Description from record TR 15 NW 235:
Nos 8 to 10 St Dunstan's Street. The Falstaff Hotel [TR 14555803 sited from HHR map]. Grade II. Marked 'Established in 1403' but greatly restored. A timber-framed building. (1) Measured drawings were made of Falstaff Hotel, a very fine late 15th century building, or pair of buildings during restoration work. (2) Nos 8 and 9 St Dunstan's Street. Much altered timber framed building probably with medieval origins, but appears mainly 17th century and modern. No 10 St Dunstan's Street. Timber framed building, probably medieval.(3)

The Canterbury UAD states that this inn was previously owned by Whitbread House.

In the City Archives in the library of Canterbury Cathedral is an undated Gouldens Authentic Guide to Canterbury with an advertisement for the Falstaff stating: 'The oldest hotel in the City built 1403'.

Mr Enderby stated in his lecture to the Canterbury Archaeological society in 1950 that the first reference to the Falstaff was in 1783 but the previous name was the White Hart. The Public Record Office has a record referring to The Hert, Westgate, in the 15th century. The Hert was listed in the Licensing Lists in 1692.

The brochure issued by the Falstaff states that the 16th century accounts of the Church wardens of Holy Cross, Canterbury mention 22 inns. These include references to the White Hart, which was the early name, until 1733, of the Falstaff.

In medieval times the Westgate was closed at nightfall and pilgrims arriving after that time were accommodated in the inns outside the City gates.

The Kentish Register in 1795 mentions, 'Death of John Marsh, formerly master Falstaff Inn'.

The following text is from the original listed building designation:
1. 944 ST DUNSTAN'S STREE (North East Side)
Nos 8 to 10 (consec) (The Falstaff Hotel) TR 1458 SE 2/104 3.12.49. II GV
2. Marked "Established in 1403" but greatly restored, A timber-framed building refaced in brick and mathematical tiles, the upper floors painted. 3 storeys. Renovated half-hipped tiled roof. 2 C17 bay windows with round-headed centres in the 1st floor with modern metal casements. Ground floor has 2 modern canted bays. The 1st and 2nd floors overhang but tile timbering has mostly been renewed except for the brackets. Elaborate C18 wrought iron shop sign bracket. The side elevation is of 2 storeys, flint faced on the ground floor and timber-framed and plastered above. Old tiled roof with 2 hipped dormers and stacks. To the right is a carriage entry with moulded spandrels. Fainted brick above the arch with a hipped tiled roof, coping and modern glazing.
Nos 5 to 16 (consec) form a group.
Listing NGR: TR1455258136 (4)

<1> DOE (HHR) City of Canterbury Kent Sept 1973 210 (OS Card Reference). SKE40043.

<2> CAT Ann Rep 1977-78 11 (OS Card Reference). SKE38653.

<3> Hist Builds Survey Cant City Council RCHME 57035 2 of 29 (OS Card Reference). SKE43830.

<4> English Heritage, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (Map). SKE16160.