Located on the NW corner of High Street and Mercery Lane, the late 14th c. 3-storeyed pilgrimage inn was built on a courtyard plan. It 'accommodated a "dormitory of a hundred beds" as well as chambers, drinking rooms and parlours. to one side lay a garden where herbs for soup and surgery grew and guests took the air...' (Quincy, Town Houses 203).
A few traceried windows, the stone arcade on the ground level, the crown post roof and some of the extensive cellars are extant.
Performances by the Prince's players in 1546--7 and the Queen's players in 1608--9 are recorded at the Chequer of Hope Inn.
Most of the E side of the inn is extant.
1392--5 The Chequer of Hope inn built by Christchurch Priory.
1865 Two-thirds of the medieval inn destroyed by a devastating fire but the most of the E side survived.
REED Kent: Diocese of Canterbury 1.166, 253
