The workhouse was opened in 1836 and was designed by Sir Francis Head, using his own "courtyard" plan. This type of layout, in which an outer perimeter of buildings enclosed a large inner courtyard, was employed by a number of Kent Unions including Blean, Bridge, Eastry, East Ashford, Faversham and Maidstone. The Poor Law Commissioners authorised an expenditure of £6,583 on construction of the building which was to accommodate 400 inmates. After 1930 the complex became the Hill House Public Assistance Institution and then Hill House Hospital. It closed in 1986 and the buildings were demolished in 1989.