IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Priory Road, DARTFORD, DA1 2BJ

Grade II* listed http://list.historicengland.org.uk/resultsingle.aspx?uid=1086030

Grade II* Listed building on Priory Road. See http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-172127-priory-farmhouse-containing-the-remains- for more details on the former Priory Farmhouse.

Following the dissolution of Dartford Priory, Henry VIII constructed a Manor House on the site between 1541 and 1544 for his personal use. In 1545, the Privy Council met here. Anne of Cleves was given the Manor House after Henry's death in exchange as part of her divorce settlement and she lived there from 1553 until shortly before her death in 1557. Elizabeth I retained the use of the Manor House but only stayed there on two occasions. Today, only the Gatehouse remains. The interior is now used for offices.

This narrow low bridge allows traffic to pass under the railway line west of Dartford station. Surprisingly there is no right of priority for traffic so it's a case of first come first served. Added to that a buddleia bush has grown over a period of time in front of the height restriction signs on the bridge, while the metric version on the post-mounted sign on the left has been covered in mindless graffiti. If a high vehicle struck that bridge causing damage that prevented trains using it I would like to be a fly on the wall listening to the arguments between the various parties about who was to blame. Network Rail for failing to maintain the bridge, Kent County Council or Dartford Borough Council for failing to maintain the signs, the vehicle owners or driver for failing to observe the signs...? All potentially taken to task by Southeastern trains whose service would be disrupted. The height restriction is 11' 0" or 3.3 metres (rounding down), so there, I've done my bit, but does anyone care anymore?