|
Stone Street
Cranbrook
01580 713348
https://www.thegeorgehotelkent.co.uk/
https://whatpub.com/george-hotel
Above photo circa 1890. |
Above photo 1896. |
Above postcard, circa 1910. |
Above postcard, 1925. |
Above photo, 1933, by kind permission of Eric Hartland. |
Above postcard, date unknown. |
George Hotel postcard, circa 1920s. |
Above postcard, date unknown, kindly submitted by Mark Jennings. |
Above postcard, date unknown, kindly submitted by Mark Jennings. |
Above photo showing the restaurant September 1976. |
Above photo 2007. |
Above photo 2010 by Oast House Archives
Creative Commons Licence. |
 
Above sign left, 1980s. Sign right, 2014.
With thanks from Brian Curtis
www.innsignsociety.com. |
Above photo, 2019 showing one of the bedrooms. |
The one time Style and Winch public house was later sold to Frederick
Leney of the Phoenix Wateringbury Brewery.
Built in the 14th century the "George" has had its own famous Royal resident, for Elizabeth I
stayed there in 1573 during a progress through Kent. At that time, Cranbrook
was a prosperous cloth-making town, as can be seen by the magnificent parish
church, reflecting the wealth of the cloth merchants. For over three hundred
years until 1859, a magistrate's court was held in an upper room of the inn.
Here, witches and warlocks were examined by local inquisitors before being
committed for trial, and probable death by burning, at Maidstone. Later,
French prisoners-of-war were tried at the inn, being chained to a heavy beam
in the floor.
|
Kent Gazette, 3 October, 1778.
Friday morning about 3 o'clock, a fire broke out in the bar of the
"George Inn," in Cranbrook, which had like to have been attended with
dreadful consequences, but providentially it was timely discovered and
extinguished. It was occasioned by the carelessly leaving a pair of
snuffers. It is hoped this will warm persons to take care to secure them
before going to bed, that accidents of so destructive a nature may be
prevented.
|
|
Kentish Gazette, 14 October, 1780.
To be let, and entered upon immediately.
The "George Inn," in Cranbrook.
Every Thing to be took at a fair appraisement.
For further particulars enquire of Mr. Samuel Field, at the
"George," in Maidstone; or the "George Inn," in Cranbrook.
|
|
Morning Chronicle, 18 June 1806.
Goudhurst and Cranbrook, Kent.
By Messrs. Skinner, Dyke and Co. on Tuesday next, at 12, at Garraways in
six lots.
Very desirable freehold estates, situate in and near the town of
Goudhurst, 3 miles from Lamberhurst, 10 from Tunbridge Wells, 13 from
Maidstone, and 43 from London. Consisting of a genteel dwelling house,
offices, stabling, and good garden, on a delightful entrance commanding
beautiful and extensive prospects, 10 acres of rich meadow land and hop
garden, and old established draper and grocer's shop, and two cottages
and gardens. Also an eligible Leasehold Estate, held of the Dean and
Chapter of Rochester, and renewable according to custom; consisting of
the "Star and Crown Inn" and about 50 acres of rich meadow, hop garden,
and productive wood land. A freehold substantial Brick Dwelling House
and Shop most desirable situate for trade, opposite the market house, in
the town of Cranbrook, late the market house of S. F. Waddington, Esq.
Land Tax is redeemed. Immediate possession may be had of the several
lots.
To be viewed, and particulars may be had at the "Star and Crown Inn;" Goudhurst; "George," Cranbrook; of Mr. Blake, Printer, Maidstone, at the
"Crown," Tonbridge; Place of Sale, and of Messrs. Skinner, Dyke and Co. Aldersgate Street.
|
|
The Sussex Weekly Advertiser or Lewes and Brighthemston Journal, Monday 30 August 1819.
Valuable Freehold Brewery, Inns, and Public Houses, Farms and Lands,
situated in Cranbrook, Frittenden, and Staplehurst, in Kent; and
Leasehold Public House, in Wadhurst, Sussex.
To be sold by auction by Mr. Jeremiah Pethurst, at the "George Inn,"
Cranbrook, on Tuesday the 31st day of August next, at 2 o'clock in the
afternoon, (by order of the assignees of Jessie Dobell, a Bankrupt, and
with the consent of the Mortgages) subject to such conditions of sale as
will be then produced, in Seven Lots, as follows.
Lot 2.
All that valuable freehold Messuage or Inn, known by the name of the
"George," with the stables, buildings and premises, most eligibly
situated in the centre of the Town of Cranbrook, and now in the
occupation of Mr. James Hawkins.
|
|
Birmingham Chronicle, Thursday 19 December 1822.
DIVIDENDS.
J. Dobell, Cranbrook, brewer, at the "George," Cranbrook, Jan 2.
|
|
From the Maidstone Gazette and West Kent Courier, 29 May, 1827.
To be Let.
With possession at Midsummer next, that valuable Free Inn and public
house, the "George Inn," Cranbrook, long established as a commodious
house, with convenient rooms, stabling, &c. and 12 acres of Meadow Land,
if required.
For particulars, apply (if by letter, post-paid) to Mr. George Hawkins,
90, High Street, Maidstone; or to Mr. Cloutt, Appraiser, Cranbrook.
|
|
Kentish Chronicle, 14 April 1829.
Death.
At Camden Hill, Cranbrook, Mr. T. Walmshurst - the deceased was many
years landlord of the
"George Inn," and much respected.
|
|
From the Kentish Gazette, 1 February 1842.
CRANBROOK.
The christening was celebrated at Cranbrook by a public dinner, provided
at the "George Inn," Thomas L. Hodges, Esq., was chairman, the Hon.
Captain King, R.N., vice-chairman. The company, we understand, was
numerous and highly respectable, and the evening spent in harmony and
conviviality suited to the joyous occasion.
Regarding the christening of the Prince of Wales, the Heir Apparent to
the British crown. Paul Skelton.
|
|
Kentish Gazette, 2 February 1847.
Weald of Kent Farmers’ Club.
On Wednesday evening, the 20th ult. the monthly meeting of this club
took place at the "George Inn," Cranbrook. Mr. Walker was
unavoidably prevented attending, and consequently his second lecture on
agricultural chemistry was postponed till the next meeting.
The club, accordingly proceeded to discuss the subject which stood over
from the last meeting.
"Tenant Rights."— Mr. Barnes took the chair, and there were about sixty
members present. An animated discussion ensued, in
which a large number of the members present took part. The disposition
was strikingly manifested to entertain the question in an
enlarged and liberal spirit. It was strenuously maintained that a just
and fitting relation between landlord and tenant must be equally
as beneficial to the former as the latter, and that this was the true
light in which the question of tenant rights ought to be viewed.
The subject again stands over for another meeting. We shall present our
readers with the whole of the resolutions when the
discussion is finished. After electing Messrs. George and William
Crampton, of Cranbrook, members of the club, the proceedings
terminated.
|
|
Kentish Gazette, 24 April 1849.
CRANBROOK.
At the annual court leet, held at the "George Inn," Mr. George Dadson,
our respected townsman, was appointed high constable for the ensuing
year. At two o'clock an excellent dinner was prepared by Mr. Mills, to
which a large party sat down.
|
|
Kentish Gazette, 17 September 1850.
MARRIAGE. Winch - Mills.
Sept 5, at St. Dunstan's Church, Cranbrook, by the Rev. F. Barrow,
vicar, Mr. William Huffinian Winch, estate agent, &c., to Elizabeth,
eldest daughter of Mr. Francis Mills, of the "George Inn," Cranbrook.
|
|
Kentish Gazette, 7 March 1854.
GEORGE INN. CRANBROOK,
TO BE LET. With Possession on the 4th day of APRIL next, The above old
established and establishes and well-known COMMERCIAL HOUSE.
Apply to Mr. Wm. B. Sharp, Bakers Cross, Cranbrook.
|
|
Maidstone Telegraph, Rochester and Chatham Gazette, Saturday 2 December 1860.
Cranbrook.
On Thursday last the annual rent audit of Lady Julia Cornwallis was held
at the "George Hotel," where the tenantry sat down to an excellent
dinner, provided by Mr. Davis.
Ample justice was done to the spread.
|
|
From the Maidstone Telegraph, Rochester and Chatham Gazette, Saturday 20 April 1861.
Cranbrook.
At the meeting of the Court Leet for the manor, held at the "George
Hotel," on Monday, Mr. G. Dadson was appointed constable of the hundred,
and Mr. Steven Price, street-driver.
After the business had been disposed of, the company partook of an
excellent dinner, and a most agreeable evening was spent.
|
|
From the Maidstone Telegraph, Rochester and Chatham Gazette, 16 November 1861.
Cranbrook.
The annual rectorial and vicarial audits were held at the "George Inn"
on the 4th and 5th inst. where an excellent dinner was provided.
|
|
From the Sussex Express, Surrey Standard. 9 December 1893.
EXTENSIONS.
Extensions of time were granted to the proprietors of the "George
Hotel," Cranbrook, and the "Queen's Hotel,"
Hawkhurst, on the occasion of "Cinderella," lawn tennis, and football
club balls.
|
|
Sussex Agricultural Express, Saturday 8th January, 1898.
Extension of time for New Year's festivities were granted to the
proprietors of the "George" and
"Bull Hotel," Cranbrook.
|
|
Sussex Agricultural Express. Friday 13 April 1900.
ADVERT: KITCHENMAID WANTED.
Good character; about 18. Mrs. Miles, "George Hotel," Cranbrook.
|
|
Kent & Sussex Courier, Friday 13 September 1901.
Licensing business.
In the case of the "George Hotel," Cranbrook, the objection was to the
use of the yard by four adjoining houses, but on Mr. Winch
stating there was really no use of the yard, the licence was renewed.
|
|
Sevenoaks Chronicle and Kentish Advertiser, Friday 3 February 1922.
The license of the "George Hotel," Cranbrook, was
transferred to Peter Warner.
|
|
From an email received 18 July 2021.
Hello,
I was very excited to find the photos of and information about the
Roebuck Inn, 41 Weeks Street, Maidstone because I have been researching
my ancestry for a number of years and the "Roebuck" is where my great
grandparents were in the final years of their lives.
Although I was born in Maidstone I grew up and am still living in
Canada. I
hope that you will find the following of some interest.
My maternal family were publicans, licensed victuallers, innkeepers in
Kent beginning with my Great, Great Grandfather, James C. Miles, who,
upon inheriting 150 pounds from his father, John, in 1848, bought the
"George," Trotterscliffe, Kent from Stedman Shrubsole in 1849.
In the Census of 1851 and 1861, James is noted as a Publican of the
"George Inn." James died in 1865 leaving his effects to his son John.
However, James' wife Eliza nee Jeffery, continued to run the George. In
the Census of 1871, Kelly's Directory of 1874 and of 1882, she is listed
as Mrs. Eliza Miles, Publican, "George," Trottescliffe. In 1882 Eliza sold
the George to Frederick Leney and Sons of Phoenix Brewery, Wateringbury.
When Eliza died in 1886, she named her son Thomas Miles 'Innkeeper,
Cranbrook" sole executor.
Thomas Miles, my Great Grandfather, followed in his parent's footsteps
when between 1867 and 1868 he became the Innkeeper of the "South Eastern
Railway Hotel," Staplehurst, Kent. In the Census of 1871 and Kelly's
Directory of 1874, he is noted as the Innkeeper and Publican of the
S.E.R.Hotel (my abbreviation), Staplehurst.
Between 1875 and 1876, Thomas took over the
"George Hotel," Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent. In the 1881 Census, he is a licensed victualler of the
"George Hotel" whereas in the 1891 Census, he is a publican. Between 1878
and 1895, Thomas is also an agent for the "South Eastern Railway Hotel,"
and between 1884 and 1885 a wine and spirit merchant from the
"George
Hotel."
When Thomas moved on to the "George Hotel" in Cranbrook, he left the
operation of the "S.E.R. Hotel" to his brother-in-law, William Allingham
who, in the 1881 Census is noted as a Hotel Keeper employing 3 women and
1 man. William died in 1887 and his sister, Sarah Ann Allingham, who had
been working for him took over. Great Aunt Sally, as she was known to
the family was Hotel Keeper and Proprietor of "S.E.R. Hotel" Staplehurst
until her marriage in 1905. She is listed as such in all of the Census'
and Directories between those dates.
In 1896, Thomas Miles turned over the
"George Hotel," Cranbrook to his son
James Arthur Miles who continued there until 1912. Thomas, his wife Ann
nee Allingham, and his daughter, Evelyn Margaret (my Grandmother) moved
on to the "Roebuck Inn," 41 Weeks Street, Maidstone where he is listed in
Kelly's Trade Directory 1899. On 23 December 1900, Thomas died at the
"Roebuck" and left all of his effects to his wife Ann. In the 1901 Census,
Ann Miles is listed as a Licensed Victualler at the "Roebuck Inn," 41
Weeks Street, Maidstone.
Ann Miles Died at the "Roebuck" 22 April 1902 and left all of her effects
to my Grandmother, Evelyn Margaret, who had been a barmaid at the
"Roebuck." However, she left to live and be married later in 1902 with
Great Aunt Sally at "S.E.R. Hotel" in Staplehurst.
Although I have photos of many of my family members, they are relatively
formal and none are taken at the various hotels and inns other than my
Grandmother's wedding in the garden of the "S.E.R. Hotel"
but it does not show the building.
Thank you for all you do,
Marilyn White. |
LICENSEE LIST
HAWKINS Tom 1819+
DOBELL J 1822+
HAWKINS James 1828+
WALMSHURST T Mr pre 1829
TAYLOR Thomas 1832+
MILLS Francis 1850+
MILLS E Mrs 1855+
DAVIS Edward Mason 1858-60+
FULLER Mrs 1865+
BIXLEY Caroline Mrs 1874+
MILES Thomas 1875-96
(age 41 in 1881 )
MILES James Arthur (son) 1896-12
MORRIS George 1918-20+
WARNER Peter Feb/1922+
https://pubwiki.co.uk/George.shtml
From the Pigot's Directory 1828-29
From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34
Census
|
