Man-made crushed, chalk deposit located, a RB date is suspected. Possible functions include to provide solidity to prevent beached ships becoming stuck in the clay, or a surface on which to dump soil and rubbish. The presence of 2 clays above the chalk argues against the latter interpretation. A considerable quantity of human bone was recovered, remains of the EC17 cemetery, although burials could date back to the LMD period. A workhouse, constructed in 1700 and shown on a map of 1816 is likely to have been on the same site. The present almshouse was constructed in 1823 and consists of a large, brick, rectangular, 3-storey structure. Restored in 1961 and 1995. (1)

Almshouses. 1823, modernised in 1961. Designed by Robert Baker, and built by the trustees of Sir John Hayward, endowed by the proceeds of a lawsuit 'carried on by this parish for 25 years' (Inscription). red brick; Welsh slate hipped roof. Single depth range, 3-storeys. Symmetrical 3:1:3 bays, with plain brick projections either side of central entrance bay, and bearing inscription panels. Brick band between upper floors returns to either side. All windows with glazing bars; 1961 glazed door. Fire escapes to either end. Modern casements to rear, mostly in original openings. Right-hand end wall rendered, 2 large rear internal stacks.

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 1996, An Archaeological Watching Brief at Hayward's House, Rochester (Unpublished document). SKE12063.