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This Tudor charity house was founded in 1563 by local MP Richard Watts to provide free lodgings for poor travellers.
The name of the house derives from the poor travellers who were provided one night's lodging in the six bedrooms built to the rear of this almshouse in the 16th century.
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The travellers
The travellers were to stay "for no longer than one night, unless they were sick". During the 16th century, many soldiers were cared for in the house for several weeks. Some of them died and were buried in Rochester. Each traveller's daily food allowance consisted of half a pound of meat, one pound of bread and a pint of ale. The ale was later changed, first to porter and later, with the advent of temperance, to coffee.
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The house and charity were immortalised in Charles Dickens' Christmas short story, The Seven Poor Travellers in which Dickens himself, as narrator, became the seventh traveller.
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 Where?
High Street
Rochester
Kent ME1 1LX |
 When?
March to October, 10.30am to 4.30pm or by prior arrangement. |
 How much?
Admission is free. |
 Parking
There are several pay and display car parks in the area. Coach parking is free of charge at the nearby Acorn Wharf coach park. |
 Access
Please call the number below for details. |
 01634 845609 |
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 No photo gallery available |
 No map available |
 Print friendly version |
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