ONE of Rochester's architectural jewels – Minor Canon Row – is to be sold.

However, the purchasers will have to demonstrate that they have the experience and resources to restore the Georgian properties sensitively and in keeping with the Cathedral precinct location.

The Dean of Rochester, the Very Rev Adrian Newman, said the terrace of seven town houses had become very dilapidated, and renovation would be massively expensive.

He said: "Minor Canon Row is an irreplaceable part of Rochester's history. It's unthinkable that it should be lost."

The properties were described by Dickens, both in The Mystery of Edwin Drood and in The Seven Poor Travellers.

David Parry of Cluttons, who will carry out the sale, said: "We are looking for a specialist developer with a good track record. But there are opportunities for private individuals who have experience of restoring houses of this kind."

* SEE MONDAY'S MEDWAY MESSENGER FOR THE FULL STORY AND THIS FRIDAY'S MEDWAY MESSENGER FOR REACTION TO THE CATHEDRAL'S DECISION TO SELL.