Experts believe the original features of this Grade I listed structure date from the 11th Century. It was intended to house the clergy from the local parish church, but in 1349 the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Simon Islip, demolished the majority of the building in order to use the materials for his new palace at Maidstone. The more recent private owners have used local materials to restore it to its former glory and the original features include a fully operational well and a 13th Century oak door.