Like a game of Jenga, one of Kent’s most iconic buildings looks like it could tumble onto the cobblestones at any second.

Affectionately known as The Crooked House, this rickety black-and-white piece of architecture juts out into the adjacent road.

It is found at the junction of King Street and Palace Street in Canterbury and is also known as Sir John Boys House and the Old Dutch House.

It was built in 1617 and is currently a second-hand bookshop for homeless charity Catching Lives.

But how did the crooked house become so crooked?

Historian Trevor Gardiner is an expert in Canterbury’s vibrant past and says its odd appearance dates back to 1850.

“There was concern then about the alignment of the chimney,” the 72-year-old said.

“They removed it and that was when the problem really started because it was the central pillar of the house.

“The house had a terrible lean to it, and there's now a steel frame all the way around the property to stop it from falling down.”

The shop has a bright red door, which slants drastically to match the rest of the building.

Mr Gardiner explained: “It was exaggerated and put back on. That was a bit of a folly.

“But it’s a very important building and a great tourist attraction.

“People love to have their photographs done with it and you can see why and it is a massive part of our history.”

According to Catching Lives, The Crooked House is in fact the second most pictured structure in the city, beaten only by Canterbury Cathedral.

Many people have linked the house to famous faces from yesteryear including Charles Dickens, and even Pocahontas.

Mr Gardiner said: “There's a script in David Copperfield where there's a description of a house with an overhang.

“However, that could be any house in Canterbury and it's maybe a bit of a stretch to actually associate it with Dickens.”

The line - “A very old house bulging over the road, leaning forward, trying to see who was passing on the narrow pavement below” - is even etched into the front of the building.

The corners facing out onto King Street feature grotesques - decorative carvings similar to gargoyles.

Mr Gardiner said: “They are of Virginia tobacco leaves. I say Virginia tobacco leaves because that's the only place that tobacco was being brought back to England.

“There's a grotesque that looks a bit like Pocahontas but having discussed this and researched this, I actually think this is another falsity.”

It is thought she stayed there after heading to the city to be baptised at Canterbury Cathedral.

“Pocahontas died in March 1617 - the same year the house was built. So, the possibilities seem to be remote,” Mr Gardiner said.

However, the lack of a famous resident does not diminish the building’s history.

From the late 16th century, a number of Protestant refugees - The Huguenots and Walloons - fled religious persecution in France and Flanders, bringing their weaving skills to England.

Some of them came to Canterbury, and the Weavers' House in the high street was the centre of much of their industry.

Others became councillors, including Alderman Sabine, who is believed to have built the timber-fronted leaning house.

He became mayor of Canterbury on three occasions between 1630 and 1645.

At ground level, you can see the gratings of the cellars where the wool was stored and the shop was where goods would have been sold.

The King’s School opposite later used it as a tuck shop for students.

Catching Lives opened its bookshop 11 years ago. Thanks to its unusual look, flocks of tourists stop at the home every day.

And its use as a store allows anyone to visit for free, from 10am till 5pm, seven days a week.

Tasmin Maitland, chief executive of Catching Lives, said: "The owner offered us the chance to lease The Crooked House, which was an amazing opportunity for the charity's bookshop to expand.

"It’s the second most photographed building in Canterbury, which means the Catching Lives bookshop attracts visitors and tourists as well as our regular and local customers.

“It's likely the unique appearance of the building contributes to our visitor numbers and helps increase sales, and awareness about our charity Catching Lives, which provides vital support to people experiencing homelessness in east Kent.

“The bookshop is run entirely by a team of knowledgeable volunteers, who keep the bookshop looking wonderful and also run an online eBay shop.

“Do pay them a visit and support Catching Lives, while also experiencing a gem of the city's history."