About Chilham

Chilham is regarded as one of the prettiest villages in Kent due to the large number of timber-framed medieval and Jacobean cottages that front the square and adjoining streets.  Nestled within the Kent Downs ‘area of outstanding natural beauty’,  and known as ‘the Garden of England’ the village attracts a significant number of visitors.   

The village is rich with local history and was given by Henry VIII to his courtier Henry Cheney in 1542.  Cumberland House was Henry VIII’s hunting lodge and can be viewed on The Street, around the corner from our venue. 

Diagonally across the square from The Tudor Peacock are the decorative gatehouses of Chilham Castle.  Between them may be seen the towers and façade of the Italian Renaissance mansion constructed by Sir Dudley Digges (Master of the Rolls for James I) in 1616.   

At the other end of the square is the 14th century St Mary’s church with its majestic tower, the last known resting place of the gilded shrine of St Augustine.  The saint's body was moved to Chilham for safekeeping when the Abbey of St Augustine in Canterbury was destroyed in 1548 at Henry VIII’s orders during the Reformation. 

The 14th century Grade II listed White Horse pub occupies the Northeast corner of the square, whilst the 16th century Grade II listed The Church Mouse tea rooms is located at the top of Taylor’s Hill.  

The Woolpack Inn, located at the bottom of The Street, has offered travellers lodgings in Chilham since 1488, and offers visitors to The Tudor Peacock the opportunity to stay in Chilham overnight and enjoy what else the village offers.