BELL Pubs of Lydden

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1740-

Bell Inn

Still open

81 Canterbury Road

(Lydden)

01304 830296

Bus stopping outside Bell in Lydden, date unknown. Picture taken from a postcard by kind permission Dover Library.

This view of Lydden facing The Bell shows the village pond - often victim of drought in recent years - coming back to life and attracting wading birds again.

Information above taken from Dover Express 30th April 1998.

Above photo was taken from the Lydden calendar of 2001, so I assume this picture to be the year 2000.

Above photo by kind permission of Dover Library show a hunt meeting starting from the Bell in Lydden, date unknown.

Earliest reference found so far is in the Wingham Division Ale Licence list, which shows the "Bell," Lydden, to be re-licensed for the sum of 8 shillings in 1740 indicating that the pub was present before 1740.

From the Kentish Gazette, November 10-13, 1770. Kindly sent from Alec Hasenson.

Sale of some underwood on November 22nd, at the Bell, in Lidden-street, near Dover.

From the Kentish Gazette, July, 1775. Article kindly sent from Alec Hasenson.

Sale by auction July 24, of a Messuage or Tenement at the Sign of the Bell in Lidden, near Dover.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 23 November, 1833. Price 7d.

WALDERSHIRE UNDERWOOD To be sold by auction by Mr Huntley. At the Bell Inn, Lydden on Tuesday December 3rd 1833, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the following valuable. FALLS of UNDERWOOD, belonging to the RRt. Hon. Earl Guilford, Viz:

A R P

Beglars Dane Fall, Bedlen Wood in the parish of Northbourne. 8 2 23

Hallwood in the Parish of Swingfield 9 1 6

Hop Garden Carvet in the Parish of Swingfield 2 1 11

20 1 0

The above woods abound with ash-poles and law well for the carriage of poles, being contiguous to hard roads, and are laid out in small cants, the tenant of North Court farm, Swingfield; Mr Dawkins, Waldershire, or to Mr Huntley, Land Agent and Surveyor, DOVOR.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 16 January, 1841. Price 5d.

THE FLOODS

The floods have arisen in the low lands in the neighbourhood to a much greater height than has been known for many years. At the "Bell" at Lydden, the water rose to a height of 3ft. in the bar; consequently, the inmates were driven up stairs. The whole of the horses, have been obliged to be removed. At Priory farm, Dover, we understand, the water had risen to a great height, and that Mr. Coleman was near upon losing some of his horses thereby; but fortunately, a party being on a visit on a Thursday night, Mr. Coleman and servants sat up later than usual, and thereby found out that the water was entering the stables at a rapid rate. By morning, we understand, the water in the stable was several feet high. At the Elms farm too, (Dover) the flood has risen at a considerable height, and the stock has been obliged to be removed from the yard.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 13 March, 1841. Price 5d.

DESPERATE AFFRAY WITH GIPSIES, AT LYDDEN

On Thursday sennight (an archaic word for week) a disagreement took place at the "Bell inn," at Lydden, between three broom dashers and three husbandmen (farmers) named Hodges, of Barham, Seath, of Wootton, and Pilcher, of Swingfield Minnis, which at one time wore a very serious aspect. The two parties had been tossing for beer, the gipsies were losers, and being called on to pay, wished the stakes to be doubled, which the countrymen refused, and having made use of some expressions which incensed the gipsies, they attacked Hodges and Pilcher. The latter was knocked down and lay bleeding on a form in the taproom, when the housekeeper ran and called Gilham, the parish borsholder, (The head or chief of a tithing, or borough; the headborough; a parish constable.) who came on the scene of action, and desired the parties to desist and keep the peace. One of the gipsies, names Aaron Williams, inquired if he were a constable? Gilham answered in the affirmative, and produced his staff, when he was immediately struck a violent blow in the jaw, which made him stagger. He, however, succeeded in striking Williams down with his staff. A second gipsy, name unknown, then attempted to strike Gilham; but he was also knocked down by the same weapon. A third gipsy, named J. Baker, next made an attempt upon Gilham, and the others having somewhat recovered, joined him; but Gilham retreated out of doors. The gipsies, however, followed him, and drawing their formidable broom-knives, swore if they could get hold of the borsholder, they would rip him up; but he succeeded in getting clean away. The gipsies then began a search for him, and one of them waited about his door to watch his return. Some of the inhabitants finding things looking very serious, sent off an express to Mr. Pain, the constable of the Half-hundred, to come to Lydden with all possible dispatch, and to bring assistance with him. Upon their arrival they, together with Gilham, proceeded to the "Bell," and after a desperate scuffle, succeeded in disarming the gipsies of their knives, and took them into custody. They then handcuffed the prisoners and placed them in a cart to convey them to Dover; but one of them succeeded in getting clear off with his handcuffs, without being for some time missed by the constables. Williams also tried to escape, but was after a long chase, taken by Friend, whom he attempted to strangle, and was lodged in the station-house. They underwent an examination on Sunday, at the office of Messrs. Shipdem and Ledger, solicitors, Dover, and each of them was fined 50s. and 25s. costs, and in default of payment they were committed to the house of correction at St. Augustine's for over two calendar months.

In 1864, brewers Jeken, Colman and Marsh put the premises up for auction with other lots, and described the premises as follows:- That most valuable Freehold road-side Public-house, known as the "BELL," at Lydden, situate on the Turnpike Road leading from Dover to Canterbury, with extensive stables and buildings, about 4 acres of good pasture land, and a large garden, now in the tenure of Mr. Gillman, who also carries on the business of a wheelwright and blacksmith.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 18 October, 1935.

DOVER LICENSING SESSIONS

Extensions

An extension was granted at the "Bell" Inn, Lydden, from 10 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. and from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m., on October 24th, for a stock sale.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 7 August, 1936.

WINGHAM PETTY SESSIONS

Licence Extensions

An extension was granted at the "Bell" Inn, Lydden, from 10 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. and from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on 14th August, for the Lydden Stock Sale.

A similar extension for another Stock Sale was granted on September 16th.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 8 October, 1937.

LYDDEN SHEEP SALE

The licensee of "The Bell" Inn, Lydden, was granted an extension from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 22nd for a sheep sale.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 22 October, 1937.

PUBLIC HOUSE ALTERATIONS

The magistrates approved plans for alterations to the "Bell" Inn, Lydden, consisting of removing the wall dividing the Tap Room and bar and taking in the adjoining cottage and converting part of it into sanitary accommodation and the other part into a kitchen and bath room.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 2 September, 1938.

The licensee of "The Bell" Inn, Lydden, was granted an extension from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a sheep sale on 22nd September.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 10 April, 1942.

Lydden Sale of Pork

Albert Ester, a gunner, pleaded guilty to contravening the Rationing Order by obtaining pork without authority.

George Henry Marley and Reginald Clark, both of Lydden, were summoned (1)selling pork at a price in excess of the maximum; (2) supplying pork otherwise than according to the ration Order; (3)selling rationed meat by retail other than under the authority of the Minister of Food.

Marley pleaded guilty to all three summonses and Clark pleaded guilty of supplying, but not guilty of the other two.

Mr. A. K. Mowll prosecuted for the Dover R.D.C. and Mr. P. A. G. Aldington appeared for Clark and Marley.

Richard Hazeldene, Divisional Enforcement Officer of the Ministry of Food, said that on 31st January, he went with Mr. Goldfinch, Deputy Area Meat Agent for the Dover area, to Dover Castle where he was handed two pieces of pork by Ester. Later he saw Clark, formally a butcher, but was now licensee of the "Bell" Lydden, who said, "That is the pork I sold to the soldier. I didn't know him, except as a customer at the house. Marley told him he had a license to slaughter pork and asked me to cut it up. I just guessed at the price and gave the money to Marley."

Marley said that he had not disposed of any of the pig except that sold to the soldier. Ester made a statement that when he asked Clark if he could buy a piece of the pork, he was told that it was not for sale. He asked again the following day and was sold some. Witness added that Ester was charged 1/10 a lb. for a fore-loin and 1/6 for hand and foot, whereas the proper prices were 1/6 and 10d lb.

Mr. Aldington said that it was one isolated transaction, and not a "black market." No sale would have taken place had the soldier not persisted.

Ester said that he bought the pork to give some people who had often invited him to their house. He did not know it was rationed.

An officer said that Ester had 22 years service in the army at home and abroad, and that there was not even a minor charge against him.

The summons against Ester was dismissed under the probation of Offenders Act; Marley was fined one guinea on each summons and six guineas costs; and Clark was fined two guineas on each summons and three guineas costs.

From the Dover Express, 25 January, 2001.

Cheers to our success.

WINNERS of the Dover district's Best Pub and Best Shop competition received their certificates on Monday.

The two competitions were organised by the White Cliffs Country Tourism Association

Winner of the Best Pub for Tourists was The Bell Inn at Lydden where the association's chairman Annette Macpherson handed over framed certificate to Francis Gorham and Catherine Woodward.

They are the tenants of the Pubmaster hostelry where manager and chef is Jason Chamberlain.

Francis and Catherine, who have been at The Bell for nearly five years, also run The Pickwick at Kearsney.

Highly commended this year were The Hope Inn and the Clyffe Inn, both at St Margaret's, and the Admiral Penn at Deal.

Winner of the Best Shop for Tourists was Laughton's in Deal with runners-up The Cookshop at Sandwich, Simmonds the Dover jewellers and the gift shop at Dover Museum.

Our picture shows Francis and Catherine with Ms Macpherson and judges Phyllis Lear and committee member Terry Sutton.

Above photo, circa 2004.

From the Dover Express, 25 May 2006.

Family-run hostelry offers a taste of something good.

Family friend Daniel Bent, with Sarah, Andrew, Kevin and Joseph Anthony at the Lydden Bell. Picture by Terry Scott.

THERE are new faces at the popular Lydden Bell.

The Anthony's, husband and wife Andrew and Sarah, brother Joseph and father Kevin, are looking forward to welcoming customers old and new to a warm and family-friendly atmosphere in a non-smoking environment to enjoy their home-cooked food.

Chef Andrew, with 10 years' experience, prides himself on producing high-quality, well-presented dishes. Menus will vary seasonally with special dishes offered regularly.

To ensure the best quality, Anthony has sourced local ingredients, using the finest selection of seasonal vegetables, cuts of meat and fresh fish from suppliers who cater for the most exclusive restaurants and pubs in the area.

Tuesday is steak night offering a 16-oz rib-eye for just £8.95. Sunday is the day to bring the family and enjoy the traditional roast.

There is a secluded garden with a child's swing, skittle alley and a marvellous view of the surrounding countryside.

Lydden Bell offers a lighter lunchtime menu, with excellent freshly home-cooked food that will appeal both to customers with limited time and those fortunate enough to spend a leisurely time over their meal and appreciate the freshest foods simply cooked, to bring out the fullest natural flavours.

Cask ales are available, or choose from the wine list to complement your choice from the lunchtime or evening menus.

The Lydden Bell, at Canterbury Road, Lydden, can be contacted on 01304 830296.

Above 4 photographs by Paul Skelton 7 June 2008.

From an email received 13 January 2011

Just to let you know I have closed the Lydden Bell and today I have had it shuttered up. Its on the market freehold for sale.

Regards

Dean Saunders.

Closed in January 2011 and opened again on 20th May 2011.

From the Dover Express, Thursday, 19 May, 2011. 60p

LANDLORD TO REOPEN PUB HE ONCE RAN

Couple's new venture aims to being boarded-up premises back to life

A CHEF has returned to the pub he managed seven years ago -this time as owner.

Jason Chamberlain. 35, and his partner Hayley Pettet have bought the freehold on the "Lydden Bell" near Dover and plan to reopen it tomorrow.

Father-of-two Jason used to manage the premises before leaving to run pubs in Eythorne and Elham. This is the first pub he and Hayley have owned outright, but they are also still lease holders in Elham.

Jason said: "What appealed to me was the fact that it was a freehold. It makes our overheads lower from my point of view.

"When I passed by I saw it was all boarded up and I thought 'I'll have that."

Jason said he was encouraged by the success he enjoyed at the pub when he was chef/rnanager; and feels he can do just as well this time around.

He said: "You've got to be inventive with your menus, using local produce, theme nights. The pub trade is never going to be what it was, but I believe that if you work hard the rewards are still there.

"Hayley and I are going to run the two pubs for now, but we're not sure what we're going to do about the one in Elham."

David Foley; chief executive of the Dover District Chamber of Commerce, said: "What we need is for people to support the pub and others like it to ensure they all thrive and survive."