Above photos taken by Paul Skelton, 19 May 2012.

Taken from information on their web site.

The History of the "Parrot" 1370.

The "Parrot" is not just the oldest pub in Canterbury, it is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Originally known as St Radigund's Hall, it was built on Roman foundations in 1370 just inside the Roman City Wall.

In 1937 St Radigund's Hall, which took its name from the Monks of St Radigund's at Bradsole near Dover who owed properties here in the 13th Century, looked set to be demolished when it was condemned as unfit for human habitation.

As demolition began it appeared to be seven dwellings fitted inside one building. During restoration the building was found to contain many fine architectural details dating back to the 14th century. After the restoration it was used as a girls club, later being used as a restaurant and public house. The first floor restaurant shows the brilliant (and lasting) craftsmanship of the medieval period, with its oak knees, futtocks and three crown posts.

The 1470 staircase frames still exist and Flemish 15th century bricks line the building on the east side of the terrace. Roman bricks were used and the triangular structures viewed from the terraced garden, at the rear are 15th century chimneys.

Today this building continues to stand strong and remains a fine example of a Wealden Hall House, and one of Canterbury's most interesting pubs.

Following a sympathetic refurbishment in 2008/9 the "Parrot" is now a stunning drinking and dining venue in the heart of Canterbury.

Having renamed the pub the "Parrot" after hearing local rumours that it was once called the "Parrot" in previous centuries, although we haven't found any evidence to back this rumour up, we rather liked the name!

Know more than us about our history? Then get in touch and tell us what you know about the history of the "Parrot."

I can add that in 1969 I went to Canterbury Art College and St Radigund’s Hall was the Dress and Textiles Department.  It had been used as that before I went there but I don’t know for how long.

Downstairs housed long printing and sewing tables in the main room and large wooden looms in the back room.

Upstairs in the main open room were more sewing and design tables, and the back room was used for creating and steaming hats.

Behind the building were the rather unpleasant and very cold outside toilets.

The flooring, especially upstairs was very uneven and if a reel of thread was dropped, it was likely to travel the length of the building!

On many occasions, we wore our coats as there was very little in the way of functional heating and daylight was visible in between beams and plasterwork.  Nevertheless, it was an inspirational place in which to work and design fabrics, clothes and hats.

In 1971 we relocated to a new building in the New Dover Road, adjacent to Canterbury College.

Yours,

Frances Holliday.