DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Monday, 27 February, 2023.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1828-

Queen's Head

Open 2023+

High Street (Harbour Street Pigot's Directory 1832-34)

Sutton Valence

01622 843225

http://www.queens-head.net/

https://whatpub.com/red-lion

Queen's Head 1913

Above postcard, circa 1913, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Queen's Head 2015

Above photo, February 2015, kindly sent by Roy Moore.

Queen's Head 2023

Above photo 2023.

Quen's Head sign 2014Queen's Head sign 2015

Above sign left, 2014, sign right, February 2015, by Roy Moore.

 

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.

 

Local News on this day 10th December 1844.

An inquest was held on Tuesday 3rd December at the "Queen's Head," Sutton Valence on the body of Thomas Cannon, aged 69, who committed suicide by hanging himself. It appeared that the deceased had for some days past, been in a low and agitated state of mind.

The jury returned a verdict of "committed suicide" whilst in a fit of temporary insanity.

 

Maidstone Telegraph, Saturday 6 October 1866.

Friday October 5th.

Before C. G. Whittaker Esq.

Edward Bess, 24, residing at Tyler's Cottages, East Greenwich, and Philip Horrocks, 20, of the same place, was brought up in custody charged with stealing one work box, five common brooches, and sundry other articles, together of the value of 2s. The property of Elisa Coulter in the parish of Sutton Valence, on the 3rd October, 1866.

It appeared from the evidence of Mr. Francis Tomlin, landlord of the "Queen's Head," Sutton Valence, Elizer Coulter, servant, and Police Sergeant Copinger, that the two prisoners called at the "Queen's head, for lodgings, and were shown up to bed about 11 o'clock, by the servant Coulter. She had occasion to go to her own bedroom about a quarter of an hour afterwards, when she missed the work box contained in the articles enumerated above. She immediately communicated the fact to her master, who went upstairs to the prisoners and tried to wake them up but without effect. Please Sergeant Coppinger was called in who proceeded to search the room in which the prisoners were, and found the work box under another bed in the same room. Prisoners design denied all knowledge of the box.

 

From the South Eastern Gazette, 13 August 1918.

W. G. Russell, of the "King's Head Inn," Sutton Valance, was granted the transfer of the "Queen's Head Hotel," High Street, from Charles Archibald Landlas.

Not quite sure which one they were referring to here. Paul Skelton.

 

From the https://www.bbc.co.uk 3 January 2017.

Francis O'Sullivan dies in Sutton Valence pram race.

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Francis O'Sullivan 2017

Image copyright DOMINIC PLUMB.

Francis O'Sullivan was sitting in the pram decorated as a Spitfire.

A man who fell from a pram during an organised race event has died.

Francis O'Sullivan, 52, suffered a serious head injury at the annual Sutton Valence pram race, near Maidstone, on New Year's Day.

He was taken by air ambulance to a London hospital and died in the early hours of Tuesday.

His sister, Jeanette O'Sullivan, wrote on Facebook: "My beautiful brother tragic accident... Love you always and forever in our thoughts."

She continued: "A great Brother, Dad and Uncle. May you sleep tight and smile down on us. Sweet dreams. Love you for ever your family xx."

The Sutton Valence pram race is held every year on New Year's Day.

Mr O'Sullivan, who was known as Titch, was one of three men wearing RAF costumes who had entered the race in a pram decorated as a Spitfire.

Kent Police said officers had carried out inquiries into the incident and there were no suspicious circumstances.

Thousands of people turned out to watch the annual event, which raises money for charity and involves people running around in homemade prams.

It was organised by the local Queen's Head pub's Oddfellows Fund.

 

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Secret Drinker, 6 January 2023.

Secret Drinker reviews the Queens Head pub in Sutton Valence, near Maidstone.

If you and your hairy hound have crunched through the frost for miles there can’t be many more perfect pubs than this for a happy ending to a dog walk.

I’ve visited the Queens Head in Sutton Valence previously but haven’t had the pleasure for many years and I’m delighted to say, from what I can see, it’s just as good as I remember it.

Some larrikin larked about on the front step when he saw me taking a photo but inside everything was calm, warm and super inviting.

Queen's Head 2023

As I made my way across the heavy, original floorboards, past the blazing fire, I caught sight of the view from the front window and was reminded just how spectacular this place really is.

It was decision time at the bar and I almost took a coin from my pocket to choose between a pint of 3.7% Goachers Light or a 4% Ball Puller from the Musket Brewery just up the road at Linton.

The barman solved my brewery dilemma by offering a taste test and I started with a wonderful pint of Goachers.

This pub can trace its history back more than half a century and although I’ve only been enjoying a pint here for less than a tenth of that, I’m delighted to report I’ve seen very little change between my first and last visit.

If you think of everything you’d expect to see in a traditional village pub you’ll be ticking off plenty of items on your list here.

There are always hops hanging from the bar and it’s hard to imagine this carpet being anywhere else, in short, nothing feels manufactured or false.

However, even during my ‘merriest’ visits, through the haze, I seem to remember there being a large, stuffed bear in residence here.

When I made enquiries I was informed my memory isn’t failing me, but sadly, said bear was stolen and carried off – I was later approached and received a strong whisper staff are now aware of the bear’s whereabouts, though plans are still being formed to secure his return.

The super-sized teddy might not have been in, but members of Sutton Valence’s hockey club were present in strength. Apparently the club members have adopted the pub as their impromptu clubhouse and the relationship works well for both parties.

And, it’s not just local sports clubs which receive support, the pub prides itself on its position in the community and gets involved in a whole host of fundraising projects and charity events.

In fact, being the cheeky individual I am, and given the players and the pub were so generous, I was even invited to sample the lunch which had been put on – believe me the bangers, beans and chips put on for the teams was absolutely brilliant, hot and tasty.

Queen's Head bar 2023

As traditional as it’s possible to be, there are always hops hanging above the bar.

I was told the "Kings Head," literally a couple of hundred yards away, back on the main road, has new owners and has recently undergone a huge refurbishment so it can officially call itself a gastropub.

I don’t tend to gravitate to such places but obviously can’t speak for this without having visited but I will say it would need to be darned good to better the bangers and beans I sampled with first, a great pint of Goachers followed by a Ball Puller.

Having eaten I took a stroll out back to walk off lunch and was greatly impressed by the wonderful pub garden I discovered.

Queen's Head inside 2023

This area to the left of the bar has been decorated in a different style to the rest of the pub.

A set of ancient looking stone stairs lead up to a whole series of different, individual seating areas, seriously there must be eight in total.

And the garden, reached by climbing several levels before walking through a wisteria-covered archway, is great too – I made a mental note to return one sunny summer day. And, I had to treat myself to that glorious view of the Weald one more time, perhaps even better for being 20 or 30 feet higher than the front window.

Before returning to the bar for another pint I visited the gents on the way and was mightily impressed by the tiling featuring the initials of the pub. Shipshape and shiny clean, the toilets are well looked after and beautifully fresh.

Queen's Head garden 2023

Ranged around the pub garden are a whole series of separate seating areas.

Walking back into the bar I received a very warm welcome from Gordon, the black Labrador, who was hopefully carrying his lead in his mouth. And hot on Gordon’s heels we were joined by another furry friend, although I didn’t catch the name of the Springer Spaniel.

This is definitely a pub which welcomes hairy hounds just as much as it does thirsty locals.

After serving my pint the barman invited me to chuck another log on the fire which I was more than happy to do – Gordon seemed to approve too.

Yes, you can be sure of a very warm welcome here and I heartily recommend a visit to the Queens Head in 2023.

Queen's Head table 2023

This great old table sits right at the front of the pub so if you’re lucky enough to get the right seat you’re rewarded with a wonderful view.

Queen's Head garden 2023

The archway into the main garden area is covered in wisteria.

Queen's Head gents 2023

The pub’s initials are picked out in dark green tiles in the gents. The facilities are superbly maintained and I can report they were fresh and clean.

 

LICENSEE LIST

WOLLOTT Elizabeth 1828-32+ Pigot's Directory 1828-29Pigot's Directory 1832-34

WOOLLETT Thomas A 1851+ (widower age 40 in 1851Census)

TOMLIN Francis 1866-71+ (also bricklayer age 49 in 1871Census)

EDMED Isaac 1891+ (age 39 in 1891Census)

 

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

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

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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