Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

The Sub-Prior had lodgings at the south-west end of the Infirmary Hall. These were formed by enclosing two thirds of the side south aisle of the Infirmary hall from the west wall eastwards to form a complete Hostry, or Camera for the Sub-Prior sometime before the end of the 14th century.

Monument Types

• LODGINGS (Medieval to Post Medieval - 1390 AD? to 1850 AD?)

Full description

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The Sub-Prior had lodgings at the south-west end of the Infirmary Hall. These were formed by enclosing two thirds of the side south aisle of the Infirmary hall from the west wall eastwards to form a complete Hostry, or Camera for the Sub-Prior sometime before the end of the 14th century and it is mentioned in Prior Chillenden's list of repairs (1390's) as 'Camera Subprioris'.

The pier arches of the south aisle of the Infirmary hall were walled up to enclose the Camera on the north side and the south aisle wall was raised or partly rebuilt, so as to receive a roof of less inclination to that of the Norman one and to provide large windows to the chambers. The lodgings contained a dining-hall 30 feet long by 16 feet wide and 20 feet high, with a withdrawing-room 25 feet long by 16 feet to the east that was open to the roof. Both the hall and withdrawing-room had large chimney pieces and were lighted by lofty perpendicular widows with possibly an oriel window in the east corner of the hall. A small south door possibly led to a turret stair. The dining room was entered from the nave of the Infirmary Hall by a richly-moulded four-centred door at the NW corner. West of the dining-hall were two chambers, one divided into two smaller rooms perhaps a pantry and buttery with a south passeage connecting the dining-hall to a chamber at the west end which allowed access to the Prior's Chapel and also contained a staircase to an upstairs landing chamber. This led to a large upstairs chamber above the dining hall, that was 11 feet high with a completely linedceiling with wainscot panelling, it had a broad window close to the Treasury and a larger chimney arch and chimney west of the window.

After the Dissolution, the former Sub-Prior's lodgings were assigned to the twelfth prebend, and by the addition of a few additional fittings it was converted into a dwelling-house, it was soon considered too small and subsequently became the residence of a minor canon. The houses were demolished in the mid 19th century.

Willis, R., 1868, 'The Architectural History of the Conventual Buildings of the Monastery of Christchurch in Canterbury' (Article in serial). SKE30206.

Blockley, K., Sparks, M. & Tatton-Brown, T., 1997, Canterbury Cathedral Nave, Archaeology, History and Architecture (Monograph). SKE29723.

Sources and further reading