DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- St Lawrence, December, 2025.

Page Updated:- Tuesday, 02 December, 2025.
PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1871-

 Castle

Latest 1875+

23 Castle Cottage

St Lawrence

 

At present the only thing I know about this pub is from the Thanet Advertiser of 1875.

 

Thanet Advertiser, 18 September 1875.

This being the annual general licensing day for the Ramsgate district (comprising the parishes of St. Lawrence, Minster, Monkton, St. Nicholas, and Stoner) there was a large attendance of licensed victuallers.

The whole of the existing licences were renewed with the exception of those for two beer houses one held by Mr. William Bussey, of the "Castle," St Lawrence, and the other by Mr. Draper.

In the first case Sergeant Cladish, of the K.C.C., said that P.C. Bradley had reported that a disturbance had recently taking place at the house, and the complaint, were the names of the parties implicated, would have to be sent to the Chief Constable; and in the other case, that of Mr. Draper, who keeps the "Prince of Wales," St Lawrence, the Magistrates ordered the renewal to stand over for a fortnight, in order that Mr. Draper himself might attend, he being represented by his wife on this occasion.

Mr. Bussey's application was likewise adjourned for a fortnight.

 

 

Further information by Rory Kehoe. The property, which went on to become the Castle in the mid-Victorian period, was built in the early 19th century by Edward Langley. There is a reference to the property originally being called Baker House Stables and a note states that it was occupied by Amos Morris until 6th July 1843. Whether Mr Morris obtained a beer house licence and traded the property as a pub isn't known. At some point, the freehold was purchased by the Cannon Brewery, Ramsgate, as the property appears in the sale inventory, which was drawn up when Tomson & Wotton acquired this company and its tied houses in 1879. At the time of the sale, the property appears to have hosted the Castle beer house and a grocery shop/bakery. The tenant, William Bussey, is recorded in the inventory as paying an annual rent of £18.0.0.

Castle map 1890

Above OS map c.1890 OS of this area, showing (what I think is) the Castle outlined in red. Castle Road now forms the southern part of what is now called Upper Dumpton Park Road.

In addition to the "Castle," the Cannon Brewery owned the following 10 freehold pubs and in the 1879 inventory, the following details were recorded.

"New Inn," Birchington.

"Albion," St. Peter's. Stapleton Thomas Wood @ £15.0.0 pa

"Red Lion," St. Peter's.

"Black Horse," Ramsgate. James Bugden @ £17.0.0 pa

"Royal Harbour," Ramsgate. ?? @ £35.0.0 pa

"Woodman," Ramsgate. Joseph Goldsmith @ £35.0.0 pa. Built by RS Cramp.

"Seven Stars," Ramsgate. William Tucker @ £21.0.0 pa.

"Railway," Ramsgate.

"Hope & Anchor," Ramsgate. G E Hawkes @ £26.0.0 pa.

"Cannon," St. Lawrence. Stephen Wellard @ £18.0.0 pa plus Garden @ £8.0.0 pa to W Wellard.

And in Ramsgate, the Cannon Brewery also leased the following two properties...

"Elms Hotel" (and adjacent shop) from 6th January 1874 @ £80.0.0 pa.

"Coach & Horses," from 1st March 1855 @ 28.0.0pa. Let to Sarah Luff @ £30.0.0 pa

 

LICENSEE LIST

BUSSEY William 1871-75 (also baker & grocer age 32 in 1871Census)

 

CensusCensus

 

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