DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Thursday, 15 December, 2022.
PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1813-

 Blue Anchor

Closed 2016

Bilsington Road / Hamstreet Road (Ruckinge Corner 1851Census)

Ruckinge

https://whatpub.com/blue-anchor

Above postcard, date unknown, kindly sent by Lester Terry.
Blue Anchor 1988

Above photo, 1988, kindly sent by Michael Mirams.
Blue Anchor 2005

Above photo, 2005, kindly sent by Tel Terry.

Above photo by Terry S Blackman, April 2009  Creative Commons Licence.
Blue Anchor sign 1991Blue Anchor sign 2002

Above sign left, July 1991, sign right, May 2002.

With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.
Blue Anchor sign 2015

Above sign 2015, kindle sent by Allan Ward.
Blue Anchor 2022

Above photo 2022, kindly sent by Allan Ward.

 

Built in the early 18th century the premises that is just above sea level overlooks the Romney marshes has boasted that the infamous Ransley gang of smugglers frequented the place. It is believed its name was taken from a ship it used to service that regularly docked nearby.

I know the pub was open in 2014, but I have been informed that it finally closed in 2016. However, 2018 still saw a "To Let" sign outside.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 11 August 1846.

NOTICE.

ALL Persons indebted to the late Mr. CHITTENDEN, of the "Anchor Inn," RUCKINGE, are requested forthwith to pay the same to Mr. Sibery, of Bilsington Court Lodge, an Executor, who will also receive (with a view to their discharge) all Demands on the said Mr. Chittenden.

The Executors’ accounts will be closed, if possible, by the first of October next.

August 10, 1846.

 

From an email received 16 January 2019.

My ancestor, Thomas Pierce was the innkeeper around 1800. His son, Paul Pierce was born at Canterbury in 1793 and subsequently moved to Ruckinge and became a member of the Aldington smuggling gang. The gang were arrested, tried in London & transported for life to Van Dieman's Land, Tasmania in 1827.

Best Regards,

Mike Richards, Williamstown, Australia.

 I have further info that Thomas Pierce was at the inn from 1813 to 1831, Blue Anchor near Ruckinge.

 

LICENSEE LIST

PIERCE Thomas 1813-31

CHITTENDEN William 1828-Aug/46 dec'd (age 45 in 1841Census)Pigot's Directory 1828-29Pigot's Directory 1832-34

GODDEN George 1851-61+ (age 46 in 1861Census)

RUSSELL John 1871-74+ (age 61 in 1871Census)

RUSSELL Hannah Mrs 1881-82+ (widow age 65 in 1881Census)

HAWKINS Thomas 1891+ (age 45 in 1891Census)

WIGHTMAN Walter 1901-03+ (age 55 in 1901Census) Kelly's 1903

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

http://www.closedpubs.co.uk/blueanchor.html

Pigot's Directory 1828-29From the Pigot's Directory 1828-29

Pigot's Directory 1832-34From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34

Kelly's 1903From the Kelly's Directory 1903

CensusCensus

 

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