Designed by architect A H Campbell and built in 1897-99.

The architecture has been variously described since that time as ‘Neo-Jacobean’, ‘Mock Tudor’, ‘Cockney Gothic’ and ‘Canterbury’s final Victorian flourish’. Some reviews have been less than flattering, including descriptions of the facade as ‘noisy’ and ‘unpleasantly overbearing’!

Although opinions on the elaborate design have varied depending on time and  taste, commentators have not questioned the evident skill of the workmanship involved in creating the facade.

The building has two storeys and basement, a stone plinth from the pavement, a brick ground floor with timber frames and mosaic infilling which are carried through to the jettied first floor. The roof has three gables, with the largest in the middle.

Other interesting details include:

• An iron weather vane
• Stained glass windows
• Various quotations including ‘art lasts, life is short’ (which can be seen in one of the window roundels)
• A range of ornaments such as grotesques and animal designs made in wood and terracotta
• The two wooden griffins that guard either side of the stepped entrance

In spite of it’s eccentricity (or perhaps partly because of it) The Beaney is a Grade II listed building with regional significance!

The Statue of Aphra Behn outside The Beaney’s entrance on Canterbury High Street was unveiled by her Majesty the Queen on the 25th of February 2025.

Christine Charlesworth’s bronze sculpture of Aphra Behn has been gifted to the city by the Canterbury Commemoration Society as a tribute to the first prominent professional female writer in the English language.

Aphra (1640–1689) was born in Harbledown, just outside Canterbury, and spent her formative years in the city.

The creation of the statue followed an extensive period of research, consultation and fundraising.

After an international design competition, four maquettes were toured across the UK and the public asked which they thought would be the most fitting memorial.

The winning design presents a 17-year-old Aphra, book in hand and theatrical mask behind her back, looking wistfully about her as she sets out for London with her family.

The Canterbury Commemoration Society would like to thank most warmly all those whose hard work and generosity have enabled Aphra finally to receive the attention she deserves.

Aphra Behn’s statue joins other literary names such as Geoffrey Chaucer, whose statue stands closeby on the corner of Best Lane. Learn more about Aphra Behn in the museum’s Inspiring Canterbury workshop.