CARPENTER'S ARMS Pubs of Coldred

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Friday, 21 April, 2023.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1840-

Carpenter's Arms

Open 2023+

The Green

Coldred

01304 830190

https://www.facebook.com

https://whatpub.com/carpenters-arms

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 19 March, 1937.

On Thursday night last week the pond at Coldred Green was so full that the water was across the road by the public house. By Friday morning the road was comparatively clear.

Above photo, 1937, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above photo, circa 1953, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above image 1961 taken from 8mm film.

https://youtu.be/tYWgt9oInQk

Above photo kindly sent and taken by John Fagg in the 1980s.

Above photo of Carpenter's Arms at Coldred taken February 1994.

All photos taken by Paul Skelton 27 October 2007.

Above sign 1970.

With thanks from Roger Pester www.innsignsociety.com.

Above sign left, August 1992. Sign right, 27 October 2007.

With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

Photo taken in 2013 from http://www.flickr.com by Jelltex. Showing licensee Colin Fagg.

Above photo 2021.

According to the mason's mark above the fireplace in the public bar, the building dates back to 1719.

From the Kentish Mercury, Gravesend Journal & Greenwich Gazette, 22 August 1840.

A Spree Among The Butchers.

Mr. Daniel Reeves, who is often playing off some of his pranks upon some of his fraternity of the 'knife and block,' was on Saturday treated with a 'Roland for an Oliver,' (tit for tat) under the following circumstances:- An old man name Tritton who keeps a beer shop in Coldridge came into the market, and after a little ceremony usually attended upon such occasions, purchased a breast of mutton, which he immediately paid for, and putting it into his bag, walked away. Shortly afterwards, however, Mr. Reeves found a shoulder of mutton was missing from his stall, and holding a conference with some of the other butchers in the market, on the subject, one of them suggested that Tritton might have been the thief. Nothing could be more likely; as no one beside him, had been near his stall since he saw the purloined mutton amongst the rest of the meat. He would be off immediately, he would bring the villain back, that he would, and hand him over to the keeping of those who would take a special care that he should not commit such acts in future. Accordingly, off he started, first to one public house and then to another, till he found his enquiries were fruitless, when the thought struck him that the rogue gone home. No time now must be lost, he must saddle his horse and rider after him as fast as he could. Yea so great was his haste that he could not stop to pay the toll-gate keeper, until he returned. But 'the greater the haste, the less the speed,' is an old proverb, and so it proved in this case, for he had got no further than Buckland before he was mortified to find his horses lost a shoe, - the replacing of this requisite was indispensable, and consequently considerable time must be lost. This difficulty being over, the pursuit was recommenced, and at length, he arrived as far as Waters End, when, being satisfied that the villain could not be before him, the thought very naturally came forcibly into his mind that Tritton seeing that he was pursued, had taken cover under some hedge, or in some avenue or other. These probable hiding places must be minutely examine, and for that purpose, he resolved to retrace his steps back to Dover, but no intelligence could be obtained of the object of his pursuit, till you got as far as Buckland bridge, when he saw Tritton looking over a stone wall into a garden! That he was the guilty party was no beyond doubt. He (the thief) had, no doubt, on seeing him (the pursuer) feigned to look into a garden to dispose of the stolen property, and doubtless it was among the cabbage leaves! The garden was search - but no mutton could be found. The old man's bag was also examined; but bit it contained nought but that of which he was the rightful owner. That he was the only man who stole the meat was certain; the garden must, therefore, in the first instance, have been overlooked; as second search must take place - but, alas! that was attended with as fruitful result as the former had been! What was now to be done? The old man must return with him to Dover. The old man remonstrated and refused to comply; but it was of no avail - back he must go, even if he rode on horseback, - which he did, while Reeves walked by his side. On their arrival at Dover, the hoax was discovered; one of the other butchers had sold the meat, and in his (Reeves') absence, had placed the money in the hands of his servant. But the whole business was intended to shew Mr. Reeves, that 'he who fishes, may sometimes expect to catch.'

From the Kentish Chronicle 16 September 1865.

WINGHAM PETTY SESSIONS

Thursday.—Renewal of Public House Licenses.

This was the general licensing meeting, and authority was granted for the renewal of the licenses of all existing public houses.

Mr. John S. Fox, obtained an authority for a spirit license for the “Carpenter's Arms,” Coldred.

Dover Express 03 September 1909.

COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS.

Mr. Alfred Parker, of the "Carpenter's Arms," Coldred, was granted an extension till 11 p.m. on the 25th September, for a harvest supper.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 13 October, 1922. Price 1½d.

SUDDEN DEATH AT COLDRED

An inquest was held at the “Carpenter's” Arms,” Coldred, on Saturday afternoon by the East Kent Coroner (Mr. Rutley Mowll), respecting the death of James Matcham, who was found dead in bed.

Marian Jane Matcham, of Lower Herronden, Eastry, a widow, said that the deceased was her brother-in-law, and lived at Parsonage Cottages, Coldred. He was a farm labourer, and his age was 67 years. He was a widower without children.

Miss Clara Smith said that she had acted as the deceased's housekeeper for two years. The deceased went to work regularly up till Wednesday, October 4th, with Mr. Dudley Richards. On that day he came home and had his tea, and afterwards smoked his pipe as usual, and she read the paper to him. He had some supper and went to bed at about 8.30. Witness on going down to light the fire next morning, called him, but got no reply. She then made some tea, and as the deceased did not come downstairs, she went up and knocked at his door, but as she got no reply she went in and found the deceased lying in bed on his side. He was dead, and she ran downstairs and called in the neighbour. The deceased had not shown the slightest symptom of ill-health.

Dr. G. E. Bellamy said that he made a post mortem examination of the deceased, and found that the heart was athermanous. Death was due to natural causes.

The Jury, of whom Mr. W. Gosby was foreman, returned a verdict of death from natural causes.

The funeral took place at Coldred on Monday, the Rev. H. Sausmarez-Smith, Rector of Coldred and Waldershare officiating. The mourners present were Mrs. Matcham (sister-in-law) Miss Smith (housekeeper) and Mr. Matcham (nephew). A wreath was sent from Mr. and Mrs. D. Richards, the deceased's employer. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. W. Gosby, of Coldred.

From the Dover Express, 17 September, 1926

LICENSING

The "Carpenter's Arms," Coldred was granted permission to open from 10 to 11 p.m. on September 25th for a harvest supper.

The Magistrates announced that applications in connection with farm sales till 6 p.m. would not be granted in future - only till 5 p.m.

Dover Express, Friday 31 October 1947.

Marsh.

On 27th October, 1947, at the "Carpenters Arms," Coldred, Henry Marsh, who passed peacefully away after much suffering patiently borne, aged 84 years.

From the Dover Express, 17 September, 1971.

SKITTLE ALLEY

There is a proposal to install a skittle alley at the "Carpenter's Arms" at Coldred. Dover Rural Council is to be asked to grant planning consent.

From the Dover Express, Thursday, 6 October, 2011. 60p

VILLAGE SCOOPS PRIZE FOR BRILLIANT BLOOMS

Volunteers who created a quiet haven of horticultural interests have been praised for their efforts and awarded an honour by the Royal Horticultural Society.

CoIdred picked up the silver award in the small village category at the RHS Britain in Bloom Awards. hosted by TV gardener and presenter RacheI De Thame.

The ceremony at the Fairmont Hotel St Andrews, Scotland, was attended by a record-breaking 470 community and gardening champions.

CoIdred in Bloom co-ordinator Jo Tinkler said: "To begin with CoIdred was a bit daunted about RHS Britain in Bloom, but we always underestimate the results of so many villagers frequently giving a bit of effort, from buying a raffle ticket, to mowing the avenue to Coldred. It adds to a brilliant environment and community.

As with South and South East in Bloom, the judging process is really encouraging and useful as it brings new ideas and gives us a perspective of CoIdred from a wider world."

Ms Tinkler said the community spirit for gardening began when the Best Kept Village competition was held in the 1990s.

Now, with a population of about 120, regular fundraising events are held, work parties organised and a team of volunteers are keen to improve their outside spaces.

She added; "Coldred is a special place, full of very special people who enjoy rolling up their sleeves and getting on with doing things.

"There's no whingeing and waiting for things to happen! We wash our road signs and bollards, have an autumn blitz of hedges, and spring clean the church. Every little helps."

RHS Britain in Bloom UK judging panel chairman Roger Burnett led a team of 12 RHS judges who toured the UK in August, visiting the 76 finalists, nominated from more than 1,000 communities. The judges assessed horticultural achievement, community participation and environmental responsibility.

From the Dover Mercury, 18 April, 2013. 80p. By Amy Nickalls

PUB GETS NEW LOOK TO MARK CENTENARY AND BLOOM EFFORT

VILLAGERS in Coldred have helped to brighten up the Carpenters Arms, ready for a two-day centenary event starting tomorrow (Friday) and the Britain in Bloom competition in the summer.

Some of the members of the working party who helped smarten up the "Carpenters Arms" pub, including landlord Colin Fagg, second left.

Pictures: Chris Davey FM2532980

It is 100 years since the Fagg family took over the pub, and the anniversary will be marked with the centenary beer festival, between noon and 11pm on Friday and Saturday.

Coldred in Bloom co-ordinator Jo Tinkler said: “The trouble with a community pub that opens without fail for the community and keeps prices as low as possible is that it doesn't leave Colin Fagg a great deal of time or money to do everything.

Ken Mooreland lends a hand.

FM2532976

“So I asked the community to give a little back and show Coldred at its best for the celebration. As well as the 100th anniversary, it is also 20 years since the community won the Best Kept Village in Kent award, so the theme for the Britain in Bloom entry will be Many Happy Returns.”

Ray Newsam wields his wire brush at the "Carpenters Arms."

FM2532973

The flowers the community are planting will be baby blues and pinks in honour of the royal baby's birth in June. Villagers met at the "Carpenters Arms" to help Mr Fagg, the owner of the pub, to paint the front of the building and give it a clean-up ready for the events.

The pub is believed to date back to 1716 and the Fagg family has owned the pub since 1913. Daphne Fagg, who recently died at the age of 92, owned the pub for 40 years.

"Carpenters Arms" is part of the Deal, Dover, Sandwich and district branch of the Camra group - Campaign for Real Ale - which aims to protect the traditions of pubs and ale.

Photo left: Carole Pickaver busy with her scraper

FM2532966

From the Dover Express, Thursday, 25 April, 2013. 70p. Report by Jamie Rose

PINT GLASS HALF FULL FOR PUBS IN DISTRICT

Area is bucking the trend when it comes to boozers closing down

COLIN Fagg staged centenary celebrations at the weekend for a pub which has always been run by a member of his family.

The "Carpenters Arms" in Coldred is a traditional pub in all senses, sitting at the heart of a rural community and offering only crisps and peanuts for food.

He says the key to success is a friendly welcome, but also his decision to offer only real ale in draught form, similar to the many micropubs popping up across the UK. He added: “It is also important not to be tied to a brewery. I source my drinks locally and through an agency and at a considerably cheaper cost than the bigger breweries make you pay.”

LICENSEE LIST

TRITTON John 1840-47+ (age 45 in 1841) (beerhouse)