DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Wednesday, 08 November, 2023.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1839-

Gate

Latest 1960+

Boughton Hill

Dunkirk

Gate 1910

Above photo, circa 1910, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe care of Tony Homersham.

Gate 1960

Above postcard, 1960, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Former Gate 2018

Above photo March 2018 kindly taken and sent by Rory Kehoe.

Former Gate 2018

Above photo March 2018 kindly taken and sent by Rory Kehoe.

 

This used to be opposite the "Red Lion."

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 27 August 1839.

DEATH.

August 17, at the house of her sister, (Mrs. Wildish, "Gate Inn," Boughton-hill), Miss Charlotte Usher, aged 52.

 

Kentish Gazette, 9 April 1844.

Inquest.

On Saturday last an inquest was held at the "Gate Inn," Ville of Dunkirk, before T. T. DeLasaux, esq., on view of the body of Thomas Weekes, a pedlar, formerly lodging at Mrs. Carey’s, Pound-Lane, in Canterbury. From the evidence adduced, it appeared that deceased had asked to lay down in the stable on the previous night, at which place he was left quite safe at ten o'clock by the ostler, and on the following morning was found hanging to the rack quite dead, suspended by his neckerchief. It also appeared he lost his wife about seven weeks since, and which has preyed much on his mind, often remarking, "she haunts me, I can get no rest night or day."

A verdict of Temporary Insanity was returned.

 

Southeastern Gazette, 10 May 1853.

May 1, at the "Gate" public-house, near Boughton-hill, in her 76th year, Mary, relict of the late Mr. Thomas Wildish, much respected.

 

Faversham Gazette, 29 March, 1856.

GATE INN, BOUGHTON.

Let, on moderate terms. Persons in delicate health, and requiring change, will find the situation admirably adapted to restore health, and give vigour to the constitution. It is situated on an eminence, commanding un extensive panoramic view of Canterbury Cathedral and the surrounding neighbourhood. For particulars, address Mr. Payne, "Gate Inn," Boughton,

Wines and Spirits of the best quality.

Good Stabling and Lock-up Coach-houses.

 

Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser, Saturday 9 May 1857.

FAVERSHAM PETTY SESSIONS.

David Neame was charged by George Norley, constable of Dunkirk, with assaulting him.

The complainant stated that on the 27th April last he went into the "Gate" public house, Dunkirk, where the defendant is ostler. Defendant was present, and abused him. He followed him out, and struck him.

The evidence of Mr Pain, the landlord, and of William Waters, blacksmith, were unfavourable to complainant, and the case was dismissed.

 

From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald. 3 February 1900. Price 1d.

DUNKIRK. THE ANNUAL TRADESMAN'S DINNER.

Took place at “The Gate Inn” on Thursday evening, when about 50 parishioners and friends met to partake of the capital repast prepared by Host Hoodgeman. Mr. W. R. Gorham occupied the chair, and Mr. Milsted, of Faversham, the vice chair. Mr. Coombs, of “The George,” Faversham, kindly presided at the piano. The home party was augmented by twelve friends from Faversham. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were duly honoured, and the evening was spent in harmony. Messrs. W. E. and J. Rigden, with their usual liberality, contributed to the pleasure of the evening, and their health was drunk amid applause.

 

From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 13 October 1900. Price 1d.

FAVERSHAM COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS.

Before Capt. Hooper, Mr. H. Hordern, Mr. J. A. Anderson, Mr. F. B. Cobb, and Mr. W. G. Dawes.

GROSS CRUELTY TO A HORSE.

Arthur Howland, Dunkirk, was summoned at the instance of the R.S.P.C.A. for cruelty to a horse, at Dunkirk, on the 15th September. Mr. Frederic Johnson, solicitor, prosecuted on behalf of the Society, and Mr. Horace Broughton, of Canterbury, appeared for defendant.

Mr. Johnson having briefly opened the case William John Howland, of Tile Kiln, Dunkirk, (brother of the defendant) was called. He stated that on Saturday, 15th September, he sent the defendant to Canterbury to sell the horse in question. It was a brown mare, and when defendant started she was in fair condition. He did not sell it, and when witness saw the animal on the following morning (Sunday) it had several wounds in the short ribs, one on the thigh, and one under the body. The latter was swollen.

William Price, timber merchant, Dunkirk, stated that he was at the "Gate Inn," Dunkirk, on Saturday night, 15th September, when the defendant came uploading a horse. He subsequently saw him at the "Lion Inn," with the same horse, and Frank Howland, who was with witness, then pointed out that it was bleeding and had been stabbed. There was blood on the bricks where the horse was standing, and on going back to the "Gate Inn" afterwards they also found blood where the horse had stood there, and along the road. From what the defendant said witness understood that he was interfered with by some hoppers. When witness asked him the next morning, where he left his horse the previous night he said ho could not remember. Witness subsequently saw the horse and the wounds upon it. They appeared to have been made with a knife.

Frank Howland stated that when the defendant came up to the "Lion Inn" with the horse on the Saturday night he looked very much frightened.

He told witness that hoppers had interfered with him at the bottom of the Gate Hill.

William Hayward, farmer, Dunkirk, said he saw the defendant leave the "Gate Inn." He had a difficulty to get the horse to go, but witness did not know at the time that it had been stabbed, as be had not noticed the wounds.

Spencer Albert Price stated that late on the night of Saturday, 15th September, he stumbled against the horse in Green Grass Lane, off the top of Dunkirk Hill. It did not move when he kicked it or struck a light. It seemed tired out.

Corpl. Fuggle deposed that on the Sunday morning he found blood all the way between the "Gate" and the "Lion Inns." He afterwards saw the defendant at the "Woodman's Hall" and noticed a spot of blood on his trousers.

Inspector Yates, R.S.P.C.A., who saw the horse on the 17th, described the wounds and said in addition to these the mouth indicated that there had been some violence with the bit. The defendant told him that he walked and rode part of the way home from Canterbury. He did not remember where he left the horse when he got to Dunkirk, as he was too drunk to know what actually did take place. He did not seem surprised or annoyed at the incident.

Mr. James Crowhurst, F.R.C.V.S. Canterbury described the results of his examination of the horse, stating that there were ten or a dozen wounds in all. The one on the thigh could have been inflicted from the saddle, but not the one under the body.

Mr. Johnson submitted that there was strong presumptive evidence that the wounds were caused by the defendant, and apart from that actual cruelty had been proved by his leaving the horse all night unattended, and without food or water.

Mr. Broughton said as Mr. Johnson had kindly admitted, the evidence that the stabbing was done by defendant, was only presumptive, and the statement of the witness, who said defendant looked frightened when he got to the "Lion," corroborated the suggestion that he was set upon by hoppers. With respect to his abandonment of the horse in the Lane, the only excuse, if it was an excuse, was that he was intoxicated. It was not improbable, however, that he was drugged, in which case there was palliation for his offence.

The Bench considered there was sufficient evidence to prove that the wounds were inflicted by defendant and he was therefore entitled to the benefit of the doubt. But in abandoning the unfortunate animal in such a condition, for which he would be fined £2 and £2 2s, costs, or a month's hard labour.

The money was paid.

 

As the information is found or sent to me, including photographs, it will be shown here.

Thanks for your co-operation.

 

From an email received 19 July 2020.

I found your interesting website, and wondered if you'd like this picture of a knife from the Gate Inn. Charles Fisher was the landlord in the 1930s.

David Else.

Gate inn knife 1930s

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Joe Wright, 27 October 2022.

Sheila's Kitchen on A2 between Canterbury and Faversham to become Costa.

A new 24-hour Costa will open on the A2 next year - taking up residence in an 18th century former coaching inn.

The drive-thru cafe, which will also have seating available inside, is poised to become a spot for motorists to get their caffeine fix on the London-bound carriageway between Canterbury and Faversham.

The Grade II-listed building at Gate Services was previously a Little Chef - between 1986 and 2005 - before becoming the roadside greasy spoon Sheila’s Kitchen.

It had a big reputation for its hearty breakfasts, but closed down some years ago and has stood derelict ever since.

Now, work to convert the site into a Costa coffee shop is due to begin following the go-ahead from Swale Borough Council.

The site's owner, Motor Fuel Ltd, which runs the adjacent Esso garage, had previously applied for permission to launch a new coffee shop at the rear of the filling station, which was approved.

But the vision was shelved as bosses instead opted to sympathetically convert the old coaching house, adding a small extension for the drive-thru.

The roadside Gate Inn is said to have housed the arrested followers of Sir William Courtenay after the Courtenay Riots and Battle of Bossenden Wood in 1838.

The Battle of Bossenden Wood is known for being the last battle to have taken place on English soil.

A new chapter in the old inn's history is now set to begin, with Costa employing nine full-time workers.

The development - which backs onto a Travelodge hotel - will also include a 32-space car park, an eight-bay EV car charging hub and stands for 10 bicycles.

In granting permission for the 24-hour Costa, a Swale planning officer wrote: "I note the Travelodge building is closest to the site but given the predicted low levels of noise from the site I do not consider any visitors there would suffer any loss of amenity."

An opening date for the Costa is not yet confirmed, but it is expected to be next year.

 

LICENSEE LIST

WILDISH Mary 1839-51+ (age 74 in 1851Census)

PAYNE William 1856-58+

PAYNE Mary Ann 1861+ (victuallers wife age 46 in 1861)

CURLING George 1874+

KNOWLER Thomas 1881+ (age 27 in 1881Census)

CASTLE Francis 1882+

HALL Stephen jun 1891+ (age 42 in 1891Census)

HODGMAN William 1901-03+ (age 50 in 1901Census) Kelly's 1903

JARVIS Albert 1913+

BAKER H 1922+

FISHER Charles Daniel 1938+

WADE Jim & Lilly 1960+

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

 

CensusCensus

Kelly's 1903From the Kelly's Directory 1903

 

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

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