Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Grade II listed building. Main construction periods 1843 to 1843

Summary from record TQ 57 SW 197:

On West Hill, Dartford. Built in 1843. No similar builiding is known locally.

Monument Types

• POLICE STATION (POLICE STATION, Post Medieval - 1843 AD to 1872 AD (between))
• SITE (Post Medieval - 1843 AD to 1843 AD)
• WORKHOUSE (Post Medieval to Modern - 1872 AD to 1930 AD?)
• HOSPITAL (Modern - 1930 AD? to 1930 AD (post))

Full description

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The following text is from the original listed building designation:
1. 5274 WEST HILL (North Side) Former West Hill Police Station TQ 57 SW SP/565
II G.V
2. Former Police Station, 1843. Stock brick walls. One storey. Cornice and blocking course continuing round central projecting bay with pediment over, the central projection with four-panel door above two steps, and a blocked flanking window opening with rubbed brick arches to each side. Set back blank walling to each side again. Early plan shown on O.S 1868 map and comprised central reception area with two cells to each side, the east cells later altered by the insertion of a large drying closet for the workhouse and the west cells since converted into one room, but retaining a door. The building ceased to function as a Police Station after 1872 and was then used as a workhouse ward for vagrants. See Dartford Historical and Antiquarian Society Newsletter, no 22, 1985.
Listing NGR: TQ5381074129

Description from record TQ 57 SW 197:
On West Hill, Dartford. Built in 1843 and a similar builiding is not known locally. (1-2).

Former Police Station, 1843. Stock brick walls. One storey. Cornice and blocking
course continuing round central projecting bay with pediment over, the central
projection with four-panel door above two steps, and a blocked flanking window opening
with rubbed brick arches to each side. Set back blank walling to each side again.
Early plan shown on O.S 1868 map and comprised central reception area with two cells
to each side, the east cells later altered by the insertion of a large drying closet
for the workhouse and the west cells since converted into one room, but retaining a
door. The building ceased to function as a Police Station after 1872 and was then
used as a workhouse ward for tramps. See Dartford Historical and Antiquarian Society
Newsletter, no 22, 1985.

It is not known how many other mid-19th century lock-ups survive in Kent. (3)

<1> Not applicable, SMR Kent uncatalogued index entry, Pers. comm with CR Baker (dartford Arch Group) and KCC Nov. 1995 (Miscellaneous Material). SKE6440.

<2> 1993, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX10721.

<3> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2016, The former Dartford Lock-up West Hill, Dartford, Historic Building Record (Unpublished document). SKE32296.

Sources and further reading

Related records