The Deanery

The Deanery is a building with a complex history, dating back to the early 14th century and featuring significant alterations in the 18th century. The north-west front is specifically dated 1745. The main structure is of red brick, with a tiled roof arranged in three hips and a parapet. It has a stringcourse running along the elevation, and seven sash windows with intact glazing bars. The entrance features a doorcase with a moulded architrave surround, a flat hood, and a six-panel door. A rainwater head is inscribed with the date "1745 L". There is a more recent three-window bay on the ground floor as well as modern additions to the north-east.

The south-east front has a central single-story portion, contemporary with the 1745 build, featuring two Venetian windows and a wide porch with coupled fluted columns. A doorcase contains double doors with six moulded panels. Flanking this central portion are modern two-story gabled sections with attics, replacing earlier projecting wings that were removed in the early 20th century.

The interior retains notable historical features, including the roof and three walls of the Great Hall constructed in 1303 by Prior Henry of Eastry. The roof is characterised by paired rafters with two collars, the lower one supported by raking struts. Two crownposts from the solar built in 1394 by Prior Chillenden are also present, along with surviving frescoes at the hall’s east end. Further interior details include a Jacobean fireplace with a carved and panelled overmantel, an 18th-century staircase with three turned balusters per step, and an 18th-century Adam-style marble fireplace and panelled doors. Prior to the Reformation, the building served as a country residence for the Priors of Christ Church Priory in Canterbury. Subsequently, it was used as a country residence by the Deans of Canterbury. In the 17th century, it was sold to Anthony Lefroy, a merchant from Leghorn.