Chalk Vicarage

Through the trees Victorian Chalk vicarage circa 1962

Vicarage Lane in Chalk is so called from the Vicarage that was built in 1870 and stood on the east side. It was demolished about 1966-67 and a small estate and new vicarage were built on the site.

The first known site of a vicarage was in the village centre in what is now Lower Higham road. This was a very basic timber framed building with thatched roof, which by the 18th century was no longer considered a suitable location for the vicar. The cottage was lived in by the parish clerk and from about 1847 - 1866 it housed the Chalk National School. There is an illustration and description of this cottage as it looked in 1822.

In 1870 the Reverend William Joynes spent £1135 on building a new vicarage in extensive grounds - the site was given by the Earl of Darnley. In 1966 the present vicarage was built in the grounds and the old one demolished and replaced by a small housing development called Priests Walk.

References and further information:

"An A to Z History of Chalk" by Christoph Bull. First edition published 1984, second edition published - 1992. Available at Gravesend Library for consultation.

"Chalk Church an Illustrated Guide", updated and re-written by Christoph Bull 1997. Available at Chalk Church to purchase for £1.50.

"The Great Expectations Country" by W. Laurence Gadd 1929. Available for reference at Gravesend Library.

"A Historical Walk Through Gravesend And Northfleet" published by Gravesend Historical Society.

See the publications page for more information on these books and more.