Charing Archbishop's Palace
Charing's greatest historical asset is 'The Archbishop's Palace', in the grounds of which stands a private residence, 'Palace Farm', just off the Market Place. To the right of the Farmhouse itself, is a barn, which was originally the Great Hall.
The Spitafields Historic Buildings Trust purchased the palace in 2023 with the aim of repairing it and eventually selling it
Efforts to Save and repair the palace:
In 1798 it was reported that “large ruins of the archiepiscopal palace still remaining; the antient great gateway to it is now standing, and much of the sides of the court within it, on the east side of which seems to have been the dining-room, the walls of which remain, and it is converted into a barn.”
In 1996, concerns over the deterioration of the buildings were highlighted as a result of a report by the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England, when large cracks were found in the north wall of the Great Hall. English Heritage arranged for scaffolding to be erected. This was thought to have a 'shelf life' of 2 years - but by 2015, it was hanging off the wall, rather than supporting it.
The then owner brought in the Traditional Buildings Preservation Trust (TBPT), who produced a scoping study and plans in 2001, and in 2004 entered the Palace in the second series of the television programme 'Restoration'. 21 endangered buildings competed – and the winning entry received a £2.5m National Lottery Fund grant and £506,000 raised from telephone voting. The Palace was one of six voted through to the final, but sadly it did not win.
After the TBPT folded in c.2007, all thought of restoration was shelved, largely because HLF funds were diverted to support GB Olympic aspirations.
In 2014 The Spitalfields Historic Buildings Trust bought a section of the 'gatehouse range' of the Palace Farm complex from the owner of the overall site, together with an option to purchase the complete site.
2016 saw a further worsening of the condition of the north wall of the Great Hall, which caused concern. In tandem with this Ashford Borough Council, together with Historic England, commissioning the Drury McPherson Partnership (Collier International, Drury Mcpherson and Thomas Ford and partners) to assess and report on possibilities for a sustainable future for the Archbishops Palace.
Various options for the potential use of the Palace Farm Site were outlined, and the resulting village meetings supported the option 'to restore a unique and precious historical asset of national importance, making it safe and open to all'. It was pointed out that for this to happen it would require a group of people from Charing to volunteer and organise themselves into a team to explore ways it could be achieved. This resulted in the formation of the Charing Palace Trust.
In late 2018, the Charing Palace Trust received a Viability Report and a Scoping Study, which they had commissioned with sponsorship from the Heritage Lottery and Architectural Heritage Funds, into how the palace could be saved and used by the community. This however depended on the Trust being able to purchase Palace Farm.
By the end of 2018, Spitalfields Historic Buildings Trust had renovated the 2 properties they had bought, and they are now in private hands.
In 2018 Historic England carried out emergency works on the North Wall of the barn, which was formerly the Great Hall. Their website quoted “condition; very bad. Priority A “immediate risk from further deterioration” https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/heritage-at-risk/search-register/list-entry/46680
During 2021 The Spitalfields Trust confirmed their intention to purchase the Palace Farm Site, with the result that The Charing Palace Trust ceased all activity, and closed.
In January 2023, The Spitalfields Trust announced they had exchanged contracts with the owner for the purchase of the Palace Farm Site, and completion took place in early July.
During 2024, The Spitalfields Trust are organising various surveys of the Palace Farm buildings to assess the full extent of their structural issues, and will be commissioning urgent remedial work on those areas considered to be 'dangerous'.
In parallel, possible options for the long-term use of the buildings will be drawn up.
Spitalfields are keen to engage the local community, and will be arranging guided access to the public on a number of days.
April 2024