Sussex Group visit to the Archbishop’s Palace at Charing

Event details

Sussex Group visit to the Archbishop’s Palace at Charing
Wednesday 1 October, 10.30am – 1pm

Join the Sussex Group on a rare visit to the Archbishop’s Palace at Charing, near Ashford. This trip complements our earlier visit to the Archbishop’s Palace at Mayfield, East Sussex. The palace complex, dating from the late 13th to 15th centuries, has been the focus of detailed study by Rupert Austin, Senior Buildings Archaeologist for the Canterbury Archaeological Trust. His work has helped unravel the building phases and guided urgent conservation repairs.

We also expect to be joined by a representative of the Spitalfields Trust, who own and maintain the site. The Trust works to rescue at-risk historic buildings, undertaking emergency works and finding new uses for them, often with support from SPAB. Attendees will gain insight into both the building’s fascinating history and the conservation challenges it presents.

Please arrive and park by 10.30am, meeting at 10.45am inside the main compound through the medieval arched gate. The visit will last approximately two hours, ending at 1pm.

This event offers a unique opportunity to learn about medieval architecture, conservation practice, and the work of the Spitalfields Trust, in the atmospheric setting of one of the Archbishops of Canterbury’s palaces.
 

Accessibility

This is a working building site with uneven surfaces. Some areas have limited access. Please bring sturdy footwear. Hard hats and hi-vis vests are required; please bring your own if possible, though some will be available on site.

Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email sussex@spab.org.uk.

Photos and filming:We may take photos or videos at this event to be used in future promotion, including in print and online. Participants may take photos and short videos for personal use, with permission of the course leader and all other participants in frame. If you want to post on social media, please message SPAB's Comms Team (press@spab.org.uk or @spab1877) for permission. If your material is good, we might ask to share it with our followers.

All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Photo credit: By Poliphilo - Own work, CC0.