HISTORIC RESTHOUSE
CHARITY FOR TRAVELLERS
After 360 years of hospitality to wayfarers, the ancient rcsthouse in Rochester, immortalised by Charles Dickens, is dosing until the war is over. By the will of Richard Watts, who, according to legend, came to Rochester a poor boy and gained riches and fame in the time of Queen Elizabeth, .the house had every night given six poor travellers, “ not being rogues or proctors, one night’s lodging gratis, entertainment, and 4d each to speed him on the way in the morning.” Upon entering each man was given a pair of slippers and a bath. For supper in the common room there was half a pound of boiled beef (until rationing stopped it), one pound of bread, and a pint of hot coffee. A separate room, with a massive old iron bedstead, was provided for each traveller.
The Charity gained fame through the writing of Charles Dickens, who, in ‘ The Seven Poor Travellers,’ considered himself the seventh.
From all parts tourists, particularly Americans,’ have visited the house and seen the novelist’s signature in the visitors’ book.
Wafts was appointed surveyor for the building of Upuor Castle by Queen Elizabeth, and when visiting Rochester she honoured him by staying at bis house.
Nov,’ that the war lias caused Rochester to bo proclaimed a defence area, and there are no poor travellers on flic road, the resthoiise has become unused for the first time.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ESD19400928.2.106
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Evening Star, Issue 23693, 28 September 1940, Page 15
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236HISTORIC RESTHOUSE Evening Star, Issue 23693, 28 September 1940, Page 15
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