The Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone, Kent, boasts a rich history, with its Tithe Barn dating back to the 14th century, commissioned by Archbishop Courtenay. Originally designed to store agricultural tithes, the barn’s robust Kentish ragstone walls reflect its utilitarian past. Following its initial purpose, the structure was repurposed as estate stables before undergoing a significant transformation in 1946, when it became home to Britain’s first carriage museum, established by Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake.
Today, this Grade I listed building continues to impress with its medieval features, including buttresses and a timber-framed porch, while showcasing a remarkable collection of horse-drawn vehicles, celebrating its enduring legacy.