Figure 1 Chatham House, front elevation<\/p>\n <\/p>\n From my view as a new student in conservation, the site was a goldmine of historic features, and although the buildings here have been vacant for some time, it is clear that with good planning, sound advice and a great deal of financial backing, the enthusiasm which Sheila, her family and the team on the ground show will, in time, result in a remarkable transformation from a vacant store to a veritable asset to the town. Whilst the mansion is in relatively good condition, and retains many of its original features \u2013 as is evident in its Grade II* status \u2013 it is the Brewery building that will require the most work to give it a long-term viable future. It was clear that the Brewery had evolved organically over several generations. Its interior is a maze of rooms which vary from a vast 3-storey covered yard to small store rooms and passageways on split levels. The building is a hotchpotch of different materials, some showing signs of former use, perhaps in other buildings or maybe in shipping. Roofs have cleverly been adapted over time as new rooms have been created in the nooks and crannies between the main spaces. Original features such as high-level gantries, sliding doors and winches are numerous and will aid in the retention of the aura of the brewery when it is repurposed in due course.<\/p>\n Figure 2 Side elevation, showing the Lion Brewery entrance<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Enough of the original charm of the mansion and its brewery have been retained under the custodianship of the Featherstones and\u00a0 this shall aid their endeavours to retain, conserve, and repurpose the building so that it may be enjoyed for many generation to come. Our visit, which I could so easily write several more pages on, was an excellent example for the topic of our Masters and I wish Sheila and the project team all the very best for their endeavours there. It won\u2019t be easy, but it will indeed be worth it.<\/p>\n Rebecca Lilley<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To some people looking at a building with visible signs of decay is an uncomfortable experience; to a conservationist it is the beginning of a journey that will reveal the secrets of a building and end with that building saved for future generations. On a recent field trip to Rochester High Street, a recipient of a High Street Heritage Action Zone grant, we were able to see for ourselves one such gem \u2013 Chatham House. This magnificent town house shows obvious signs of deterioration: the front portico is missing, the fa\u00e7ade is delaminating, there are plants growing out of the parapet. These things mask the significance of a building that contributed much to the High Street when times were good and it is this significance that informs the need for protection.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/conservation\/files\/2022\/02\/Chatham-House-in-Rochester-Rebecca-Lilley.jpg\")
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