DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Monday, 08 March, 2021.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1830s

New Tigers Head

Closed 2006

159 Lee Road

Lee

https://whatpub.com/new-tigers-head

New Tiger's Head 1906

Above postcard 1906, the Old Tigers Head is the first building on the left side; the New Tigers Head is the first building on the right side.

Above photo 2018.

New Tiger's head plaque

Above plaque date unknown.

 

The "New Tiger‘s Head" started life as a beer shop known as the "Tiger Tavern" in the 1830s to service travellers moving from the Kent coast to Central London via Blackheath.. It was situated in the end of four cottages known as Prospect Terrace built around the same time. Three of these cottages remain, housing a post office/newsagent and a hairdresser’s. In 1868 it is referred to as the "Tiger‘s Head Inn." The present building is thought to have replaced the original cottage a few years after 1896 - the date of the rebuilding of the "Old Tiger’s Head."

In 1815 cavalry and foot regiments pass through Lee Green on their way to Waterloo. “The space in front of the "Tiger’s Head" and the Green were very commodious for the transfer of baggage to the waggons of the farmers from the other side of London to those of the farmers in this neighbourhood which were pressed for that purpose, to convey them 15 miles further on the journey to Dover.” (FH Hart History of Lee, 1892)

 The pub was frequently the centre of a frozen lake during the early 1800's when the River Quaggy regularly broke its banks and froze from January to June. Its busiest time was just before the Battle of Waterloo when for 3 weeks troops moved continuously from London to Dover via Lee Green.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 28 February 1843.

PIGEON SHOOTING.

At the "Tiger’s Head," Lee Green, on Friday week, several sweepstakes were contended for by Messrs. Hayes, Bang, Green, Groom, and Woodson, in which some excellent shooting took place, Messrs. Woodson, Green, Bang, and Hayes, proving winners.

 

Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser, Monday 27 May 1872.

Deaths.

James Phillips, of Well Hall Place, Eltham, formerly of the "New Tigers Head Tavern," Lee Green, Eltham.

 

Kentish Mercury, Saturday 14 May 1881.

Monday assaulting a publican.

Robert Rozier, 30, bricklayer, of Stoneyard Place, Lee, was charged with assaulting a licensed victualler.

Mr. Ruddle attended for the prosecution.

On Saturday evening the prisoner was in the house of the prosecutor, Mr. Warner, of "Tiger Tavern," Lee Green, and was ejected. The landlord came out of the house, and was struck by the prisoner, who ran away from a constable. Prosecutor went up the Eltham road, when prisoner and a companion came up. Prisoner aimed a blow at him, and they had a struggle on the ground, rolling over and over, during which he believed he was kicked by the prisoner's companion. He called for a constable, who came and secured the prisoner.

Police constable 26R said he found the prisoner and last witness lying in the road, and Mr. Warner gave the prisoner into custody. The prisoner said they refused to serve him in the "Tiger," and knocked him about in the Eltham Road. Prosecutors struck him at him with a stick, and he only defended himself.

The Constable said the prisoner was one of a gang who made disturbances at public houses.

Fined 20s. or 14 days.

Henry Harris, 25, labourer, of 38, Robinson Street, Lee, was charged with disorderly conduct and refusing to leave the "Tiger" public house, Lee Green.

He was in the "Tiger" with a last prisoner, and was ejected having struck the landlord's brother.

The prisoner said he was assaulted in the house and kicked in the eye.

Fined 20s. or 14 days.

 

Apparently closed and boarded up since 2006, but as of 2018 the ground floor was cleared out , re-floored and is for sale on a 999 year lease. As of spring 2021 it was destined to be turned into the International Blackheath Food Centre.

 

Above photo 2021. Kindly sent by Roger Corbett.

 

LICENSEE LIST

PHILLIPS James 1863+

WARNER Mr 1881+

LINDUS Arthur Strutt 1896+

BROMLEY Albert James 1919+

PRITCHARD Robert Benjamin 1938-44+

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

 

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

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