More information : [TQ 70536391] Bishop's Palace [G.T.] (Rems. of)
Chapel [G.T.] (Rems. of) (1)
The Archbishop's Palace at Halling a short distance from the
church and contiguous to the river bank, built in 1077 and rebuilt
in 1184. In 1715 the remains of the palace comprised the chapel,
hall and gateway. In 1720 the figure of Hamo de Hethe, Bishop of
Rochester, was to be "seen in a niche over the exterior of the
principal portal". In making the cement works behind the present
church nearly every remnant of the palace was removed.(a) (2)
Some years ago [before 1780-90] the roof of the chapel of the
Bishop's Palace was destroyed, but the walls with windows and
doorway were entire. Part of the hall was converted into a
dwelling house. There were also some remains of the kitchen and
out-offices. These have since been destroyed. (3)
Halling. The Bishops of Rochester had a palace here, of which
there remains a gatehouse and some walls of the hall and chapel;
these are said to be part of the work of Bishop Hamo de Hythe,
between 1320 and 1330. (4)
Bishop's Palace, situated near northeast corner of Halling
churchyard. The ruins were mostly destroyed about 1760. (5)
The only remains of the Bishop's Palace (excluding the Chapel)
is the W. wall of the hall, situated at TQ.70536391, comprising
a piece of walling 11.9m. in length, 0.6m. in width and approx.
5.5m. in height, constructed of flint and rubble faced with
Kentish Rag. In it are three blocked lancet windows of 13th c.
date with ironstone dressings and trefoil cusps internally. The
churchyard wall N. to the N.E. corner of the churchyard is of
similar thickness and construction and may also be early work.
The remains of the chapel are not so easy to establish but by
local tradition the building situated at TQ.70576387 is regarded
as such. This building is, now in a very derelict condition, falls
within a disused cement works and was evidently used as a paint
shop, etc. It is clearly far older than the surrounding buildings,
constructed of similar material to the Bishop's Palace and
orientated nearly E-W (practically identical to the adjacent
church). With the exception of a quoin, much mutilated but probably
Early English, all identifiable architectural features have
been destroyed: the local incumbent, however, stated that at one
time a piscina is reputed to have existed in the S. Wall. (6)
The chapel has been destroyed (the whole of that particular
area having been demolished for ballast). The walling at
TQ 70536391, incorporated into the east wall of Halling churchyard
remains in good condition. Attached to and extending E. of the
wall is a short length of walling of somewhat similar though
thinner construction which forms part of some disused piggeries.
It does not appear to be bonded to the main wall and it is
therefore unlikely to be contemporary. GP AO/59/191/1 from S.E.
Antiquity Model amended. (7)
Additional bibliography. (8)
Walls to east of Church of St John the Baptist. Grade II. Formerly
part of the palace of the Bishops of Rochester. Probably 13th
century but Bishop Hamo De Hethe repaired and enlarged the palace
between 1322 and 1337. (9)
Scheduled listing. (10)
|