A CENTURIES old wall has been partly demolished by developers.

The wall, dating back to Tudor times, is thought to have formed part of the gardens of Restoration House, in Rochester.

It had been uncovered by contractors working on a site for new flats and houses to the rear of the historic building, near Pretty Seat Mews, where King Charles II is said to have stayed shortly before the restoration of the monarchy.

Now flints and bricks from the structure are said to have been dumped in a landfill site at Twydall.

“I went out to admire the wall and was horrified to see that a digger had already destroyed a large section and was nibbling at more,” said Robert Tucker, one of the owners of Restoration House. “I took photographs of it and emailed them to conservation officers who did not seem to know of the wall’s existence.”

Archeologists from Kent County Council have been advising on the site and a company called Archeology Southeast had been delegated to keep a watching brief.

Now Mr Tucker has lodged a formal planning complaint against the development of four terrace houses and a block of six flats, described by tourism chiefs as “a jewel in the crown of Medway”.

He is also looking at the possibility of purchasing the land where the wall stands.

Conservation officer John Brush said: “I was shocked when I saw what they had done to the wall, which is practically unique. I have never seen another like it.”

Todd Longstaff-Gowan, an adviser to the Royal Palaces, said: “What a stunning Tudor wall and what a tragedy it is threatened.”