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Written By: Edward James Gilbert-Thunder Bay, Ontario,
Canada. 23 October, 2017.
THE TIMES TAVERN ON GROSVENOR ROAD.
The Times was a beerhouse/tavern located on the north-east corner of
Grosvenor Road and Basinghall Lane at No. 8 Grosvenor Road, within a
stone’s throw of the "Grosvenor Hotel"/Tavern at 5 Ways (No. 1 Calverley
Road.) This part of town was well served by a number of pubs in the area,
some would say too many pubs, especially those of the Temperance
Movement who often complained about the number of pubs in the town.
The pub sign depicts
the grim reaper holding an hour glass, thus the connection to “Time”
from which the pub derived its name. Locals and visitors to the town
seeking a pint no doubt spent a lot of time in the pub, a place where
one could relax and hear all the local news and gossip. As was then case
with most, if not all taverns in the town, some who visited it drank to
excess and many accounts were found in the local newspaper about the
"Times" in connection to brawls, and thefts that took place on the
premises and some patrons being arrested for being drunk and causing a
disturbance.
This tavern also served as a meeting place for various organizations
including the Tendon and Provincial Yearly Dividing Friendly Society.
Newspaper accounts of the 1930’s reported on events pertaining to the
Licensed Victuallers Darts League in which the "Times" competed.
Dating back to at least 1864 this tavern has been in operation until it, like many other buildings in the area, was closed and demolished
around 1985 to make way for the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre.
Since circa 1871 the "Times" has been run by many proprietors and in this
article I present information about them.
LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION.
The "Times" beerhouse/tavern was located on the north-east corner of
Grosvenor Road and Basinghall Lane at No. 8 Grosvenor Road, within a
stone’s throw of the Grosvenor Hotel/Tavern at 5 Ways (No. 1 Calverley
Road. Its location is shown below on a 1909 os map which has been
highlighted in red.
The best description of the building is by way of a selection of
photographs and postcard views of Grosvenor Road which are shown below.
A postcard dated 1911 of the King George procession passing the
Times on the right.
A 1960’s
view from a Valentine Postcard.
The 1911 census gave the "Times" at 8 Grosvenor Road, being 8 rooms and
run by Sydney Percy Thair. It was interesting to note that at the time
of the 1891 census that the address of the "Times" was given as 47 Grosvenor Road when in that year it was run by Arthur Pryke. Whether the
location of the pub had changed between 1891 and 1911 or whether there
was an error in the census in recording its address was not determined
but is was also noted from the 1901 census that the address was given as
8 Grosvenor Road and run by the same Arthur Pryke.
The pub was closed and demolished around 1985 to make way for the Royal
Victoria Place shopping centre.
Reliable information was not found for several of the licensed
victuallers on this list and in some cases only a newspaper announcement
was found regarding the transfer of licenses. Given below is the
information that was available.
WIN PERCH.
The Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser of 27 March 27, 1864 reported
that “Mr Win Perch of The Times Tavern/beerhouse was summoned for
keeping his house open for the sale of beer during prohibited hours on
the night of the 3rd…..” The Maidstone Journal of April 15,1867 reported
on a case of an umbrella that had been stolen from the "Times Tavern," the
property of William Blaver. A John Foord of Speldhurst had borrowed the
umbrella from Mr Blaver and left it in the tavern but when he returned
all trace of it was gone.
WILLIAM FAIRCLOTH.
The following references were found about him in the local newspapers.
Maidstone Telegraph 8 July, 1871. A temporary license was granted to
William Faircloth for the "Times Tavern."
The Kent & Sussex Courier of
5 January, 1881 reported on a license transfer “from Mr W. Faircloth to
Mr A. Dennirgion of The Times”.
The Kent & Sussex Courier of
1 and 3 December, 1880 and also 7 January, 1881 announced a
license transfer “from Mr W. Faircloth to Mr Alfred Denmeylou”.
William Faircloth was born 1839 in Leigh, Kent. He was baptised 10 October, 1839 at Leigh, Kent and given as the son of Thomas Faircloth (born
1808) and Mary Ann Faircloth, nee Avery (1816-1851). William was one of
five children born to Thomas and Mary but Thomas remarried and had
another seven children.
In 1866 William married Elizabeth (1848-1892) in Tunbridge Wells and had
a son William Oscar Faircloth who was born 1889. Elizabeth died in
Tunbridge Wells in 1892.
The 1881 census, taken at 22 Goods Station Road, Tunbridge Wells gave
William’s occupation as "formerly inn keeper." With him was his wife
Elizabeth, given as born 1848 in Brenchley, Kent and his son William
Oscar given as born 1868 in Leigh who was attending school. The 1891
census, taken at 4 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells gave William as a
"confectioner employer." With him, and working as a "confectioner
assistant" was his wife Elizabeth; their son William and one servant.
The 1901 census, taken at 5 Garden Street, Tunbridge Wells, gave William
as a widower and living as a lodger with the Brown family. His son
William was also living there as a boarder.
William senior died in Tunbridge Wells in the 1st quatre of 1915. No
probate record was found for him. He was buried in the Tunbridge Wells
Borough Cemetery on 26 January, 1915.
ALFRED DENNIRGION.
In the above account about William Faircloth I gave the only references
to this gentleman who’s name was given in the local newspaper variously
as Alfred Dennirgion/Denmeylou/Dennirgton, and due the uncertainty of
the correct spelling of his name no other information was found for him.
References to in as a licensee of the "Times" were found in the period of
1880-1882.
ROBERT HOWARD.
Nothing definitive was found about this gentleman apart from a reference
to him in the Kent and Sussex Courier 24 June, 1883 regarding a transfer
of license for the "Times" from Robert Howard to Arthur Pryke.
ARTHUR PRYKE.
References to him were found in newspaper accounts and census records
from 1883 to 1901.
Arthur Pryke’ birth was registered in the 4th quatre of 1856 in London.
Arthur was one of at least 3 know children of Richard Pryke, born 1818
in Gislington, Suffolk and Mary Ann Pryke, born 1814 in London. Arthur
was baptised 8 November, 1857 in Suffolk with his parents given as
Richard and Mary
Ann Pryke.
The 1861 census, taken at Apsey Green in Framlingham, Suffolk gave
Richard Pryke as a shoemaker. With him was his wife Mary Ann, born 1814
in London and their children Richard, age 18, a blacksmith apprentice;
George, age 11, a carpenters apprentice; Emily, age 9, scholar; and
Arthur, age 6 a scholar. Also there was Richards widowed father William
Henry Pryke, age 83 an agricultural labourer.
The 1871 census, taken at Apsey Green in Framlingham, Suffolk gave
Richard Pryke as a shoemaker. With him was his wife Mary Ann and their
children Emily, age 20 and Arthur, age 15 who was working as a carpenters
apprentice.
At the time of the 1881 census Arthur had left home and was living at 4
Elizabeth Cottage on Field Road in Westham, Essex with the Grover
family and working for Josiah Grover as a joiner.
In 1881 Arthur married Emily, who was born 1875/1877 in Ipswich, Suffolk.
The 1891 census, taken at the “Times Tavern 47 Grosvenor Road” Tunbridge
Wells, gave Arthur Pryke as a beer retailer and carpenter. With him was
his wife Emily and their daughter Florence who was born 1882 in
Tunbridge Wells .Also there was his parents Richard and Mary Ann, both
living on own means, and a cousin Rose Burman, age 35 who was working as
a milliner.
The 1901 census, taken at The Times 8 Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells,
gave Arthur as a beer house keeper employer. With him was his wife
Emily; his daughter Florence and his widowed father Richard who was
living on own means. Arthur's mother Mary Ann had passed away in
Tunbridge Wells and was buried 23 November,1894. Arthur’s wife passed
away in Tunbridge Wells in 1905 and in the 1st quatre of 1906 he married
Amy Luxford in Tunbridge Wells.
The 1911 census, taken at 33 High Street, Rusthall gave Arthur Pryke as
a publican on own account. He was given as married 5 years (1906) and
that he had no children (This is a reference to his 1906 marriage to Amy
Luxford ). He was living in a public house of 8 rooms. With him was his
widowed sister Eliza Hibbert, age 65 and one servant. Amy Luxford had
been born 1881 in Northiam, Sussex and at the time of the 1901 census
she was working as a domestic cook and living with her father and other
members of her family at the "Railway Bell Hotel" on the north east corner
of Grove Hill Road and Mount Pleasant Road (a building which was later
purchased and demolished by the Weeks family to allow for expansion of
their department store). William Luxford in 1901 was the licensed
victualler of this hotel.
Probate records gave Arthur Pryke of Kenikworth, Hastings Road Pembury
when he died 6 December,1928. The executor of his 4,177 pound estate was
Florence Mary Anne Pryke, his spinster daughter, and Ernest Harpum,
manager. Arthur was buried in Pembury.
The newspaper accounts that refer to Arthur Pryke and the "Times" were
Kent & Sussex Courier 12 December,1884. The Tunbridge Wells Society… The
secretary reported that proceedings had been taken against a women
called Charlotte Ann Bryant for disorderly conduct and assaulting Mr
Arthur Pryke, landlord of the "Times Tavern…"
Kent & Sussex Courier
24 June, 1892...” Daniel Vinall was deposed and said he was in the "Times
Tavern" and that the defendant was not there more than 10 minutes. Arthur Pryke, landlord of
the "Times" deposed that the defendant was in his house
more than 10 minutes…..”
Kent & Sussex Courier of 24-26 October, 1888 gave “A Naughty Boy… Glass valued at 2s 6d was broken at
the
"Times" on Grosvenor Road. Mr W. T. Hammond appeared to prosecute on behalf
of the Licensed Victuallers Association. Arthur Pryke, landlord of the
"Times Tavern" deposed that on Saturday afternoon the prisoner was in his
premises…”
The Kent & Sussex Courier of 17 January, 1884 reported
from the Petty Sessions that a Tim Smith and Joan Smith were charged
with being drunk and disorderly at the "Times Tavern" and refused to quit
the tavern when requested to do so by landlord Mr Pryke.
The Kent &
Sussex Courier of 5 April,1892 reported on the theft of carpenters
tools and a postal money order at the "Times Tavern."
The Kent & Sussex
Courier of 2 September, 1898 gave “To Leave Town…. Meads was got hold of
by the throat and was down but the landlord of the "Times Tavern" came to
his assistance. Mr Pryke, landlord of the "Times" deposed that Sunday
evening he saw Meade and the constable struggling on the ground….”
Kent & Sussex Courier 16 January,1884 Petty Sessions… From the "Times
Tavern," Grosvenor Road was stolen silver and bronze coins, the property
of Mr Arthur Pryke, The case was remanded in order to test the truth of
the defendants statement that he was in London at the time of the
robbery”.
The Kent & Sussex Courier of 5-7 April, 1893 reported
on a brawl at the "Times" on Grosvenor Road.
Kent & Sussex Courier of
24 June, 1883 Petty Sessions referred to a licence change from Mr Robert Howand to Mr Artur Pryke of
the "Times Tavern."
The Kent & Sussex
Courier of 11 January, 1884 reported on the theft of a cigar box at the
"Times Tavern," a box which contained money, the property of the landlord
Mr Pryke.
The Kent & Sussex Courier of 9 January, 1885 reported that
John Smith was charged for disorderly conduct at the "Times Tavern" and
fined 8 pounds (shillings?).
The Kent & Sussex Courier of 21 December, 1887 reported that on November 27th Sarah Ann, wife of Arthur Pyke,
died age 30.
The Kent & Sussex Courier of 3 February, 1893 reported
from the Petty Sessions that a man was arrested at the "Times" for being
drunk and resisting arrest.
The Kent & Sussex Courier of 22 June, 1892 reported that there was a dispute between customers at
the "Times"
and noted that the landlord at the time was Arthur Pryke.
The Kent
& Sussex Courier of 27 January, 1883 reported from the Petty Sessions
that there was another case of disorderly conduct and a refusal to quit
the premises of the "Times Tavern."
FREDERICK JOHN SANTER.
Frederick John Santer is referred to at the "Times Tavern" in records of
1902 to 1908. The only newspaper account referring to him was the Kent &
Sussex Courier of 10 November, 1905 in which an advertisement read “Mr Santer of the
"Times Tavern" seeks a respectable young woman is assist in
the house”.
Frederick was born 7 April, 1869 at Snargate, Dover, Kent, one of six
children born to licensed victualler Henry Santer (1841-1915) and Emma
Pascoe Jane Santer, nee Jewell (1840-1907).
At the time of the 1871 census he was living with his parents and
siblings at the "Mitre Inn" on Snargate Street, Dover where his father ran
the pub. The family was still living there in 1874 but by 1877 they
moved to Southborough where Frederick’s brother Albert Sydney Santer
(1877-1927) was born 14 December,1877.
At the time of the 1881 census the Santer family were living at the
"Grosvenor Tavern"
at 1 Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells
where Henry Santer was the licensed victualler.
At the time of the 1891 census the Santer family were living at the
"Camden Hotel," 55 Calverley Road, a pub that was located on the
north-east corner of Camden Road and Calverley Road.
On 20 September,1893 Frederick married Jane Parsons (1868-1899). At the
time of the marriage Frederick’s occupation was given as “painter” and
was living at the "Camden Hotel."
When Frederick’s wife Jane died on 26 November, 1899 they were living at
27 Western Road, Tunbridge Wells. She was buried in the Tunbridge Wells
Cemetery on 1 December, 1899. Frederick and Jane had no children.
 On
25 December, 1901 Frederick married Fanny Wood (photo right)
(1876-1964) at
St John’s Church, Tunbridge Wells. Frederick and Fanny had the following
children
Charles Henry Santer (1902-1960)
Frederick William Santer (1905-1976)
Walter James Santer (1906-1986)
Florence May Santer (1908-1936)
Alexander Edward Santer (1911-1997).
At the time
of the marriage Frederick was a licensed victualler living at 25 William
Street, Tunbridge Wells.
Birth records of his children
(1902, 1905, 1906, 1908) show that these children were all born at the
"Times Tavern" on Grosvenor Road. The youngest child Alexander, born 1911,
was born at the "Red Lion Hotel," 66 St John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells.
Frederick was the licensed victualler of the "Times" and
then took over the "Red Lion" and was given as the licensed victualler of
the "Red Lion" in the 1911 census where he was with his wife Fanny and his
five children.
Fanny Wood had been born in Tunbridge Wells in 1876, one of six children
born to Charles Wood (1844-1903) and Sarah Ann Wood (1840-1915). Her
father was found in the 1881 and 1891 census as the licensed victualler
of the "Good Intent" at 51-55 St John’s Road. At the time of the 1901
census Fanny was working as a parlour maid to Edwin Casper, a lodging
house keeper at 12 Mount Ephraim Road.
The Kent & Sussex Courier of 10 June, 1908 reported that a deserter of
the 1st Btn Scots Guards was arrested at the "Times Tavern" by the police.
Sometime before the 1911 census Frederick and his family moved to
Hastings, Sussex. His father Henry Santer had died 14 September, 1915 at
82 Stephens Road, Tunbridge Wells. The 1918 directory listed Frederick
as the landlord of the "Lord Warden" pub in Hastings.
On 5 July, 1949 at 63 Prospect Road, Southborough Frederick passed away.
He was buried in the Southborough Cemetery having died of heart failure,
Hypertension and Arterialslerosis. His wife Fanny died of peritonitis
30 December, 1964 at 19 Beavale, Ferdinand Street, St Pancras, London and
was buried in the St Pancras Cemetery 7 January, 1965.
SIDNEY AND ALICE MAUD THAIR.
Records placing Sidney and his wife at the "Times Tavern" were the 1911
census, his WW1 service records and newspaper accounts covering the
period of 1911 to 1916. Sidney’s name is given variously in records as
Sidney or Sydney.
His birth was registered as Sydney Percy Thair in the 1st quarter of 1883 in
Brighton, Sussex. The 1891 census, taken in Brighton gave Sydney P Thair
living with his parents Alfred (born 1852 in Clapham, Sussex) and Emma
Thair, born 1855 in Dartford, Kent. Also in the home was his brother
Alfred, age 9 and Minnie, age 3. Alfred Thair was given as a joiner.
The 1901 census, taken at 29 Post Hall Place gave Alfred as a joiner and
carpenter worker. With him was his wife Emma; his son Sydney P, a
joiners apprentice; his daughter Minnie, age 13 in school; and his
daughter Evelyyn E. Thair, age 6 in school.
On May 30,1909 “Sidney Percy Thair” married Alice Maud Lockyer, a
spinster and daughter of Frederick Lockyer, a dealer. Sidney’s father
was given as Alfred Thair a joiner. At the time of the marriage Sidney
was a bachelor with the occupation of joiner living in Tunbridge Wells
at 116 St James Road. Alice was living at that time at 23 Camberwell
Green. The marriage took place at the parish church in Camberwell.
The 1911 census, taken at The Times Tavern, 8 Grosvenor Road gave
“Sydney P. Thair” as the beerhouse keeper on own account. With him was
his wife Alice Maud Thair, given as born 1881 at Peckham, Surrey who was
assisting her husband in the business. There was also one visitor there
in what was described as premises of 4 rooms and that they had no
children.
Military records show that "Sydney Percy Thair" enlisted for service in
1915 and at that time he was the landlord of the "Times Tavern" on Grosvenor Road. He was a private (213239) with the Royal Engineers and
was attested 9 December, 1915. His family members were given as his wife
Alice Maud Thair and one son.
The Kent & Sussex Courier of 27 October, 1916 reported that “Mr Thair of
the "Times Tavern" applied for further exemption on the grounds that
negotiations for the transfer of his business had fallen through at the
last moment”.
The Kent & Sussex Courier of 17 November, 1916 reported the
license of the "Times" had been transferred from Mr Thair to his wife “on
her husband having joined the army”.
The 1918 Kelly directory gave the
listing “Mrs Alice Maud Thair, 8 Grosvenor Road, Beer retailer”.
Probate records gave Sydney Percy Thair of 1 Southwood Avenue, Tunbridge
Wells when he died 28 December, 1952 at 6 Mill Road, Eastbourne, Sussex.
The executor of his £8,168 estate was his widow Alice Maud Thair.
W. R CHAPPELL AND A. WAKE.
Information about these two gentleman is lacking and somewhat confusing
as it does not coincide with the information given about the Thair
occupancy of the the "Times."
The Kent & Sussex Courier of 8 December, 1916 referred to a licence
change “from Mr. W. R. Chappell to Mr. A. Wake, the "Times Tavern."
HERBERT JUPP.
Herbert is found in various records, mostly newspaper accounts, as the
licensed victualler of the the "Times Tavern" through the period of 1927
to 1937 but it appears from the following notice in the Kent & Sussex
Courier of 15 January, 1937 that he renewed his license at this pub. It
stated “Notice that I Herbert Jupp, now residing at the "Times Tavern" Grosvenor
Road Tunbridge Wells beer retailer do hereby give notice that it is my
intention to apply for a license…"
The Sevenoaks Chronicle of February 28,1936 and along with several
notices in the Kent & Sussex Courier throughout the 1930’s reported on
the “Licensed Victuallers Darts League” in which the "Times" had a good
team.
The Kent & Sussex Courier of 15 July, 1927 reported that a man had died
at the "Times Tavern" from a nasty bang or wicked fall. Mr Jupp, the
landlord reported that the customer had had only 3 bitters”.
Herbert Jupp’s birth was registered in Tunbridge Wells in the 2nd quarter of
1891. He was baptised 24 May, 1881 in Tunbridge Wells and given as the
son of Edward and Anna Maria Jupp.
The 1901 census, taken at 13 Avon Street, Tunbridge Wells gave Edward
and Anna Maria Jupp and their five children (including Herbert) and that
Edward Jupp was a police constable.
The 1911 census, taken at 12 Avon Street, Tunbridge Wells gave Edward
Jupp as a police constable born 1862 in Halling, Kent. With him in
premises of 5 rooms was his wife Anna Maria Jupp, born 1864 in East
Peckham, Kent the following children Sarah, age 23, born West
Malling, a dressmaker worker; Maria Jane, age 21, born in Halling,
Kent, a cook domestic worker; Herbert Jupp, born Tunbridge Wells, a
coachsmith assistant; William, age 15, born Tunbridge Wells, a boot
repair servant; Violet Jupp, age 12, in school. The census recorded
that Edward Jupp had been married 28 years and that although he and his
wife had 10 children only 5 were still living.
Herbert Jupp served in WW1 having been attested 4 June,1915. He was
living at the time of his attestation on James Street Road, Tunbridge
Wells and served as a private (103372) with the Army Service Corps. He
was at home from 4 June, 1915 to 13 September, 1915 but served with the
expeditionary force in France from 18 September, 1915. His military
records show that he was discharged before the end of a war due to a
disability. His next of kin was given as his father Edward Jupp.
In December 1920 Herbert married Emily Elsie Hutson in Tunbridge Wells.
Whether any children resulted from this marriage was not determined.
Probate records gave Herbert Jupp of 24 Nelson Road in Hawkenbury,
Tunbridge Wells when he died 9 September, 1949 at the Hammersmith
Hospital in Hammersmith, London. The executor of his £659 estate
was his widow Emily Elsie Jupp.
THE POST JUPP ERA.
Two gentlemen are identified as being the licensed victuallers of the
"Times Tavern" after Herbert Jupp left the pub, namely Mrs Tompsons father
from about 1942 to 1947 and then a N. W. Wood who was there in 1949. The
only information about them is given below.
The Kent & Sussex Courier of 28 January, 1949 reported on the death of an
ex-marine of whom it was stated “He will be remembered by many
customers of the "Times Tavern" on Grosvenor Road which was kept by Mrs
Thompson’s father until 2 years ago. The funeral is at the Borough
Cemetery today”.
The Sevenoaks Chronicle of 11 October, 1940 reported “The Spitfire Fund”
with contributions made to it including £1 15s. 2d. by the "Times
Tavern." The Spitfire Fund was established to in the town to raise money
to cover the cost of building a Spitfire fighter for the war effort. The
fund was successful and two Spitfires bearing the name on the side “Royal Tunbridge Wells” were built.
The Kent & Sussex Courier of 11 October, 1940 reported on fundraising for
the Veterans Association and that 15s. 2d. was received for it from the
"Times Tavern." Other pubs also contributed to this fund.
The Kent & Sussex Courier of 11 March, 1949 reported on the annual
licence renewals for pubs in the town and that “a full license was given
to Mr N. W. Wood, "Times Tavern."
Who ran the "Times Tavern" after 1949 up to the time of its final closure
and demolition in 1985 was not established.
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