King's Head Hotel

Kentish Gazette, Saturday 5 January 1771.

To be LET, and entered upon immediately,

PUBLIC HOUSE, ready Furnished; known by the Sign of the "Thistle and Crown," nearly opposite the "Kings Head Inn," Rochester.

The House is very complete, and well situated.

For further Particulars, enquire of Mrs. Rebecca Elliot, Brewer, in Rochester, or of Mr. Lachlen Maclean, at the "Globe," Chatham.

None but Principals will be treated with.

Kentish Gazette, 26 June, 1781.

Saturday morning died Mr. Read, "Kings Head Inn" at Rochester.

From the Kentish Gazette, Friday 1 March 1793.

Hurt and Clark, late of the "King's Head Inn," Rochester.

Embrace the earliest opportunity of returning their sincere thanks to the Nobility, Gentry, and their numerous friends, who have for a series of years honoured them with their favours; at the same time they respectively beg leave to inform them, that they have resigned the business in favour of Mr. Walter Grove.

Rochester, February 25th, 1793.

Water Grove, from St. James's.

Most respectfully informed Nobility, Gentry, and his friends, but having taken the "King's Head Inn," Rochester, he solicits it's their patronage.

Confident that no attention, aciduity or expense, will on his part be wanting to render his house deserving their favours, he hopes he shall merits their countenance and support.

Neat post-chaises, coaches, &c, with able horses, and careful drivers.

Rochester, February 25th 1793.

From the Kentish Gazette, Tuesday, 4 September 1798.

To the Nobility, Gentry, and the Public in General.

"Kings Head Inn," Rochester.

Mary Grove, widow of the unfortunate Walter Grove, who was murdered by some footpads near Shooters Hill in January last, deems it expedient to inform her friends, the Nobility and Public in general, who have hitherto humoured her with their patronage, that, as it has been most cruelly asserted by her enemies, without the least foundation whatever, that the "Kings Head" is shut up, and she gone away; this is to assure the world in general, that the house is neither shut up, nor has M. Grove left it, and therefore humbly solicits a continuance of their favours, which the cruel insinuations of some evil-disposed persons have endeavoured to obtain for other houses, and that, as a generous public, they will be more ready to commiserate her distressed situation by granting her that support which it shall ever be her study to deserve, by punctually opening all orders, and giving general satisfaction as long as she remains in the above Inn.

Kentish Gazette, Friday 5 October 1798.

KING'S HEAD INN, ROCHESTER.

S. Holloway, (formerly waiter at the above Inn) begs leave most respectfully to acquaint the Nobility, Gentry and Travellers in general, that he has taken the above Inn, where they will be sure to meet withy the best of beds and liquors. and every accommodation; and he hopes by the most respectful attention in his house, to merit the patronage of the public.

Rochester 25th September, 1798.

Mary Grove (widow of the late Walter Grove) offers the most grateful acknowledgement to those who, since her husband's decease, have honoured her with their support; and informs them, that she has departed with the "King's Head Inn" to S. Holloway, whom she humbly recommends to the notice of her friends, and who she is certain will at all times receive their commands with the utmost gratitude and respect.

Kentish Gazette 31 January 1800.

The cook belonging to the "King's Head Inn" at Rochester, underwent the amputation of her right arm a few days since, in consequence of a stab she received by a carving-knife from her fellow-servant; but she seems in a fair way of recovery.

Kentish Gazette 6 April 1802.

The following melancholy affair happened at Rochester on Monday night.

A young gentleman, son of Mr. S-----, of Woolwich, decamped from his father a day or two before with a considerable sum of money, in company with a female, and slept at the "Kings Head Inn" on Sunday night; his father, with a friend, arrived early in the morning, and finding his son was in bed sent his friend before to the room door for admittance, during which the son hearing his father's voice on the stairs immediately took a pistol from his trunk and discharged its contents just below his temple. Mr. Adams was immediately sent for who extracted the ball, but with little hopes of his recovery; he lingered from 6 o'clock in the morning till 2 in the afternoon when he expired.

The jury sat on his body and after a long consultation, returned a verdict:- Lunacy.

Kentish Gazette, 20 July, 1804.

Friday last, a post-boy, known by the name of Rapadore, was found dead, hanging in a stable of the "King's Head Inn," Rochester.

Kentish Gazette, 13 June, 1806.

DIED.

A few days since, M. Abraham Vincent, of the "King's Head Tap, Rochester, late of the "Two Brewers" public-house, in Maidstone.

Kentish Gazette, 16 July 1844.

DEATH.

July 4, at Rochester, of dropsy in the chest, Mr. Thomas Saxton, landlord of the "King's Head Inn," in his 61st year.

Kentish Gazette, 6 November, 1821.

On Thursday last at the "King’s Head Inn," in this city, was put into commotion, by a disagreement between two young gentlemen of the neighbourhood of Rochester, of the names of M----n and G-----g, which terminated, as we are informed, in the former horse whipping the latter, and immediately afterwards setting off for Margate to post him for having refused him the satisfaction of a gentleman, for an insult in that town. It is said the circumstances which led to the fracas arose out of an attachment which Mr. M. had conceived for a young lady of respectability, whom he had pursued, and was then pursuing, with suremitting diligence and zeal, and that Mr. G. had taken umbrage, and desired him to desist, without assigning any cause, or without appearing to be authorized so to do either by the lady or her friends, and imputing to Mr. M. unworthy motives. Stung to the quick by Mr. G's insinuations and assertions, an exchange of cards was offered Mr. M. and declined by Mr. G. Mr. M. having no friend at Margate, in whom he could confide, immediately set off for Chatham, and after riding all night, was on his way back, accompanied by his friend, when he accidentally met with Mr. G. at the above place. The friend of Mr. M. instantly waited upon Mr. G. to urge an apology, or get him to name a friend, through whom a time and place might be arranged for giving the satisfaction due to his wounded honour; instead of Mr. C. complying with this request, he absolutely refused, and repealed the offensive matter. We are informed that Mr. M. is the son of a professional man, and Mr. G. that of a deceased Gentleman; it was therefore to be expected that the former would not submit to an indignity from the latter, and especially as they were in both respects respectably connected.

Southeastern Gazette, 6 September 1853.

CITY PETTY SESSIONS.

Saturday. (Before J. L. Levy and E. R. Coles, Esqrs.)

Thomas Williams who had been apprehended for creating a disturbance in front of the "King's Head Inn," was discharged on paying 1s.

South Eastern Gazette, Tuesday 16 March 1858.

George Webster was charged with assaulting Richard Payne, who exhibited several confused wounds on his face, which he alleged to be the result of the defendant's violence. Mr. M. Stevenson appeared for the defence.

The parties are both waterman engaged on the river at the Sun Pier, and on the occasion of the assault were together at the "King's Head Tavern," High Street, drinking, when a quarrel arose between them respecting some old grievance, which resulted in the defendant assaulting the prosecutor in a very savage manner.

Fined, including costs, £1 14s., and in default 1 month's hard labour.

South Eastern Gazette, 27 March, 1860.

DEATH.

On the 18th Dec., 1859, at Beaufort, Fiery Creek Diggins, Melbourne, Mr. James Flisher, late of Gravesend, Kent, builder, and eldest son of Mr. Flisher, "King’s Head Inn," Rochester leaving a widow and two children.

South Eastern Gazette, 18 December, 1860.

THE LATE FATAL ACCIDENT TO THE REV. GEORGE DAVIES.

The inquest on the body of the Rev. G. Davies, the particulars connected with whose melancholy death were detailed at length in this paper last week, took piece at the "King’s Head Hotel" on Tuesday last, before J. Lewis, Esq., the city coroner, and a highly respectable jury of house-holders, of whom Mr. T. S. King, late an alderman of the ward, was the foremen.

The circumstances attending the death of the deceased have created profound sensation in the city, the Rev. gentleman having been almost universally known, not only in Rochester but in the neighbouring towns, his duties as presiding magistrate at the Rochester county justice-room bringing him into intimate contact with all classes of the population. The inquiry instituted by the coroner created a great deal of interest, the most extravagant rumours having been circulated respecting the cause of the accident which deprived the Rev. magistrate of life.

The Coroner, after the jury had been sworn, remarked that they were all so well aware of the reason of their being assembled that there was no occasion for him to address any observations to them. He might, however, be allowed to remark that he had seen decease's nephew soon after the death had been announced, and he had left it entirely in his hands whether there should be an inquest or not. As some observations had been made respecting the accident, he (the Coroner) had deemed it advisable to hold an inquest. Neither he nor the jury, however, would prejudge the case, but would dispassionately consider the evident which would he adduced, without allowing their feelings to interfere. They one and all regretted the melancholy death of such a well-known and respected character as the deceased, and he was sure that feeling was universally experienced.

Mr. Prall said he appeared to watch the case on behalf of Mr. Austen, baker, who was ready to afford the jury every facility during the inquiry, and to produce any witnesses who might be required.

Mr. W. H. Nicholson, brother-in-law of the deceased, also attended to watch the case.

The Coroner and Jury then proceeded to the late residence of the Rev. gentleman, to view the body, and on their return proceeded to examine the witnesses:-

James Bell Jardine, M.D., who spoke in every low tone, was understood to say that the deceased was brought into his surgery, High-street, at about three o'clock on Saturday afternoon and laid upon the floor, where witness found him. On examining him he found him pulseless and cold, the symptoms being those which would arise from concussion of the brain. Witness, on examining the head, found a depression at the back of the skull, as if from a violent blow or fall. After giving deceased some stimulants he slightly revived, and was then conveyed to his residence in a cab, where be expired the same evening about eight o'clock. On instituting a subsequent examination of the body, witness discovered a severe contusion on the left arm, presenting the appearance of an injury from a severe blow. The sleeve of the coat deceased wore was also torn. Witness had no hesitation in saying that death arose from concussion and compression of the brain, the result of a violent blow, as if from a fall.

Henry Hills, Chatham-hlll, seaman, said:— I was passing through High-street, Chatham, at about a quarter past three on Saturday afternoon, and observed the deceased come out from the shop of Mr. Giles, poulterer, and after calling a dog which be had with him, proceeded to cross the street to the opposite side. Deceased had arrived about half way across when a horse and cart belonging to Mr. Austen, baker, came up at a gallop in the direction of Rochester. I called out to deceased, as the horse and cart were coming along without a driver, the horse having taken fright. Deceased did not appeer to hear me shouting to him, nor yet to perceive his danger. The cart then came close upon him, and the wheel struck him on the left shoulder, which caused him to stagger round and fall along the gutter, the back of his head striking against the pavement kerb stone. When the near wheel struck the deceased be had reached to within a foot of the opposite pavement. The horse was stopped near Mr. Austen's premises.

During the examination of this witness a reporter for one of the penny papers, who had frequently been addressing observations to the jury rear him, was requested by Mr. Frail to desist, and not interfere with the duties of the jury; such conduct was very irregular.

The Coroner said he must request that the jury ware not spoken to during the time they were engaged in the inquiry.

Eventually the individual rebuked was removed bv the superintendent of police away from his close proximity to the jury, and the proceedings were resumed.

John Knight, the driver of the cart which caused the accident, having been cautioned not to say anything which might tend to incriminate himself, deposed that he was in the employ of Mr. Austen, baker, Chatham-intra, for whom he had worked three years, and was delivering the bread on Saturday afternoon. The horse in the cart on that day was not the one usually used by him. Witness had been long accustomed to the management and driving of horses. On Saturday afternoon witness was engaged in delivering bread at Chatham barracks, having the horse and cart standing on the officers’ terrace. During the time he was away, a period of about two minutes, he heard the horse start off, when he immediately ran towards it, but the horse was then running down the hill by the side of the residence of General Eyre. Witness called to the sentry to stop it, but he could not see any one attempt to do so, and the horse and cart were soon out of sight, witness never seeing it until it had reached the stable. On all former occasions the horse had always stood perfectly quiet during the time he was delivering bread, and in the opinion of witness it was a safe horse to be used for such a purpose. The horse would "jib" sometimes, but but never moved off; it was a good-tempered animal. Previously to going to Chatham barracks that day witness and his master had driven the horse round Troy-town. The animal was quiet when touched with the whip. Whilst in Troy-town on Saturday morning the horse "Jibbed" once. Witness had never known it attempt to start before. There was no band playing in the barracks at the time, neither was there any one near the horse, and witness was at a loss to account for its taking fright on that day.

At this stage of the proceedings a painful sensation was created by a messenger arriving for one of the Jurors (Mr. Searles), whose wife had been seized with a fit, and was not expected to live.

Tbe Coroner said he hardly knew whether he could let the juror go, for the inquiry was not yet completed, there being, as he understood, other witnesses yet to be called. Unfortunately he had only sworn 13 jurors, and if Mr. Searles went they would have to commence the inquiry de novo. (Afresh) He, however, would adjourn the inquest for a few minutes for Mr. Scarles to proceed to his wife.

The inquest was adjourned, and in abont a quarter of on hour Mr. Searles returned and informed the coroner that his wife was in a very dangerous state, and therefore he hoped he should be released from serving any longer.

The Coroner said be hardly saw how he could, unless the jury were satisfied with the evidence as for at it had been taken, and had agreed to their verdict several of the jury said they saw no necessity whatever for prolonging the investigation; they were perfectly satisfied with the evidence which had been adduced, and would rather the inquiry were closed.

An unanimous verdict of "Accidental death" was then returned.

Mr. Prall said although it was not evidence he had a certificate to produce to the jury from Major Appleyard, of whom Mr. Austen bought the horse, describing it as a quiet docile animal, and that it had been repeatedly ridden with soldiers at Chatham. The inquiry then terminated.