DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Wednesday, 22 June, 2022.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1938-

Slippery Sams Inn

Closed 1981-

Stone Street

Petham

Slippery Sams 1949

Above photo, 1949, kindly sent by Tim Timpson.

Slippery Sams 1949

Above photo, 1949, kindly sent by Tim Timpson.

Slippery Sams 1960

Above photo, August 1960, kindly sent by Clive Bowley.

Slippery Sams sign 1960

Above photo, August 1960, kindly sent by Clive Bowley.

Slippery Sams 1966

Above postcard circa 1966. Kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Slippery Sams 1989

Above photo, 1985, kindly sent by Michael Mirams.

Slippery Sam's inside 1960s

Above photo, circa 1960s, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Slippery Sam's inside 1960s

Above photo, circa 1960s, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Slippery Sams 2014

Above photo 2014.

Slippery Sams sign 1991

Above sign, July 1991.

With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

Slippery Sams advertising card 1931

Above card, circa 1931, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

 

Slippery Sam's dates from around 1450 and is a Grade II listed building. It is named after Samuel Jackson, a notorious smuggler who once lived here.

Samuel Jackson was born in 1730 and was the son of a smuggler. He was well known for receiving and distribution as well as being involved in the actual smuggling runs. The farmhouse that he bought soon had a 'warren' of tunnels underneath which were used for storage and for hiding places. They also enabled Jackson to come and go from the farmhouse without being observed. He earned his name after overpowering a guard at Maidstone Gaol and having covered himself in axle grease managed to slip through a small window to freedom. In 1760, after shooting and killing a Revenue officer, Jackson was caught, hung and gibbeted for two days at the age of thirty.

The beautiful farmhouse that Slippery Sam bought for himself at the age of twenty, can still be seen on the Stone Street Road at Petham, between Canterbury and Hythe. To this day, it is still known as "Slippery Sam's". Not bad going for an individual that had a short, criminal career well over two hundred years ago.

The pub was used by East Kent coach mystery tours in the 1950s, as a refreshment break.

The premises itself has been used for several purposes over the years and most recently as a restaurant although in 1998 it was up for sale again. It is now (2014) being used as a holiday rental self-catering property.

 

As the information is found or sent to me, including photographs, it will be shown here.

Thanks for your co-operation.

 

Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald, Saturday 27 January 1934.

East Kent camping fund.

The monthly ramble of the East Kent Camping club started on Sunday from "Slippery Sams," Stone Street, when Mr. S. Wake, of Canterbury, let a ramble in "the wilds." The route taken was via Stelling Lodge and Church, Bossingham, Lyesore, Palmstead, Wildage, Farthingloe, Elham Park, Wheelbarrow Town, back over Stelling Minnis.

Subsequently members were guests of Mr. And Mrs. Wake to tea and afterwards arrangements were made for a thorough inspection of all campsites in East Kent in preparing for the coming camping season.

 

Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald Saturday 26 March 1938.

Whitstable cycling club.

Last Sunday, after a pleasant ride through the countryside, the club arrived at "Slippery Sam's," a characteristic old tea house, along Stone Street. An enjoyable evening was spent there and a start for home was made at about 8 o'clock. On the return journey a red glow was spotted in the sky, in the direction of Faversham. An attempt was made to discover the cause of the trouble, but in vain, and once again wheels returned homewards. The headquarters was reached shortly after 10 o'clock.

Next Sunday there will be an all day run at Liverton Hill and an afternoon run to Doddington. The all day run will start at 10:30 a.m. and the afternoon run at 3.

 

Thanet Times, Tuesday 22 February 1972.

Slippery Sam's Restaurant.

Stone Street near Canterbury.

Once the haunt of the nefarious Hawkhurst's gang of smugglers and their wily leader Slippery Sam, now a well appointed hotel and restaurant under the new management of Michael and Jane Sutcliffe.

We cordially welcome you to enjoy the new and extended menu represented by our chef Mr. J Bowen.

Telephone Petham 468.

 

LICENSEE LIST

UNDERWOOD M Mrs 1938+ Kelly's 1838

SUTCLIFFE Michael & Jane 1972+

 

Kelly's 1838From the Kelly's Directory 1938

 

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

TOP Valid CSS Valid XTHML

 

LINK to www.pubwiki.co.uk