The picture of Otford Palace in Kent published by William Cole, 10 Newgate Street, London on 19th June 1824 is a lithographic print depicting Otford Castle (Otford Palace is sometimes referred to as Otford Castle). The artwork was drawn by Frederick Calvert and printed by C. Hullmandel, forming part of a series of lithographic drawings illustrating ancient ruins. This particular print is documented to have the date “June 19, 1824” in its imprint, aligning exactly with your enquiry. William Cole’s publishing business operated at 10 Newgate Street and was active with prints such as these in the mid-1820s
The Archbishop’s Palace Conservation Trust has received a donation from Helen Pearson of a lithograph of “Otford Palace.”
The label clearly states that this is Otford Castle (Palace) and the AI tool Perplexity gives further information:
“The picture of Otford Palace in Kent published by William Cole, 10 Newgate Street, London on 19th June 1824 is a lithographic print depicting Otford Castle (Otford Palace is sometimes referred to as Otford Castle). The artwork was drawn by Frederick Calvert and printed by C. Hullmandel, forming part of a series of lithographic drawings illustrating ancient ruins.
“This plate appears within collections of lithographs focused on notable British ruins and castles. It’s cited in bibliographic records concerning 19th-century topographical prints and is occasionally found in both public and private collections of early lithographs relating to Kent and English heritage.”
However as pointed out be several people, including Patrick Phillips (Architectural historian), the image does not match the reality of Otford Palace, even allowing for artistic licence! We compared it with, for example a print by Bailey from the 18th . Where is the Gatehouse and the Church? What are those hills in the far distance?
When asked about our picture, Google image confidently asserts that “The image is a watercolor painting of the gatehouse and ruins of Saltwood Castle in Kent, England. This particular image is an engraving by William Miller after a drawing by George Arnald, published in 1827. George Arnald created a view of Saltwood Castle which was published as an engraving in W. H. Ireland’s “History of Kent” (published 1829, plates mostly dated 1827).”
However, that does not fit either, because Saltwood has circular towers and those in the image are square. Nevertheless, I have written to the current owner of Saltwood, asking whether she can throw any light on the mystery.
We need to widen our search.
https://otfordpalace.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Lithograph-of-Otford-Castle-the-questions.pdf
Item Features
| Object Number | H-251110-01 |
| Number of objects | 1 |
| Place of Discovery | Dartford |
| Date of discovery | 09/11/2025 |
| Who Found it | Helen Pearson |
| Significance to the collection | Low |
| Width | 450 mm |
| Height | 330 mm |
| Completeness | Complete |
| Maker | Frederick Calvert |
| Place of Manufacture | 10 Newgate Street, London |
| Year of Manufacture or Origin | 1824 AD |
| Date Acquired | 11/11/2025 |
| Significance to the Collection | Low |
| Storage and Display Requirements | Subdued lighting |
| Condition of Holding | Donation including reproduction rights |
| Object Owner | APCT |
| Condition of the Acquisition | Good |
| Current Location | APCT (currently held in Chantry Cottage) |
| See also: | Painting |