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87 High Street
Maidstone
Above painting by unknown artist 1800s. |
Above photo, date unknown. Les Swaffer tells me this was the "Swan"
in St. Peter's Street. |
Mentioned as "Le Swan" as early as 1476, but dismantled in 1852. This was
a Commercial Inn, Hotel and Coach Office, on the south side. It also exists
in the song, "The Maidstone Landlords" in 1798.
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Kentish Chronicles, 9 October, 1795.
Early on Sunday morning last, a man and woman, who had slept the
preceding nights at the "Swan Inn" in Maidstone, decamped with a
bundle of wearing apparel which had been left in the room. They were
immediately pursued and some miles on the London Road, and the
bundle, which had been thrown over a hedge, found nearly opposite
the spot where they were stopped. They were committed for trial at
the next quarter sessions.
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Kentish Gazette 22 May 1801.
On Thursday last, died Mr. Thomas Smith, of the "Swan Inn," in
Maidstone.
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From the Maidstone Gazette and West Kent Courier, 9 March 1830.
Swan Inn, and commercial House, Maidstone.
B. Kenneth, having commenced in the above very old established Inn,
respectfully ensures his friends and the public, who might honour him
with their support, that the utmost attention shall be paid to their
wishes, and he trusts, buy a selection of wines and spirits &c., of the
first quality and moderate charges, to ensure their patronage.
Commercial Gentlemen will meet with every accommodation, and their
comforts in every way studied. Good beds and convenience stabling.
Coaches to and from London, conducted in a very superior style,
performed by Nelson, Kennett, and Company.
Vans and other conveyances to and from all places of the County.
A Horse and Chaise to let.
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Southeastern Gazette, 14 June 1853.
Death.
June 10, at the "Swan Inn," High-street, Maidstone, Mr. John Pilce,
aged 55 years.
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Southeastern Gazette, 2 August 1853.
Friday. (Before W. Hills and T. Hyde, Esq.)
The license of the "Swan Inn" was transferred to Mrs.
Pike.
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It appears that today (2017) a very similar location would now stand the
"Brenchley."
Above Google image, Apr 2017. |
Local knowledge, further pictures, and licensee information would be
appreciated.
I will be adding the historical information when I find or are sent it,
but this project is a very big one, and I do not know when or where the
information will come from.
All emails are answered.
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South Eastern Gazette, 27 March, 1860.
Sudden Death.
Mr. Bishop Kennett, an old inhabitant of Maidstone, died yesterday
(Monday), in a very sudden manner. He had latterly been lodging at
the "Dog and Bear Inn," King-street, during the absence of his wife
at Hastings, and retired to rest shortly before ten o’clock on
Sunday night, apparently in his usual health, excepting that a
cough, to which he was subject, had appeared somewhat more
troublesome for the last day or two. Not making his appearance next
morning, Mrs. Jeffrey, the landlady, entered his room, at about 12
o’clock, and found him lying dead upon the floor. He was partially
dressed, and appeared to have been in the act of shaving when he
fell; not the least sign of struggling was observed. The deceased,
formerly proprietor of the "Old Swan Inn," Maidstone, was one of the
few remaining representatives of the palmy coaching days, having for
many years been proprietor and driver of one of the fast coaches
between Maidstone and London, and subsequently of omnibuses running
between Maidstone and Rochester. He was about 67 years of age, and
his death is supposed to have resulted from apoplexy. The coroner
(T. Kipping, Esq.), has deemed it unnecessary to hold an inquest.
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LICENSEE LIST
SMITH Thomas to May/1801 dec'd
SMITH Ann 1811+
PARRY/PARLY David 1826-30+
KENNETT Bishop 1832-40+
PIKE J 1851+
PIKE Mrs Mary Aug/1853-55+
PAIN & TAPLEY 1870+
https://pubwiki.co.uk/SwanHigh.shtml
From the Pigot's Directory 1828-29
From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34
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