Chatham House (351)
Chatham House, 351 High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1DA
Chatham House dates from 1730 when it was built for Isaac Wildash. The house served as the brewers mansion for the Hulkes family who ran the brewery behind on Hulkes Lane until brewing ceased in 1912 and the buildings were sold. The different finishes in the house indicate the importance of the different floors - upstairs/downstairs. In the 1920s the building became the 'everything for the home' department of Featherstones Ltd with an innovative credit system. Curtiss and sons provided delivery for furniture and carpets, which were on the lower ground floor. Now the house is getting ready for commercial and community uses, having to meet the challenges of modern day usage. The house is open to visitors for one day only.
Chatham House, 351 High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1DA
There are steps to enter this historic building. Unfortunately wheelchair/ pushchair access is not possible. This venue is not suitable for young children.
Volunteers will be able to discuss the major renovation of this building which was undertaken over the past 4 years as part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone with Historic England and Medway Council. Historic materials, techniques and colours have been used where possible. The building which forms part of the Hulkes Lane Brewery complex, was on the Historic England At Risk register for 40 years.