One of Medway's oldest pubs could be turned into a four-bedroom house.

The Constitution Castle in the Luton area of Chatham, which started trading nearly 150 years ago, is set to be converted into a family home.

The landmark hostelry opened its door in 1872 and stopped pulling pints in March 2019.

After it shut it was rumoured locally that it was to be turned into a mosque.

Its closure marks the demise of yet another pub in an area once home to many frequented by locals and dockyard workers.

The Castle was originally privately-owned but acquired by the Dartford Brewery soon after.

It has since been owned by Courage and Shepherd Neame.

It had a reputation for being a good local standing on top of Constitution Hill.

Another historic pub, the Hen and Chicks, which was built in 1702, has also shut.

Originally a farmhouse, it was converted into an ale house in 1746 and frequented by brickmakers and agricultural workers.

As Chatham grew in size, it was a terminus for the bus horse and later on the tram.

There was at one point a forge on the side of the building in the heart of the village in Luton Road which burnt down.

The pub, formally called the Hen and Chickens, became a centre for Luton’s community activities and was popular among locals for its entertainment.

The council's planning department is due to decide on the application by December 20.

Last month, we explained the origins of some of unusual pub names in Kent.

Do you think we're seeing the end of the traditional local pub? Send your views to medway@thekmgroup.co.uk