Norman phase of medieval kitchen.
The Kitchen of the Priory is shown on Prior Wibert's Norman Plan of the Priory's Waterworks dated c.1165, as a lofty ediface, apparently square in plan, with a pyramidal leaden roof. The angles had turrets, which were probably chimneys, each belonging to a fireplace below. The southern wall was occupied by a lofty open arch. Within, two arches are open, which may have been windows, or the fireplace to which the angle turrets above them belong. An appendage to the east resembles an apse, but is labelled as the Chamber where fish is washed'. (Camera ubi piscis lavatur). The Kitchen lay to the north of the Frater and east of the Cellarer's Hall, with Kitchen Court, a fenced enclosure to the south of the Kitchen.

The Norman Kitchen was replaced by a new one, under Prior Hathbrande (1338 to 1370), of which sufficient fragments of the lower walls on the north and west sides show that it was of a square shape in plan, measuring about 53 feet by 53 feet in size, which arches cutting off the angles, so as to sustain an octagonal roof. In these angles it would seem that the fireplaces were situated, in these angles the corner walls are carried up vertically to the height of the arch. It appears to have been mostly demolished after the Dissolution.

Willis, R., 1868, 'The Architectural History of the Conventual Buildings of the Monastery of Christchurch in Canterbury' (Article in serial). SKE30206.

Blockley, K., Sparks, M. & Tatton-Brown, T., 1997, Canterbury Cathedral Nave, Archaeology, History and Architecture (Monograph). SKE29723.