, Canterbury, Kent, England Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: On the north side of Palace Street, a short stroll from the cathedral - Photos of 8 Palace Street OS TR149580 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Archbishops Palace, Maidstone    A 14th century grand residential palace built for the Archbishops of Canterbury on the bank of the River Medway in Maidstone. As important church officials the archbishops were constantly travelling to London, and the palace at Maidstone provided a very comfortable - and impressive - place to stay on the journey. Mill Street, Maidstone, Kent, England, ME15 6YE Attraction Type: Historic Property Website: Archbishops Palace, Maidstone Phone: 08458 247400 Location map OS TQ759554 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Blackfriars   The remains of a 13th century friary, on the bank of the River Stour. Blackfriars was founded around 1237 by Dominican monks, whose black surcoat gave them the popular monicker 'Black Friars'. 25 High Street, Canterbury, Kent, England, CT1 2BD Attraction Type: Historic Property Location map OS TR147579 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Canterbury City Walls   The Romans erected the first walls around Canterbury between 270 and 290 AD. Very little of those Roman walls remain. The walls we see today are medieval. The medieval walls surounded the entire city of Canterbury and were pierced by 8 gates, West Gate, North Gate, Quenin Gate, Burgate, Newingate, Riding Gate, Worth Gate, and London Gate. Of these, only West Gate remains. Canterbury, Kent, England Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: Accessible from several points. The best section for walking the walls is located at Dane John Garden. OS TR147573 Heritage Highlight: Sections of the original Roman walls still stand to over 16 feet high. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Canterbury West Gate Tower   One of the iconic landmarks of Canterbury, the old West Gate stands at the west end of the High Street, beside the River Stour. Generations of medieval pilgrims passed under the gatehouse arch on their way to the shrine of Thomas a Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. Road traffic now flows through the arch - its a bit of an eye-opener to see a modern coach navigate the narrow opening! 2 St. Peters Street, Canterbury, Kent, England Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: At the west end of High Street. Easy foot access from the Cathedral precinct. Website: Canterbury West Gate Tower Phone: 01227 455047 - Photos of Canterbury West Gate Tower OS TR146580 Heritage Highlight: Old medieval prison cells Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Canterbury, St Alphege church   St Alphege's was built around 1070 by Archbishop Lanfranc. It was rebuilt in the 12th century, and again in the 13th and 15th centuries. Among the interesting features is a late 15th century pillar, funded by a bequest from Thomas Prude. A brass coat of arms has been set into the pillar, with the inscription, 'Gaude Prude Thoma per quem fit ista columna.', which vey loosely translates as 'Thomas Prude paid for this column'. Palace Street, Canterbury, Kent, England Attraction Type: Historic Property OS TR149580 Heritage Highlight: A church established by Lanfranc, already described as ancient in the 12th century! Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Charing Palace   The remains of an 11th century bishops palace. Charing Palace was used by Archbishops of Canterbury as a stopping place between their London residence of Lambeth Palace and Canterbury. Charing, Kent, England Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: The Bishop's Palace is located just off Charing High Street, beside the church. Note that as of this writing the Palace is privately owned and not generally open to visitors. OS TQ 9571 4825 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Christ Church Gateway   The main visitor entrance to Canterbury Cathedral precinct is through this highly decorated gateway, which was originally built to celbrate the marriage of Arthur, Prince of Wales, to Catherine of Aragon in 1502. Arthur, unfortunately, died a few months later, and the gate was not finished for another 20 years. The Precincts, Canterbury, Kent, England Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: Off Butter Market. Just follow the signs for the cathedral! - Photos of Christ Church Gateway OS TR149578 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Conduit House   All that remains of medieval waterworks created to supply the nearby abbey of St Augustine. Kings Park, Canterbury, Kent, England Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: On Kings Park road, off North Holmes Road. Limited parking along the verge, or a short 10 minute stroll from St Augustines Abbey. Website: Conduit House English Heritage - Photos of Conduit House OS TR159580 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Conquest House   On 29 December, 1170, four knights, Reginald FitzUrse, Hugh de Moreville, William de Tracy, and Richard le Breton, met at a house near Canterbury Cathedral to plan what they would do on the morow. Whatever plan they discussed, the result was the murder of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, a deed which changed the course of history and certainly changed the fortunes of Canterbury itself. The place where the knights met is reputed to be Conquest House. 17 Palace Street, Canterbury, Kent, England, CT1 2DZ Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: Easily accessed on foot from Canterbury city centre Location map - Photos of Conquest House OS TR150580 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Dymchurch Martello Tower    A 30 foot high artillery tower built during the Naploeonic period as part of a string of defensive fortifications along the south coast. It took half a million bricks to build Dymchurch Martello Tower, which is number 24 of an original 79 towers stretching along the coast of Kent into Sussex. It has now been restored to its original coindition. Dymchurch, Kent, England Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: access from High Street Website: Dymchurch Martello Tower Phone: 01304 211 067 English Heritage OS TR102 294 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Faversham Stone Chapel    The ruins of a Saxon chapel in a farm field. The chapel is unique in that it is the only known Christian site in Britain to contain within it a 4th century Roman pagan mausoleum. Faversham, Kent, England, ME13 0TB Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: The chapel ruins are in a farm field just off the A2 opposite Faversham Road. Accessible at any reasonable time. Website: Faversham Stone Chapel Phone: 01795 534542 English Heritage Location map OS TQ992614 Heritage Highlight: A Roman pagan mausoleum lies within the ruins Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Fyndon Gate   Fyndon Gate is the original gatehouse to St Augustine's Abbey. It was rebuilt from 1301-1309 by Abbot Fyndon. In 1660 Charles I and Henrietta Maria stayed in the State Chambers over the gatewaty arch on their wedding night, following their marriage in Canterbury Cathedral. Elizabeth I is also reputed to have been welcomed to the State Chambers. Lady Wootton's Green, Monastery Street Canterbury, Kent, England Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: Easily accessed on foot from the city centre; follow signs for St Augustine's Abbey - Photos of Fyndon Gate OS TR153577 Heritage Highlight: Charles I may have spent his wedding night in chambers over the gate Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Greyfriars Chapel and Franciscan Garden   The chapel is the only remaining part of a Franciscan friary established in 1267. Greyfriars (named for the grey habits of the Franciscan order of monks) was the first Franciscan monastery in England. 6a Stour Street, Canterbury, Kent, England Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: Footpath entrance through a courtyard off Stour Street Website: Greyfriars Chapel and Franciscan Garden - Photos of Greyfriars Chapel and Franciscan Garden OS TR146578 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Horne's Place Chapel   An unusual 14th century private chapel built by William Horne around 1360. The chapel was originally attatched to Horne's manor house. Apledore, Kent, England, TN26 2BS Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: From the south, proceed through Appledore to appledore Heath. Horne's Place is off the first right turning. Website: Horne's Place Chapel English Heritage Location map OS TQ957307 Heritage Highlight: 3 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

House of Agnes   The House of Agnes is a beautiful half-timbered medieval coaching inn just outside the old city walls of Canterbury. It takes its name from the character Agnes Wickfield, in the novel David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens. Dickens set several scenes from the novel in this inn, which dates to the 13th century. 71 St Dunstan's Street, Canterbury, Kent, England, CT2 8BN Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: On the south side of St Dunstan's Street, a short walk from West Gate tower Website: House of Agnes Location map - Photos of House of Agnes OS TR144581 Heritage Highlight: Beautiful half-timbered building mentioned by Charles Dickens. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

King's School   King's School can make a good claim to be the oldest school in Britain. There was almost certainly a school established by St Augustine shortly after his arrival in Kent in 597 AD. Initially that school would have served primarily to train priests, but by the late 7th century the school had attained a reputation for learning that drew scholars from across Britain. 25 The Precincts, Canterbury, Kent, England, CT1 2ES Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: The main entrance to King's School is off The Precincts, at the end of Palace Street. Website: King's School Location map - Photos of King's School OS TR151580 Heritage Highlight: 12th century Norman Staircase Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Maison Dieu    Maison Dieu is a fascinating medieval building dating to at least 1234, although it may be much older. It is traditionally held to have been founded by Henry III as a monastic hospital, but it appears that Henry merely leant his name to an already existing establishment. Maison Dieu (which translates at 'House of God') has been a Royal lodge, hospital, pilgrim's hostel, and an almshouse for royal servants. The building is now a museum, showcasing Roman and medieval artefacts found nearby. Ospringe, Faversham, Kent, England, ME13 8NS Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: on A2, ½ mile W Faversham Website: Maison Dieu Email: ticfaversham@btconnect.com Phone: 01795 534 542 English Heritage Location map OS TR016 613 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Milton Chantry    The oldest building in Gravesend, Milton Chantry has a fascinating history. It was built by the Earl of Pembroke, Aymer de Valence, in 1322 to act as a family chantry chapel, and as chapel for a leper hospital, but after the English Reformation it became a tavern, before being used as part of a fort in the late 18th century. The building houses displays on local history and the heritage of Milton Chantry itself. New Tavern Fort Gardens, Gravesend, Kent, England Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: E of central Gravesend off A226 Website: Milton Chantry Phone: 01474 321 520 English Heritage OS TQ651735 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Old Weavers House   One of the most photographed historic buildings in Canterbury, the Old Weavers House is a gorgeous half-timbered building on the River Stour. The river quite literally laps at the side of the building, which currently houses a popular restaurant. 3 St Peter's St, Canterbury, Kent, England, CT1 2AT Attraction Type: Historic Property Website: Old Weavers House Location map - Photos of Old Weavers House OS TR147579 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Owletts    A lovely red-brick Kentish Yeoman's house dating from the late 17th century. The house was built for Bonham and Elizabeth Hayes, successful farmers. It is two storeys high, with dormer windows. The house interiors were completed in 1684, including the ornate plasterwork, which was probably executed by Italian craftsmen. The Street, Cobham Gravesend, Kent, England, DA12 3AP Attraction Type: Historic Property Website: Owletts Email: owletts@nationaltrust.org.uk National Trust Location map OS TQ669686 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Quebec House    The elegant red-brick childhood home of General James Wolfe, victor of the Battle of Quebec. The house features memorabilia relating to Wolfe, and exhibits on Georgian life. Quebec Square, Westerham, Kent, England, TN16 1TD Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: at junction of A25 and B2026 Website: Quebec House Email: quebechouse@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01732 868 381 National Trust Location map OS TQ449 540 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Reculver Towers and Roman Fort    Reculver towers is a striking pair of 12th century church towers built within a Roman fort on the very edge of the Wantsum Channel. The towers, known as 'The Two Sisters', were erected on the foundation of a 7th century Saxon church. The 12th century church is gone now, the victim of erosion from the constant wear and tear of waves on this seaside location. Reculver, Kent, England Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: 3 m E Herne Bay along shore Website: Reculver Towers and Roman Fort Phone: 01227 740 676 English Heritage OS TR228 694 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Restoration House    A unique mansion house in historic Rochester. The house takes its name from the fact that Charles II stayed here on the eve of his restoration to the crown of England following the short-lived Commonwealth. Charles Dickens used Restoration House as the model for Satis House, the home of Satis House of Miss Havisham in his novel 'Great Expectations'. 17-19 Crow Lane, Rochester, Kent, England, ME1 1RF Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: off High Street, opposite Vines Park Website: Restoration House Email: robert.tucker@restorationhouse.co.uk Phone: 01634 848 520 Location map OS TQ744 683 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Roper Gate   The Roper Gate is a decorated mid-16th century gateway that once provided an entrance to Place House, home of William Roper and his wife, Margaret Roper, daughter of Sir Thomas More. The gate is a wonderful example of decorative Tudor brickwork. Nothing now remains of Place House beyond the gateway. St Dunstan Street, Canterbury, Kent, England Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: On the north side of St Dunstan Street, a few hundred yards up from West Gate. - Photos of Roper Gate OS TR143582 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Sir John Boys House   Possibly the most photographed historic building in Canterbury after the Cathedral, Sir John Boys House (sometimes known as Crooked House, King's Gallery, or Old Kings Shop) is a delightfully skewed 17th century half-timbered building at the extreme end of Palace Street, with projecting jetties onto Palace and King Streets. 28 Palace Street, Canterbury, Kent, England, CT1 2DZ Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: At the far end of Palace Street from the city centre. Very easy stroll from the High Street. Location map - Photos of Sir John Boys House OS TR150581 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Smallhythe Place   A lovely 16th century half-timbered house once owned by actress Ellen Terry. The interiors showcase Terry memorabilia and historic theatre costumes. A thatched theatre is located in the grounds. Tenterden, Kent, England, TN30 7NG Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: 2 miles south of Tenterden, on the B2082 Website: Smallhythe Place Email: smallhytheplace@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01580 762 334 Fax: 01580 762 334 National Trust Location map - Photos of Smallhythe Place OS TQ892301 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

South Foreland Lighthouse    A Victorian lighthouse standing atop the famous White Cliffs of Dover. The lighthouse was the sie of two famous scientific breakthroughs, Marconi conducted his wireless experiments here, and Faraday's first electric light glowed on this spot. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for wonderful views over the English Channel to France. The Front, St Margaret's Bay St Margarets, Dover, Kent, England, CT15 6HP Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: 1 m by footpath from St Margarets Website: South Foreland Lighthouse Email: southforeland@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01304 852 463 Fax: 01304 215 484 National Trust Location map OS TR361 434 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

St Augustine's Cross    A Victorian cross in Celtic style marks the traditional site of St Augustine's landing in 597 AD. Augustine and his supporters supposedly paused here to say mass before travelling on to Canterbury. Cliffs End, Kent, England Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: Off the B29048 2 miles east of Ramsgate, and immediately west of Cliffs End. A very short walk uphill from the Thanet Coastal Path. Website: St Augustine's Cross English Heritage OS TR340641 Heritage Highlight: The cross marks a significant point in the history of Britain. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

St George's Tower   The clock tower is all that temains of the medieval church of St George the Martyr. The church is best known as the place where playwrite Christopher Marlowe was baptised. High Street, Canterbury, Kent, England Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: At the eastern end of High Street. Easy stroll from the cathedral gates and TIC. - Photos of St George's Tower OS TR150578 Heritage Highlight: The church where Christopher Marlowe was baptised. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

St John the Baptist Hospital   St John the Baptist Hospital is the oldest almshouse in England (though there are others of a similar date in Winchester). The almshouse was established in 1085 by Lanfranc, Archbishop of Canterbury, as a residence for needy 30 men and an equal number of women. The main entrance is through a beautiful timber-framed gatehouse off Northgate. Northgate, Canterbury, Kent, England, CT1 1BG Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: Northgate is an easy stroll from central Canterbury, via Palace Street. Location map OS TR152583 Heritage Highlight: The oldest almshouse in England Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

St John's Commandery   A medieval chapel which was converted into a farm building during the 16th century. The Commandery features a striking timber roof with an ornamental plaster ceiling. Densole, Swingfield, Kent, England, CT15 7HG Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: 2 miles northeast of Densole, off the A260, on the minor road between Lydden and Swingfield Minnis. Website: St John's Commandery Phone: 01553 631 330 English Heritage Location map - Photos of St John's Commandery OS TR232 440 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

St Leonard's Tower    The very well preserved remains of a Norman tower keep. The keep was constructed around 1080, possibly by Gundulf, the Bishop of Rochester at that time. The tower takes its name from the fact that a church dedicated to St Leonard used to stand nearby. West Malling, Kent, England Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: On a minor road 1 mile west of West Malling, off the A228. Website: St Leonard's Tower OS TQ675570 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Temple Manor    An unasuming house dating to the 13th century, once owned by the Knights Templar. Strood, Rochester, Kent, England Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: off A228 Website: Temple Manor Phone: 01634 338 110 English Heritage OS TQ733 686 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Western Heights    At the height of the Napoleonic Wars the threat of French invasion on the south coast of England was very real. The government put into place a comprehensive set of coastal defenses to counter that threat. One of the most ambitious of these was the development of the Western Heights above Dover which together make up the largest set of Napoleonic defenses in Britain. Dover, Kent, England Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: On the west side of Dover overlloking the harbour. Can be reached via North Military Road or South Military Road. OS TR312408 Heritage Highlight: The Grand Shaft boasts the only known example of a triple spiral staircase in England. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Willesborough Windmill    A 'smock' mill built in 1869, beside a small miller's house. The mill used patent shutters instead of sails to turn four millstones.Auxillary power was provided by a steam engine, and later a gas engine. Visitors can grind their own flour to take away, and children receive a Miller's Certificate. Mill Lane, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent, England, TN24 0QG Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: off A292, at E end of Ashford Website: Willesborough Windmill Email: yym@btinternet.com Phone: 01233 661 866 Location map OS TR030421 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts