Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Grade II listed building. Main construction periods 1400 to 1499 Nos 25 Blue Anchor Inn, 26 and 27 North Lane [TR 14695826 - sited from HHR map]. Grade II. A 15thc timber-framed range. 25 North Lane, a fine late medieval to 17th century timber-framed house, was extensively restored in 1979 and detailed drawings made of all pre-19th century parts of the building which adjoins a massive wagon entry. No 25 North Lane. Two bays of a medieval hall house, later framed wing to rear. 18th century brick extension. No 26 North Lane. One bay of medieval timber-framed building. Altered to form part of 19th century coach house. No 27 North Lane. Medieval timber-framed building. Altered 17th century and later.

Monument Types

• TIMBER FRAMED HOUSE (Medieval to Modern - 1400 AD to 2050 AD)
• INN (Post Medieval to Modern - 1692 AD? to 1971 AD)

Full description

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Description from record TR 15 NW 238:
Nos 25 Blue Anchor Inn, 26 and 27 North Lane [TR 14695826 - sited from HHR map]. Grade II. A 15thc timber-framed range. (1) 25 North Lane, a fine late medieval to 17th century timber-framed house, was extensively restored in 1979 and detailed drawings made of all pre-19th century parts of the building which adjoins a massive wagon entry. (2)

No 25 North Lane. Two bays of a medieval hall house, later framed wing to rear. 18th century brick extension. No 26 North Lane. One bay of medieval timber-framed building. Altered to form part of 19th century coach house. No 27 North Lane. Medieval timber-framed building. Altered 17th century and later. (3)

The Canterbury UAD states that this inn was previously owned by Rigdens/Whitbreads/Fremlins House.

This was a very old hostelry and was on the Licensing List of 1692. The Billeting List for soldiers in 1693 stated it could take 4 men.

There is an entry in the Holy Cross Accounts of 1690 and in 1706, 'Goody Skillet for beer when the chilld was buryed 2s. 6d.' Goody Skillet kept the Blue Anchor at that time. In 1797 the innkeeper was Henry Glaze and Charles Blogg took over in 1802.

The following text is from the original listed building designation:
1. 944 NORTH LANE (North West Side)
No 25 (Blue Anchor Inn) TR 1458 SE 2/128 3.5.67.
II GV
2. Part of a C15 timber-framed range. 2 storeys, tile-hung on 1st floor, pebble dash on ground floor. Old tiled roof with 1 hipped dormer. 2 sashes with glazing bars intact. Early C19 doorcase with wooden weatherhood on brackets. Left side has a studded door. Timbr framing visible through carriage entrance.
Nos 25 to 27 (consec) form a group.
Listing NGR: TR1468758263 (5)

From Rigdens Rent Book we read:
April 1807 To Three Years rent received of John Whitnall £37. 16. 0
April 1812 To one Years Rent received of Henry Haycock £12. 12. 0
In Rigdens Rent Book 'Receipts' there is mention of: Received of Mr Goreley One pound 6/- for half years land tax due October 10th 1833 for the Blue Anchor (signed) William Friend Assessor.

The Blue Anchor was purchased by Rigdens, the brewers, in 1840 for £379 from Stephen Philpot. It closed as an inn in 1971. In 1988 25 North Lane was a restaurant and is designated as an Historic Building of Kent. It is now the Anchor Guest House (2003).

<1> DOE (HHR) City of Canterbury Kent Sept 1973 168-9 (OS Card Reference). SKE40016.

<2> CAT Ann Rep 1979-80 31-2 (T Tatton-Brown) (OS Card Reference). SKE38660.

<3> Hist Bldgs Survey Cant City Council/RCHME 57031 7 of 9 (OS Card Reference). SKE43790.

<4> Wilmot, E., 1988, Inns of Canterbury (Monograph). SKE29737.

<5> English Heritage, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (Map). SKE16160.

Sources and further reading