DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Monday, 24 July, 2023.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1857-

Chafford Arms

Open 2020+

Spring Hill

Fordcombe

01892 740267

http://www.chaffordarms.com/

https://whatpub.com/chafford-arms

Chafford Arms 1919

Above photo circa 1919, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Chafford Arms 1919

Above postcard, circa 1919, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Chafford Arms 1950

Above postcard, circa 1950, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Chafford Arms 1957

Above postcard, circa 1957, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Chafford Arms 2015

Above photo 2015.

Chafford Arms sign 1986Chafford Arms sign 1996

Above sign left July 1986, sign right 1996.

With thanks from Roger pester and Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

 

The "Chafford Arms" was built in 1851 by the Victorian architect George Devey who was also involved with parts of Penshurst Place and Swaylands (a large impressive mansion which can be seen from the garden). The Chafford Arms first got its licence when the "Black Lion" a mile or so up the road, in I believe Ashurst, lost their licence when contraband was found in the cellar.

The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News of 19 March 1943 describes the premises as "situated four miles from Tunbridge Wells, and if its exterior attracts - its interior will not disappoint. A small lounge, a dining-room, once the brewhouse, a tiny bar and four bedrooms fitted with electric fires.

 

Sussex Agricultural Express 21 February 1857.

FORDCOMBE FESTIVE GATHERING.

A ball was given at the "Chafford Arms Inn," Fordcombe, on Monday, the 9th inst. Upwards of 60 persons were present; dancing commenced at nine o'clock, and was kept up with great spirit until an early hour. The arrangements made by Mr. & Mrs. Goodwin gave great satisfaction, and the music, executed by Messrs. Johnson, of Tunbridge Wells, was of the highest order. The greatest credit is due to the admirable manner in which the stewards performed the duties of their office.

 

Sussex Advertiser 05 October 1858.

PENSHURST. COMICAL ENTERTAINMENT.

On Monday evening, the 27th ult., Mr. Fitzgerald gave his "Comic Sketches," and personations extraordinary, at the "Chafford Arms Inn," Fordcombe, before a large audience, who, we should suppose from the continual applause with which they commended him, were highly pleased.

 

From The Standard (London, England), Wednesday, October 12, 1864; pg. 1 Issue 12535.

SALE BY AUCTION by FAREBROTHER, CLARK, & LYE

At Garraway's, on Oct. 19th includes:- "Chafford Arms Inn," at Fordcombe-Green, Kent in the occupation of Mr. Edwards.

(Also included Chafford Paper Mills, which had been established for nearly 100 years, & various other cottages, etc.)

 

Sussex Advertiser 26 June 1866.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS. A DRUNKEN SPREE.

At the Tunbridge Wells Police Court on Thursday, two navvies, named Robert Prim and John James, were charged before the Hon. F. G. Molineux, with having wilfully broken two glasses, value 9d, the property of Edward Young, landlord of the "Chafford Arms," Fordcornbe, on the 20th inst., and James with having threatened to kill the said Edward Young.

The prosecutor stated that the defendants were at his house on the previous day, and when he went into the smoking room at six o'clock in the evening, Prim took up a glass from off the table and dashed it into the fire-place. He would have broken some other glasses had not he (prosecutor) snatched them away; and as it was he believed he threw another glass into the grate after he had left the room. He had not had any quarrel with Prim, and said to him, "You know what you have got to pay," but he took no notice, and left the house with Jones and two other men. He followed them as far as Langton, where he gave them into custody. James threatened to kill him if he did not desist from following them.

In answer to Prim, prosecutor denied that he offered to pay for the glasses when he had broken them. James Reading, a labour living at Langton, stated that he was in prosecutor's house the previous evening, and saw the prisoners each, break a glass wilfully.

The prisoners were fined 1s. each, 9d. damage, and 7s. costs, or in default 7 days' hard labour. James was also bound over to keep the peace for three months.

 

Kent & Sussex Courier 25 December 1874.

TONBRIDGE PETTY SESSIONS. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22.

FORDCOMBE - EXTENSION OF TIME.

On the application of Mr. Ovenden, of the "Chafford Arms Inn," Fordcombe, the Bench granted him an extra hour on the occasion of a supper being held at his house on Saturday evening.

 

From the Sussex Agricultural Express, Saturday 16 April 1892.

An extension till 2 o'clock in the morning was granted to Mr. George Ede, of the "Chafford Arms," Fordcombe, for a ball at his house.

 

Kent & Sussex Courier 02 June 1916.

SEVENOAKS RURAL TRIBUNAL. SITTING AT PENSHURST.

Colonel Stanley C. Williams, J.P., presided at a meeting of this Tribunal, held at the Station Hotel, Penshurst, on Friday.

B. J. Johnson, licensed victualler, of the "Chafford Arms," Fordcombe, 34., Three Months Exemption War Service.

 

Kent & Sussex Courier 27 August 1948.

WEEK'S RATION!

In a place of honour in the public bar of the "Chafford Arms," Fordcombe, stands a freak 3lb 3 oz potato. The massive spud was dug up by Mr. A. Outtram at Ashurst Park last week.

 

LICENSEE LIST

GOODWIN Alfred 1857-58

CAMFIELD Charles to July/1861

Last pub licensee had EDWARDS Obediah July/1861-1864+ Next pub licensee had

YOUNG Edward 1866+

OVENDEN William Ovenden 1871-81 (also Paper Maker age 53 in 1881Census)

EADE George 1891-1903+ Kelly's 1903Census

JOHNSON Bertie James 1911-16+ (age 28 in 1911Census)

https://pubwiki.co.uk/ChaffordArms.shtml

 

Kelly's 1903From the Kelly's Directory 1903

CensusCensus

 

If anyone should have any further information, or indeed any pictures or photographs of the above licensed premises, please email:-

TOP Valid CSS Valid XTHML