WEST MALLING TQ6757 ST LEONARD'S STREET 1156-0/2/126 Malling Place 01/08/52 GV II* Former large house, now nursing home. Dates from 1560 but refronted and extended either side in the C18 and with additions to the street front of the late C19. The central part of the garden front is a timber-framed building of c1560 refronted in brick with tiled roof. 2 storyes and attics. 2 projecting gables to each side with 1 tripartite sash and Jacobean pendants. Right side has 2-storey canted bay with C17 mullioned and transomed casements and stone plinth below. Left side bays. have sashes and pedimented doorcase with engaged Tuscan columns and three 12-pane sashes. To the right is an C18 addition in brick with 2 flat-roofed dormer, two 12-pane sashes and a pedimented doorcase with engaged Tuscan columns and 6-panelled door. To the left is an C18 wing of Flemish bond brickwork with diaper pattern. Two 12-pane sashes with C19 canted bay to ground floor and pedimental doorcase with Tuscan columns. Wooden modillion eaves cornice. 2 large roughcast dormers. Return front has C19 oriel to 2nd floor and bay to ground floor. Elevation to St Leonard's Street is a mixture of styles. Late C19 Queen Anne-style to right. Red brick with hipped tiled roof with massive pedimented dormer. Wide wooden modillion eaves cornice. 1st floor has 4 narrow 8-pane sashes with rubbed brick voussoirs with keystones above and decorative aprons below. Brick modillion cornice between floors incorporating pediment of doorcase. Two 12-pane windows to ground floor, top opening sashes with keystones, and pedimented doorcase with engaged Tuscan columns and 6-panelled door with rectangular fanlight. Interior has Manager's Office with panelling and overmantel dated 1566 with the intials SP. Late C16 4-centred arched stone fireplace. Door surround with pediment and pilasters. C17 panelling and sections of C16 timber-framing. Early C18 staircase built around a mahogany Spanish ship's mast and leather-lined doors. c1720 cupboard with cock's head hinges. Victorian fireplace. In 1642 Malling Place was owned by Judge Twisden who later tried the regicides (1660). In 1718 Admiral Charles Stewart, a nephew of the family, became the owner and the Spanish mahogany ship's mast comes from a ship he had captured and the leather-lined doors date from his period of occupancy. In 1779 the house was owned by Admiral Forbes who was notable for having refused to sign the death warrant of Admiral Byng in 1756. In 1796 it was bought by Thomas Augustus Douce who also owned the adjoining property. (Buildings of England: Newman J: West Kent and the Weald: 579). Listing NGR: TQ6761957147