Eight Bells

43 High Street

Tenterden

Above drawing circa 1929.

Above photo, date unknown.

Above drawing 1974.

Above drawing, date unknown.

Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo date unknown, from Chris Louis Green.

Above photo, 2007.

Above photo 2007, by Jim Bell.

Above sign left, October 1991, sign right, December 1994. With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

Above photos showing an 1800s beer token worth 6d. Kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Originally a hall house, converted in the 15th century as an inn known as the "Angel," Angel of the Salutation Annunciation, and belonged to St. Augustines Abbey, Canterbury, who used it as a Hostelry for Pilgrims and a Common Ale and Victualling House with 2 chimney stacks being erected circa 1550 and an upper flooring inserted. After the Reformation its Deeds were passed to the Christ Church Priory of Canterbury Cathedral, and it was then re-named the "Six Bells" in 1735 to compliment the number of bells in the close by St Mildred's and again in 1769, when, with the church acquiring two more bells it became the "Eight Bells") comprising of Stables, Brewhouse, Garden and Orchard. The Inn led to Honey Lane and the present front of the building was originally the rear which overlooked the Churchyard, until a Turnpike was cut through, which later became the present High Street.

At one time, the House was a Coaching Inn, and the original Ostlers Bell still hangs in the Courtyard where the Well and Waterpump (still in working order) can be found. The Assembly Room (above the present day bar) was used as a Court Parlour after the Courtroom was destroyed by fire, Courts were held there as were also the Wool Market and Com Exchange. Circa, 1867 Tokens, were issued to the Carters entitling them to refreshments to the value of Sixpence, a collection of these Tokens and a Scroll listing the Landlords from 1662 to the present day are both on display in the Bar.

The only Deeds available date back to 1752, when the property was sold by the Executors of John Young of Battell, a Surgeon to James Partell, a Victualler. On July the 4th 1780, the House was sold to William Hassel who in turn on April the 5th 1794 sold it to Stacey and George May, Brewers of Maidstone.
 

The western wing (at the Bells Lane end) was drastically altered in the 18th century and the 19th century. The eastern end which goes north-south has more of the original chambers surviving. The frontage was refaced with mathematical tiles in the 19th century.

In 1969, the rent had become so small that the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury, successors at the Reformation to St Augustine's Abbey, ceased to collect it.

The building gained a Grade 2 listing on 8 May 1950.

Malcolm Miriams kindly informs me that the pub closed some years ago and is now (2015) a Café Rouge.

Tenterden's Eight Bells pub called last orders after hundreds of years in 2007, and the premises became Café Rouge later that year.

Plans to convert the 18th century building into a national restaurant chain were met with fierce opposition when they first emerged.

Fears that the historic character of the high street would be eroded if modern companies moved in were shared by both the town council and residents' association.

But Ashford Borough councillors later approved the plans after a series of amendments were made to the application - which included retaining the white and black look of the Grade II-listed building.

A controversial petition was launched by the former restaurant manager to paint the building red and white, although the site kept its historic colours.

A Café Rouge spokesman said: “We can confirm the closure of our Tenterden café, and are working closely with the landlord to market the property.

"Our team are aware and we are working to re-locate colleagues at other restaurants where possible.

"We would like to thank them for their service over the years, and of course our café guests, for their custom and loyalty.”

LICENSEE LIST

YOUNG Edward 1728+

YOUNG John to 1752 dec'd

HASSEL William to 1780

MAY George & Stacey 5/Apr/1794+

WRATTEN Stephen to Dec/1805 dec'd

COLLINS John 1828-32+

PAINE Thomas 1841+ (age 50 in 1841)

MOUNT Thomas 1851+ (age 28 in 1851)

MILSTED Stephen 1854+  ("Bells")

WILSON William 1858-71+ (age 64 in 1871)

WILSON Herbert G 1881+ (age 18, but just a lodging house)

GREEN Francis 1882+

HADLOW Isabella Mrs 1891+ (age 50 in 1891)

PAY Thomas 1903+

GOWER Frederick Thomas 1911-13+ (age 47 in 1911)

HATCH James 1918+

HATCH Emily Mrs 1922-30+

SAWFORD Claude Alister 1938+

POCOCK Jack & Billie ????

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

From the Pigot's Directory 1828-29

From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34

From the Kelly's Directory 1903

Census