Scheduled MonumentsEnglandOtford Palace

Otford Palace

England
List entry 1005197
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Otford Palace is a medieval royal residence located in Otford, Kent, which served as an important possession of the Archbishops of Canterbury from the twelfth century onwards. The site comprises the remains of a substantial palace complex that was developed and expanded during the medieval period, particularly under the archbishops' stewardship. The surviving structures include fragments of stone walls and earthwork features that reflect the palace's former grandeur as a significant ecclesiastical seat. The palace fell into decline following the Reformation, when it passed out of archiepiscopal control, and the site has remained largely ruinous since that period.

Otford Palace is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1005197. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Otford Palace?

Otford Palace is a medieval royal residence located in Otford, Kent, which served as an important possession of the Archbishops of Canterbury from the twelfth century onwards. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1005197.

Who is responsible for protecting Otford Palace?

Otford Palace is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1005197.

What other scheduled monuments are near Otford Palace?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including St Thomas a Becket's Well (0.2 km), Otford Roman villa (0.6 km), Bowl barrow at Otford Mount (0.8 km).

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