|
Following the dissolution of Dartford Priory, Henry VIII
chose the site to construct a Manor House between 1541 and 1544 for
his personal use. Anne of Cleves was given the Manor House as part
of her divorce settlement by Henry, and lived there between 1553
and 1557. Elizabeth I retained the use of the Manor House but only
stayed there on two occasions. Today only the Gatehouse remains,
offering a choice of three rooms for ceremonies.
The Lord Irving Suite, completed in the early 1990s, was added
to the hall to provide a self contained prestigious and spacious
function room. Ceremonies in this room can comfortably accommodate
up to 80 guests.
Situated in the oldest part of the building, the Anne of Cleves
Room features timbered beams. A tapestried lover's pew takes pride
of place within the period fireplace. This charming room allows for
up to 30 guests.
The beamed Hythe Room, suitable for small registrations with
just four guests, provides an intimate atmosphere with views over
the front garden.
At the front of the building is a walled garden featuring wooden
seating and a stone sundial. The facade of the Gatehouse provides
an interesting backdrop for photographic opportunities. To the rear
of this historic building is yet another seating area, where
pictures of the couple might be taken in a more private
setting.
On-site parking is limited to the ceremony car and spaces for
disabled people. There are further public car parks within walking
distance. Full disabled access and toilet facilities are
provided.
Why not take a virtual tour of
The Manor
Gatehouse? (This link opens in a new window)
Open days
- Saturday 8 March 2008 from 10am to 12noon
- Thursday 8 May from 5pm to 7pm
- Tuesday 8 July from 5pm to 7pm
Location
The Manor Gatehouse
Priory Road
Dartford
Kent DA1 2BJ -
map opens in a new window
Please note: Priory Road will be closed to
traffic due to road works for around 16 weeks from Monday 11 August
2008. The Victoria Road entrance to Priory Road will be closed
completely and access from Wesgate Road will be limited. However,
the public car park adjacent to the Manor Gatehouse will not be
affected and is just a short walk away.
Simply Perfect Kentish Marriage Ceremony or Kentish Civil
Partnership - fees from 20 February 2008 to 31 March 2009
Anne of Cleves room (up to 30 people)
Monday to Thursday - £159
Friday - £183
Saturday - £215
Sunday/Bank Holiday - £250
Lord Irving suite (up to 80 people)
Monday to Thursday - £224
Friday - £257
Saturday - £302
Sunday/Bank Holiday - £374
Registration of marriage or civil partnership in the
registration room (up to four guests - does not include a
Kentish Ceremony) - £40.
Please note: There will be an extra charge for legal
preliminaries (notices to be given by both people), and for
certificates and a rehearsal if they are required. The cost also
includes a non-refundable booking fee. Please speak to our
ceremonies team regarding these charges.
All ceremonies are subject to availability.
If you change the date/time or re-book a ceremony, an additional
fee of £15 will be payable. |