The White House, Maidstone. Building Recording and Archaeological Watching Brief

The Grade II* Listed former officers’ quarters at the Royal West Kent Barracks in Maidstone. The archaeological building recording was conducted prior to the works being done. The building, which was constructed in 1797, is almost entirely timber-framed and although many temporary timer-framed barracks were constructed in this period this one is of particular interest due to it being the only surviving example of six timber-framed barracks which were intended to be permanent. It was constructed using a platform frame system in which each storey is an independent structural unit placed on top of the one beneath. Although several small extensions have been built adjoining it the building has not been substantially altered since its original construction and its primary timber frame almost entirely remains together with much original joinery.
An archaeological watching brief was also undertaken during intrusive ground works in areas surrounding the building, particularly the formation of service trenches. This revealed no significant archaeological features.