Sir John Falstaff

63 High Street

Rolvenden

Above photo, showing a wagon outside the pub circa 1890.

Above photo, date unknown, kindly sent by Michael Mirams.

Above photo, circa 1901, kindly sent by Andy Turner who says he's pretty sure it's the Sir John Falstaff to the left of the picture.

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

Above Google image, September 2018.

I believe Hannah Jewhurst remarried in 1871 to Mr. Marley, probably Alfred who then took over as licensee, although the ages suggest that could have been his son.

The census of 1881 referred to this as the "John Barleycorn," and I don't know whether that was by mistake or if indeed it ever went under that name officially.

Denise Curtain informs me the following:- "The "John Barleycorn" was not the same premises as the "Sir John Falstaff." The "John Barleycorn" was at 43 High St, Rolvenden, several doors along from the "Sir John Falstaff." My daughter lived in the cottage there and it had a cellar where the rounded archways for storing barrels were still visible.

It is thought the pub closed in 1921 and sold to a man named May, later a Berbers Shop ran by a Mr. Hoad, and later a house occupied by Mason. After that it became a Fish Shop and The Bob Bon Frederick Baker's where the name of Lavell is also known. In 1931 to was sold to a Charles and Frederick Porter (from the Frederick Coombe Baker). In 1964 was sold to a person with the name of Booth, it became a Ladies Hairdressers and Falstaff Antiques. The Hairdressers pulled out in 1977 but the Antiques remained. A Museum part opened in 1972.

It looks like the pub is now (2018) operating as an antiques shop and Rolvenden Motor Museum, but still keeps the name of Falstaff in its name.

LICENSEE LIST

JEWHURST Edward 1851-61+

JEWHURST Hannah 1871+ (widow age 71 in 1871)

MARLEY Hannah 1871+ (widow age 71 in 1871)

MARLEY Alfred W 1874-81+ (age 66 in 1881)

PHILLIPS William 1891-1918+ (age 60 in 1911 also carrier in 1913)

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