Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo 1980.

Above sign 1980.

Information from Mike Payne.

The Britannia, South Road, Erith.

The "Britannia" started life as a beerhouse and, in common with most of its type, did not form the sole income for the proprietor.

The earliest reference I have found is in the 1861 Census where the occupant is a William Groombridge (34) whose occupation is given as market gardener. However in the 1862 Kelly's Directory he is listed as a beer retailer.

There is a newspaper reference to Henry Hawkins being the landlord in 1864 when he gave evidence in a court case.

Next there is reference to a John Warner being refused a licence for the premises in 1865 but he must have been successful eventually as he is listed as a beer retailer in the 1867 Kelly's Directory.

In the 1871 Census we find Charles Miles (23) living in the premises with his young family. His occupation is given as agricultural labourer. Later that year we find him applying successfully for a licence stating that the previous tenant had refused to apply for a renewal in 1870 for some reason.

There is a reference to the premises being put up for sale in 1875.

In the 1881 Census the premises are only listed as 1 South Road and the occupant is an Edmund Smith (49), a blacksmith. However, in the Kelly's Directory of 1882 he is listed as a beer retailer and, in another court case of 1884, he gave evidence as the landlord of The Britannia.

In 1886 it was on the market again as the following advert shows. Note that the name South Road was a recent creation - before that it was regarded as part of Crayford Road.

Edmund Smith remained as the tenant and he is still there in the 1891 Census listed as a blacksmith and beer retailer. He died on 25 January 1892.

The next identifiable landlord is Frederick Nash who had crossed the river to Erith from Essex. He appears in the 1901 and 1911 Censuses and was still listed as landlord in the 1922 Kelly's Directory. The tenancy was taken over by his youngest son Charles and Frederick himself died in 1926.

In the 1939 Registration we still find Charles Nash in charge - he is now 51 and widowed. Living with him were his two maiden older sisters Selina and Louisa. All three last appear on the Electoral Register for 1947.

By 1949 the pub has been taken over by George and Vera Smallwood, followed by John and Gladys Stead in 1955. According to the phone books they were followed by R N Pope in 1972, and
P J Day in 1977.