Villagers support Restoration bid

The Archbishop's Palace is one of 21 buildings the public can vote for

Admirers of the Archbishop's Palace in Charing, near Ashford, Kent, staged a medieval pageant on Saturday to drum up support for the historic building.

The palace, fragments of which date back to the 13th Century, is being featured in the BBC series Restoration.

Visitors in costume saw a procession featuring historical figures such as Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, both of whom were guests in Charing.

The building is one of 21 the public can vote on to win millions in aid.

If we're successful in getting the funds to restore and maintain this building then once again it will come to life Harold Trill

Situated near the village church, the building was once a day's travel from Canterbury and a convenient staging post for important pilgrims, including royal guests.

As the only building in Kent to be featured, locals are keen to support the project.

Villager Harold Trill said: "If we're successful in getting the funds to restore and maintain this building then once again it will come to life."

One of the palace's keenest supporters is a man with historical links to the area.

Public awareness

Parish Councillor Tylden Reed, who is related to Henry VIII's attorney general, Sir Christopher Hayling, said: "What we want to do is create public awareness throughout Kent and Sussex, and really enthuse people so they can vote."

The winner last year was Manchester's Victoria Baths, which received £3m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Three buildings per geographical area have been selected for the public vote, with the others in the South East being Strawberry Hill in Twickenham and Severndroog Castle in Shooters Hill.

The programme featuring the Archbishop's Palace will be aired during the week commencing 18 July.