Dartford Heritage Open Days 2010 - Buildings
Manor Gatehouse - Priory Road, Dartford
The
Manor Gatehouse was constructed in the 16th Century as part of a Manor
House for Henry VIII.
Anne of Cleves was given it as part of her divorce settlement by Henry, and lived there between 1553 and 1557.The building is currently used as a registry office and offices.
Guided tours of the Manor Gatehouse will be held at 10.30am on Thursday 9 September and at 10.30am and 11.30am on Friday 10 September. Dates and times of opening are subject to change. Please use contact details below to book the tour.
Ingress Abbey - Ingress Park, Greenhithe
Grade
II listed Ingress Abbey is now set in the Ingress Park housing estate.The
Abbey has had a number of different owners. The old house was pulled
down in the 19th century to be replaced by the new structure constructed
of stone from old London Bridge.
The building was derelict from 1970s until 1990s when a housing developer was required to undertook repairs to bring it to its present state.
The entry hall has a cantilevered stone staircase with an oak screen around the first floor balcony.The hall ceiling is new to replicate the details found in existing building. The orangery was almost totally rebuilt and a new roof was designed to reflect its new use as a refectory.
Visitors will be allowed into the entrance hall and orangery only, on Sunday 12 September between noon and 3pm. Entrance and car park are at the rear of the building. No booking required.
Orchard Theatre - Home Gardens, Dartford
Come and enjoy a backstage tour of the Orchard Theatre. Find out houw plays, musicals and concerts all happen. From the orchestra pit to the star dressing room, experience life in a working theatre. Please note that the tour will include stairs.
Guided tours of the thratre lasting approx one hour will be available on Thursday 9 September at 4pm and Saturday 11 September at 10am and 11am. Refreshments will be provided. 30 places only per tour so book now on 01322 220000.
Hawley Manor Dovecote & Ice House - Hawley Road, Dartford
The dovecote and ice house are both located within the grounds of Hawley Manor. The dovecote is a listed building and is belived to have been built between 1509 and 1603. The last time that it held doves was in 1939. The ice house was built in the mid - 1880s.
The dovecote and ice house will be open on Friday 10 September between 10am and 4pm. No booking required.
Twistleton almshouses - West Hill, Dartford
A rare opportunity to look around the Almshouses which were rebuilt in their present form in 1704. The well tended garden to the rear is perfect for moments of quiet reflection.
Access is available Thursday 9 September and Friday 10 September between 10am and 4pm - please ring the doorbell apon arrival.
St John's Jerusalem - Sutton-at-Hone, Dartford, Kent DA4 9HQ
This 13th-century chapel, surrounded by tranquil moated garden, was part of the former Commandery of the Knights Hospitallers.
Access will be provided to the garden and chapel only, from 3pm on Thursday 9 September, limited to 25 places. To book or for more information, email heritageopendays@dartford.gov.uk or phone 01322 343244
