Hall Place, Bexley, Kent

During the past 6 months AOC Archaeology Group has been carrying out a programme of historic building recording and archaeological investigation at Hall Place, Bexley, in Kent. The main buildings are being extensively refurbished with facilities being created to enhance the visitor experience. This has been achieved through a Heritage Lottery Fund Stage 2 grant.

Hall Place is a Grade 1 Listed Building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument set in extensive grounds (with Registered Park status). The core of the building is a 16th century hall with numerous additions and alterations in later centuries. The grounds also contain a 17th century barn, stables and relocated granary.

The house has a long and varied history and tenants have included Lord le Spencer (the notorious leader of the Hellfire Club), the Countess of Limerick and an American unit involved in receiving German Enigma machine transmissions during the Second World War.

During the historic building recording, works to restore the historic character of the building have been observed, including the conservation of windows, the unblocking of fireplaces and the removal of plaster to expose original brickwork.

During the installation of new service runs a series of brick walls were observed. In the northern courtyard the original porch of the 16th century hall was uncovered. In the southern terrace a series of walls suggest a previously unknown separate 16th century structure on the site.

AOC Project Manager:  Andy Leonard
AOC Project Supervisors: Catherine Edwards and Chris Pole
Client: Gifford acting on behalf of Bexley Heritage Trust