Another place I've passed by but never looked

Went to the dentist today to have a crown fitted and noticed this gateway arch and stonework opposite for the first time. Interesting how Blip makes you look more closely at your environment.

The stonework is part of the College of All Saints and according to VisitMaidstone's website it was:

"Built by Archbishop Courtenay in 1395 adapting some much older existing buildings, as a college of priests with 24 chaplains and clerks serving beneath the master. The building had many rooms including at the far end a treasurer's tower that housed important documents and church plate.

The master lived apart from his staff, his house is on the right just beyond the archway, Until 2000 the College was the home of the Kent Music School.

Henry VIII dissolved the college in 1546 when the property went to the crown. The college was much neglected until the late 17th Century when it and the land around it were used for farming.

The College is no longer open to the public".

Wikipedia tells me: "The ruined gateway stands to the south separated from the other structures by 19th C almshouses (which were built when part of the College was demolished). It consists of a pointed arch for carriages in a roughly coursed rag-stone wall flanked by buttress walls on each side" Which seems to be about the size of it.

I knew about the Kent Music School and have been in that part of the College but did not know about the wider history of the building. I'm assuming what we're looking at here is the arch adjacent to which the master lived. Come to think of it, that's why there is a College Road and a College Avenue here - the dentist being on College Avenue!

We've had my brother staying overnight for the last couple of nights. He's been working down in London so took the opportunity to spend a little time with us. Although he's younger than me he's getting towards retirement age but his work seems very demanding and his schedule can change at the drop of a hat. Good to see him though and catch up.