Description from record TR 15 NW 74:
No 71 St Dunstan's Street, House of Agnes Hotel. [TR 14445817 sited from OS 1/2500 1957] Grade II*. A 16th century timber-framed house with a plastered front, the ground floor rebuilt in brick (painted). 3 storeys and 3 gables. The 1st and 2nd floors overhang on a moulded bressumer and in the case of the 2nd floor also carved brackets. In the 18th century a curved pediment has been added over the lower bressumer, above the doorway like a hood. 3 windows. Casement windows on the 2nd floor. Late 17th century bay windows with round-headed centres on the 1st floor. 2 18th century bay windows on the ground floor. Doorcase in moulded frame. The rear elevation is faced in brick with gable extension. The interior has exposed beams and panelling. This was the inspiration for Charles Dickens' description of the House of Agnes Wickfield in "David Copperfield". (1) Additional bibliography. (2-3)

The Canterbury UAD states that little is known about the history of this building. It is a fine timber-framed structure, built in the sixteenth century, with first floor bay windows added in the seventeenth century; two ground-floor bays were added in the eighteenth century. It probably served part of its life as an inn.

The House of Agnes was immortalised by Charles Dickens, the name 'Agnes' refers to Agnes Wickfield a character in his novel David Copperfield. Dicken's stayed there when the premises was a private house. (4).

The following text is from the original listed building designation:
1. 944 ST DUNSTAN'S STREET (South West Side)
No 71 (House of Agnes Hotel) TR 1458 SW 1/117 3.12.49.
II* GV
2. A C16 timber-framed house with a plastered front, the ground floor rebuilt in brick (painted). 3 storeys and 3 gables. The 1st and 2nd floors overhang on a moulded bressumer and in the case of the 2nd floor also carved brackets. In the C18 a curved pediment has been added over the lower bressumer., above the doorway like a hood. 3 windows. Casement windows on the 2nd floor. Late C17 bay windows with round-headed centres on the 1st floor. 2 C18 bay windows on the ground floor. Doorcase in moulded frame. The rear elevation is faced in brick with gable extension. The interior has exposed beams and panelling. This was the inspiration for Charles Dickens' description of the House of Agnes Wickfield in "David Copperfieid".
Nos 67 to 81 (consec) form a group.
Listing NGR: TR1444458179 (5)

Hisotric englan archive material: OP25159 The street elevation of House of Agnes The building is reputed to be the inspiration for Charles Dickens' 'House of Agnes Wickfield' in David Copperfield.

<1> DOE (HHR) City of Canterbury Kent Sept 1973 220 (OS Card Reference). SKE40054.

<2> BOE NE & E Kent 1983 255 (J Newman) (OS Card Reference). SKE38210.

<3> Hist Builds Survey Cant City Council/RCHME 57035 4 of 29 (OS Card Reference). SKE43888.

<4> Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, 1908, The Penny Guide to the City of Canterbury and to its Historic Port - Fordwich (Article in serial). SKE30135.

<5> English Heritage, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (Map). SKE16160.