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 The village of Charing lies in the beautiful Kent countryside at the foot of the North Downs. It achieves the perfect balance between Kentish charm and accessibility and is a fantastic place from which to explore the surrounding area. The centre of the village is focused around the thriving and historic High Street which has a range of fine houses dating from the fourteenth to eighteenth centuries. It is home to many classic examples of Georgian and half-timbered Tudor buildings as well as a butcher, baker, florist, post office and general store, all of which contribute to the vitality and character of this traditional village. |
The settlement of Charing appears to have evolved during the late Saxon period and is found in records dating back to 799AD. Much of the history of the village is tied up with the Archbishop’s Palace which can be found next to the Church of St Peter and St Paul, just off the High Street. It originally served as an important stopping off point for the archbishops travelling between the religious seats of Lambeth and Canterbury and was also visited by various royals, including King Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon. The ancient Grade I listed palace, with its Great Library and private chapel, dates back as far as the 12th century and has one of the earliest examples of an English Medieval great hall, originating from the early 1300’s. The building was also successful in making it through to the final of BBC Two’s programme, Restoration. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ |
Situated in the centre of Charing next to the church the Grade I listed Archbishop's Palace was for centuries the stopover point midway between Lambeth and Canterbury for archbishops travelling between the two religious seats. |
Pilgrims Way Walks The North Downs are a stones throw from the village and the location of the famous Pilgrim’s Way, the route taken by pilgrims to Canterbury. For details of this, maps and other walking routes visit www.kent.gov.uk. |
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