A removal van outside The Deanery in Rochester may indicate that the former Dean has finally left the building.

A row has been brewing over the Very Rev Dr Mark Beach’s extended stay at the grand five-bedroom Georgian house ever since he quit the post in January.

Dr Beach was given a month, which expired on February 28, to move out of the property in the Cathedral precinct which came with his appointment as Dean.

The cathedral authorities had threatened to take legal action to force him to leave the property but, instead gave him a reprieve until Easter. Finally, the removal van arrived to take his belongings into storage over Wednesday and Thursday of last week.

It is believed Dr Beach may be living on his houseboat on the Thames having taken up a job as director for a London-based charity, the Blackfriars Settlement, which provides moral support for children and adults living in south east London.

His departure will be a relief to Cathedral bosses as he has not participated in his active role since last summer with Canon Dr Philip Hesketh stepping into the role.

Dr Hesketh has since been appointed as acting dean, returning to the post he had before Dr Beach arrived on the scene in 2012.

Dr Beach resigned his post three years into a seven-year contract with “immediate effect” after concern over his separation from his wife who now lives on St Mary’s Island.

His continued residence at the Deanery sparked a debate at the cathedral forum, a meeting of clerics and congregation members last month.Dr Hesketh said at the time: “The appointment of Dean comes with the house. As the Dean has now left we felt a month was adequate time for him to move out.

“That ran out on February 28 and he is still there and he has no right to be there. We are now seeking advice.”

When contacted, Dr Beach claimed he has nowhere else to live.
“I am actively looking for somewhere to live. It won’t be in Kent.”

An insider this week said some members of the cathedral community were pushing for Dr Beach to be billed for outstanding rent at the Deanery since his resignation.