LION Ospringe

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Wednesday, 26 November, 2025.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1784-

Lion

Latest ????

Ospringe Street

Ospringe

Above photo circa 1895.

Above photo 1910, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above postcard, 1910.

Above postcard 1915. Kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above photo, 1920s.

Above card from the Shepherd Neame Inn Signs Passport 1982.

Above photo 2014.

Kentish Gazette, Saturday 19th February 1785.

To be sold by auction, by Henry Mintor, on Friday 25th, Saturday 26th, and Monday 28th of this instant, and Tuesday the 1st of March, in the large commodious room, at Mr. Read's, in West Street, Faversham.

A large assortment of Linen Drapery, Haberdashery, and Hozier, Goods; new and second-hand Mens', Boys', and Womans' Wearing Apparel, Sheets and Sheeting - which will be sold without reserve.

The Sale will begin each day at 10 o'clock in the Forenoon, and 2 in the Afternoon.

All the above will be put up in small lots for the Convenience it's of the Buyers.

Catalogues may be then had at the "George," Boughton; "Lion" at Selling; the "White Hart" at Sheldwich Lees; the "Falcon," at Badlesmere Lees; the "Lion," Ospringe; "George," at Greenstreet; the "Mariners," at Oar; "Three Horseshoes," at Graveney; and at the Auctioneers, West Street, Faversham.

Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal 24 December 1816.

ROSE INN, SITTINGBOURN.

John Jennings, "Lion Inn," Ospringe, returns his sincere thanks to his friends, the Nobility, Gentry, and the public, for the support he has experienced during his residence at Ospringe, and begs leave most respectfully to inform them that he has taken.

The "Rose Inn," Sittingbourne, and will enter upon it at Christmas, which he intends fitting up in the most comfortable manner, and hopes by moderate charges and a strict attention to the comforts of his friends that may honour him with their commands, to merit a continuance of their favours.

Ospringe, Dec. 18, 1816.

Kentish Gazette, 13 October 1820.

GEORGE INN, SITTINGBOURN.

ISAAC GREEN, (Late of the "Lion Inn," Ospringe)

BEGS to inform the Nobility, Gentry, and the Public, that he has taken the Old Established Post-House, the "GEORGE INN," Sittingbourn; where he hopes to be honoured with their patronage and support, assuring them, that nothing shall be wanting on his port, to render the House as comfortable as possible; and that his Horses and Carriages shall not be excelled by those of any other Establishment on the road.

Wines, &c. of the first quality.

Good Stabling and Lock-up Couch-Houses.

Kentish Gazette, 20 October 1820.

LION INN AND POST-HOUSE, OSPRINGE.

GEORGE STARK, (many years Head Waiter at the "Fountain Inn," Canterbury.) very respectfully begs leave to inform the Nobility, Gentry, and the Public, and especially his friends, to whom from his late situation he is known, that he has entered on the above Inn, and trusts by attention to the convenience and comfort of his visitors, and by forwarding them with able Horses to obtain their patronage, which it will ever be his study and desire to deserve.

Wines of the best quality, good Stabling, and Lock up Coach Horses.

From the Kent Herald, 23 August 1827.

Extraordinary Case. Robbery of the Mail.

George Nightingale was indicted for stealing from the Dover Mail Coach, on the 28th of January last, a bag of letters from the Foreign Mail.

Mr. Sergeant Onslow, Mr. Nolan, and Mr. Bolland appeared for the Crown, and Mr. Adolphus and Mr. Broderick for the prisoner.

Mr. Sergeant Onslow stated the outline of the case.

It was then shown by several French witnesses who were examined through the medium of an interpreter, that, on the 26th January last, a mail was made up at Paris, for transmission to England, through the usual course of communication, and in the large leather bag contains the letters, divisions were made For the separation of the letters of different countries, and among three smaller bags was one containing the Italian letters. The whole were carefully secured and placed on board the French packet Henry Quarti, for conveyance to Dover.

On the 28th of January, the bag was deposited in the office of Mr. Thomas Mantell, at Dover, who was placed on the Dover Mail Coach. The most satisfactory proof was given that at the time the bag was in perfect safety.

---- Williams, guard of the Dover Mail, assisted by Thomas Brailey, of the Dover Packet Office, and a person named Bates, placed the bag on the coach, and secured it to the rails by straps and a chair. The mail left the office about eight o'clock in the evening. There were three outside passengers; two behind the coachman, and one with him. The male arrived in Lombard Street, about a quarter past six o'clock. The night was so dark, he could not be positive as to the persons of the passengers.

Charles Badcock, spare guard, at the Post Office, Lombard Street, received the Foreign bag, and put it up in the proper room.

John Kirby another spare guard corroborated his testimony.

Thomas Cowrl, a Messenger in the Foreign Office, receive the Mail and found the outer and some of the Inner bags were split. All the Italian letters were missing.

John Hollyer, bookkeeper to Mr. Charles Wright, coach-master, at Dover, on the evening of the 28th, booked an outside passenger for Chatham. He believed prisoner to be that man. He had previously noticed him passing the window of the office. Witness asked where he wished to be taken up, and to replied it should be at the "Oak," or on the look out.

Cross-examined:- Witness could not say whether he saw the man pass the Office within 10 days or one day of his taking the place. Witness saw no luggage with the man.

John Hogwood, driver of the mail, had won eight outside passenger, booked for Chatham, and two for London. Witness have been ordered to take up a person at the "Oak," who was booked for Chatham. Prisoners was like one of the passengers, but witness could not positively say he was the man who got up at the "Oak." The Chatham passenger went with witness to Canterbury, when witness left the coach, but he saw the man go on by the mail. Two passengers got down at Canterbury; one had a cloak, the other a short coat.

John Minter, proprietor of the London and Dover Mail, was waiting on the evening of the 28th of January, Canterbury, and saw the coach come in. He saw two men come from the direction of the coach. They conversed together and were joined by a third man. One went from them, and the other two towards the Coach at the office. He believes prisoner to be one of the men. One man had on a drab coat, and another a cloak.

S. Wilkes drove the mail from Canterbury to Rochester; was at the "Fountain" when the mail arrived. Two outside passages got down, and one said they would go no further; the coachman said they were booked to London. He replied that was of no consequence. Prisoner was very much like one of the men, but witness could not swear to him.

John Colley, waiter at the "Rose Tavern," Canterbury, saw the mail come in, and saw two gentlemen come into the Tavern, for the direction of the mail. They wanted a chaise and pair as soon as possible. They went out from a minute and returned. They then went into a private room and had a glass of brandy and water. One of the men had a bag. Witness went suddenly into the room and when the chaise was ready. He then saw the two men each feeling and holding letters to the candle. There were 20 or 30 letters also on the table. When he entered the room the men exclaimed "d--m" and crammed all the letters into their side pockets. They paid 2s. for the brandy and water; one of the men took the bag, and the other stood with his side face towards witness. He had no doubt that prisoner was the man; he had on a drab coat; the tall man had a cloak, but he could not swear positively.

Alice Newington, chambermaid of the "Rose", believed prisoner to be the same man.

John Clements, landlord of the "Rose," heard the men say they came to from Dover by the mail, but could go no further because there was no room. They had a chaise and got into it in a very hurried manner, and the tall man ran his head through the glass of the window. They would not wait for another chaise, but went on with a broken window though the night was cold.

George Starr, landlord of the "Lion," at Ospringe, disposed that two men came to his house from the "Rose," Canterbury, in a chaise. They went to Chatham. It was then half past 12 o'clock at night.

James Bassage, waiter of the "Sun," deposed to two men coming there in a chaiseat at two o'clock in the morning. They stayed half an hour and took refreshment.

John Baily, a school master, and John Penn, a boot maker, were at the "Sun," and the two men sat down in their company. The last five witnesses all expressed their belief that prisoner was the shorter of the two men, but would not swear positively to his identity.

Prisoner in his defence put in a written paper in which he stated that he was innocent, and would prove that he was 200 miles from the place at the time the robbery was committed.

Benjamin Booth deposed that he was a proprietor of the "George Inn," Glastonbury, Somersetshire. Prison was at his house, on the 19th of Jan. stayed till the 22nd; one gentleman was with him. They went away together, and returned about half past four of the afternoon of the 25th January. Prisoner and his friend slept at witnesses house, the two next nights.

The results was that on and intimation from the Court, the Council for the Crown did not press for the case to go to the Jury, and prisoner was acquitted.

He has since been apprehended on a charge of being the man who robbed a gentleman of £200 at Stockman's fight a year or two ago. The officers were in waiting for him, and he ran swiftly towards the Bridge, but was finally captured. He has said to be possessed of much property. This prosecution is reported to have cost the post office nearly £10,000.

From the Kentish Gazette, 11 February 1840.

TO LET.

The "Lion Inn" and Posting House, with extensive Stabling, Coach-house, Large Gardens, Bowling Green &c., suituated in Ospringe Street, County of Kent.

The above Inn is calculated to carry an extensive whole ale and retail Wine and Spirit trade, together with the Posting and Tavern business.

The reason for the present proprietor's wishing to leave, will be fully explained by application to the Landlord, (if by letter, post-paid.)

From the Kentish Gazette, 22 December 1840.

FAVERSHAM.

Dec. 21.— Melancholy Effects or Passion.

We regret to learn that Mr. Henry Hook, of the "Lion Inn," Ospringe, committed suicide by shooting himself in the head with a pistol, in the bar of his own house, between nine and ten o'clock on Sunday morning. The only person with him at the time, was Mr. Laslett, a surgeon of Ospringe.

A Coroner's Inquest will be held at eleven o'clock tomorrow morning.

From the Kentish Gazette, 12 July 1842.

EAST KENT.

Ospringe, Faversham, Canterbury, Blean, Harbledown, Whitstable, Kingston, Bishopsbourne, Hardres, Chartham, and Snave, in Romney Marsh.

MR. JOHN POUT Begs to announce that he has received instructions to offer by PUBLIC AUCTION, AT the "Royal Fountain Hotel," CANTERBURY, on MONDAY, the 29th, and TUESDAY the 30th days of AUGUST next, at Eleven o'clock each day (unless the same, or any part thereof, shall be previously disposed of by Private Contract, of which due notice will be given), the following lots of very desirable FREEHOLD PROPERTY, viz:—

Lot 13.—The LION HOTEL, and POSTING HOUSE, with stabling, coach-houses, yards, bowling-green, Pasture Field, and walled garden, containing three acres, little more or less, in OSPRINGE, and now in the occupation of Mr. Rogers.

From the Kentish Gazette, 16 July 1844.

FREEHOLD ESTATES. TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,

By Mr. POUT, AT the “Lion Hotel,” OSPRINGE, on MONDAY, the 29th day of JULY, 1844, at Twelve o’clock precisely, the following VALUABLE PROPERTY:—

Lot 1:— A PIECE of ARABLE LAND, called the “Valley, or Long Field,” containing 57a. 3r. 1p., in PRESTON next Faversham, part of Preston Farm.

Lot 2:— An ORCHARD, called Old Knollenns, in PRESTON parish, containing 3A. 0R. 22P., other part of Preston Farm.

Lot 3:— Another ORCHARD, and also TWO COTTAGES, in PRESTON aforesaid, containing 3A. 1R. 6P., other part of Preston Farm.

Lot 4:— Another ORCHARD, in PRESTON aforesaid, containing 3A. 0R. 15P. other part of Preston Farm.

Lot 5:— A PARCEL of ARABLE LAND, called Copton’s Field, or the Strings, containing 9A. 2R. 30p., in the parishes of OSPRINGR. PRESTON, and FAVERSHAM, other part of Preston Farm.

Lot 6:— A PIECE of ARABLE LAND, called Westwood, in PRESTON aforesaid, containing 5A. 0R. 34P., other part of Preston Farm.

Lot 7:— The “LION HOTEL” and Posting House, in OSPRINGE STREET, with stabling, coachhouses, yards, bowling green, pasture field, and walled garden, containing about 3 Acres, in FAVERSHAM parish, and now let to Mr. Rogers.

Lot 8:— A MESSUAGE or TENEMENT, with garden adjoining, situate in OSPRINGE STREET, in Faversham aforesaid, and now in the occupation of Robert Furley.

Lot 9:— A MESSUAGE or TENEMENT and Garden, adjoining Lot 8, and now in the occupation of Abraham Sherwood.

Lot 10:— A MESSUAGE or TENEMENT and Garden, adjoining Lot 9, and now in the occupation of Mr. Carter.

Lot 11:— A MESSUAGE or TENEMENT and Garden, adjoining Lot 10, now in the occupation of John Avery.

Lot 12:— A MESSUAGE or TENEMENT and Garden, adjoining Lot 11, and now in the occupation of Charles Wray.

Lot 13:— A COTTAGE and GARDEN, situate in Water Lane, OSPRINGE, and now in the occupation of Mrs. Coveney.

Lot 14:— A COTTAGE and GARDEN, situate in OSPRINGE, now or late in the occupation of Geo. Spendiff.

Lot 15:— A COTTAGE and GARDEN, in OSPRINGE, now or late in the occupation of Mr. Stephens.

Lot 16:— A COTTAGE and GARDEN, in OSPRINGE, and now in the occupation of John Wraight.

Lot 17:— A RANGE of STABLING, with jodges, two yards, lofts, and two Cottages adjoining, containing together IR. 11P.

The Land Tax on the above Property is exonerated.

The Lots may be viewed by leave of the respective Tenants, and particulars and conditions of sale had on application to Messrs. Kingsford and Son, Solicitors, Canterbury, at the place of Sale, and at the Auctioneer’s, Canterbury.

Kentish Gazette, 20 August 1844.

LION HOTEL.

JOHN ROGERS begs to return his grateful thanks to the Nobility, Clergy, and Gentry of OSPRINGE and neighbourhood for the kind support he has received, and to inform them that, from the 22nd instant, he intends removing his Horses to the "Ship Hotel," FAVERSHAM, where he will carry on the Post Chaise and Fly business as heretofore, and will feel thankful for a continuance of their favours.

August 19th, 1844.

Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser 7 October 1862.

Mr. Packer, "Lion Inn," Ospringe, was summoned for having his house open at an unlawful hour on a Sunday. Mr. Johnson. who appeared for the defendant, asked for a remand until next Petty Sessions, which was granted.

From the Southeastern Gazette, 17 July 1866.

Run Over and Killed.

On Tuesday last an inquest was held at the “Lion Inn,” Ospringe, before T. T. Delasaux, Esq., coroner, on the body of William Cooper, a labourer in the employ of Mr. Bonnett, builder, Sittingbourne. It appeared that the deceased was taking cement to some cottages building for Mr. Hall, and on this particular occasion he took the horse’s bit out of its month, in order to give the animal a feed. Just then a steam whistle was sounded in an adjoining field at which the horse became frightened, and bolted off down the hill; the deceased hung to the horse’s head, and it dragged him some distance, when he lost his hold, and was dashed with great violence on to his face, and the near wheel passed over his back and shoulders. He was conveyed to the union infirmary, where he shortly died; several of his ribs being broken, and his lungs injured.

Verdict, “Accidental death.”

Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 11 September 1897.

SAVAGE CRUELTY AT OSPRINGE.

Four youths named Robert Hodges, Albert Chapman, Frederick Sheppard, and Georgt Hayes, horse boys, in the employ of Mr. W. Clark, were summoned at the instance of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for cruelty to a game cock, at Faversham, on Sunday, August 8th. Chapman pleaded guilty, but the others denied the offence. Mr. Colam, barrister, secretary of the Society, appeared to prosecute. In stating the facts of the case Mr. Colam said that the employer of the defendants kept his carts and stabled his horses at the "Lion Inn," Ospring Street. There was a game cock which belonged to the occupant of "Lion Inn., and at 6.30 on the morning in question the defendants came to feed their horses. Sarah Goldfinch, a domestic servant, heard a screeching noise and on looking out of her bedroom window she saw the defendants take the fowl, dip it into a tank of water, and then pelt it with stones. She called out and told the defendants to desist, but they replied with a coarse expression. She then went back to bed. Twenty minutes later the screeching was again heard and the servant again told them to desist. Later in the morning the bird was found in the yard, bereft of its feathers on the breast, whilst the tail feathers had also been pulled out. The only excuse that the defendants could give for their conduct was that the fowl had been "nicking" the corn of the horses. Mr. Colam added that, by two decisions of the High Court a fowl was designated a "domestic animal," and he suggested that that was a case which ought to deserve severe punishment. Evidence in support of the prosecution was given by Sarah Goldfinch, the young woman who witnessed the cruelty; Thomas Spencer, the landlord of the "Lion Inn," the owner of the fowl, who said there were raw places on the breast and legs where the feathers were missing; Police-constable Lambkin, and Inspector Fair, R.S.P.C.A., who each testified to the condition of the bird. The Chairman observed that it was the owner’s duty to see that the bird was kept under proper control. Mr. Spencer said that he had had fowls running about there ever since he had the house—fourteen years. Hodges said he was cleaning his horse and did not see the cruelty, and Sheppard and Hayes said they were not there. There was a previous conviction for driving a horse whilst in an unfit state against Hayes. The Chairman said the Bench considered that Chapman had ill-treated the bird, and they thought that all the defendants were equally guilty. It was a cowardly thing to do. It was something more than committing an offence against the law. The bird was one of God's creatures as much as they were, therefore it was an offence against God. It was an act of horrid brutally, and their friends and neighbours - if they had a spay of feeling amongst them - would think all the worse of them for having treated a poor dumb animal in the way they had. It meant a want of civilisation; it meant brutality. He hoped it would be a serious warning to then to keep their tempers, and to treat poor beasts kindly. If the magistrates could have flogged them they would have done so. The Bench, however, would treat them leniently as far as imprisonment was concerned. The Chairman then informed the defendants that they would be imprisoned for one day. The costs in the case were remitted.

LICENSEE LIST

JENNINGS John to Dec/1816