Old House Project Open Wednesday: 15 March 2023

Event details

We will hosting open days at the Old House Project throughout the year, welcoming members of the public to take a look around the site as repairs are being carried out to this historic building.  You will be given a guided tour by project manager Jonny Garlick (SPAB Special Ops Manager), who will be happy to answer any of your questions about the OHP and the ongoing work being done by contractors, Owlsworth IJP, and the SPAB.

Visitors will be welcomed at the entrance to the site at 10.00 and the open day will last no more than 3 hours.  Spaces are limited to a maximum of 10 spaces, and we reserve the right to cancel if we have fewer than 3 people registered.  In the unlikely event that we have to cancel, you will be informed at least 24-hours in advance.

Practical Information

Please note that this is a working site. Hands-on work will be in progress throughout the day and all visitors will need to take care as they tour the site. Please wear sturdy footwear and suitable clothing.

The ground is uneven in places and seating will be limited. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about the accessibility of the site: education@spab.org.uk

Limited parking is available nearby. The closest train stations are in Maidstone, about 10 minutes away by taxi.

This is a working site with no catering available.  Please bring along a bottle of water, a flask of tea or anything else you’d like to eat or drink.

There is a portaloo on site.

About St Andrew's (former) Chapel

St Andrew's (former) Chapel is a fascinating building just within the abbey's outer precinct which was purchased by the SPAB at the end of 2018. Although the role and history of this structure are still being explored by the Society, it seems to date from the 15th century and to have been built as a reliquary chapel. We hope to uncover some of this building's secrets as part of the working party and to get volunteers involved with our larger Old House Project, which is based at St Andrew's. 

About Boxley Abbey

Boxley Abbey is a former monastic site near Maidstone in Kent. A remarkable survival, it is one of the most complete of the group of Cistercian abbeys which were established as daughter houses by larger monasteries. Above-ground remains include fragments of the church and cloister, the high stone wall and gateway surrounding a 23-acre inner precinct, and the intact 200ft-long ‘hospitium’. The whole inner precinct, aside from the Abbey House and its garden walls, is a scheduled ancient monument. 

Image credit: Daniel Bridge