CHEQUER Pubs of Ash

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1674

Chequers

Still open

4 Chequer Lane

(Ash)

Sandwich

01304 813918

Above photographs taken by Paul Skelton 25 July, 2009. Below is shown a painting that hangs on the wall inside the pub.

Above Chequers at Ash, circa 1955.

Above photo date unknown

Photo shown circa 1875. At the time they were supplied by Rigden's Faversham Brewery.

Above photo showing a sky-shot of the pub.

This was a timbered hall house dating from the reign of Richard II (1377-1399) in the year of 1383 in the manor of Chequer and Chilton, Ash next Sandwich, and was for many years the Manor House of Chequer and Chilton.

The property then was owned by one John de Septvans, Lord Chief Baron or of the exchequer, from which the house later derived its name. The property remained in the hands of the Septvan family, (sometimes known as the Harfleets) for almost a century and a half.

When first built the house was a standard Hall-House with detached kitchen and cost £20. In 1558 a hall floor or upper floor was inserted. In 1576 stacks were added and the parlour chamber was ceilinged over and attic rooms added. At this date the property was held by on Nicholas HOIGGES a wool merchants of Canterbury, formerly of London. In 1603, it was in the hands of a William Leggon, property owner of Canterbury. Leggon owned other properties at Sandwich, Eastry and Dover.

In 1674, the property was purchased by Thomas Roberts, hop grower and brewer of Canterbury. Roberts was granted a licence at Dover on May 8th 1674 to supply ales and ciders to the parish of Ash. In 1676 a three bay stable block was added to the property. In 1708 the house was purchased by Richard Hollingbury, brewer of the borough of Staplegate within the walls of Canterbury. In July of that year a joint licence was issued to Hollyingbury and his wife Elizabeth and they carried on business there. Richard Hollingbury brewed the ales whilst his wife Elizabeth retailed them.

In the Wingham Division Ale Licence list of 1740, the "Chequers," Ash, renewed its licence costing the sum of 8 shillings. However, in the same list there was also a "Chequer" listed in Ash, without the "s" on the end, which had a new licence granted for the sum of 16 shillings, the licensee was given as John Cork. I am assuming this to be a different establishment, but do not yet know the connection between the two.

At the height of the coaching era the Chequer became a established post house, where mail was collected and sorted. Two post boys were employed at the Inn for a period of thirty years. Living quarters were provided for them in an attic room where they slept on small wooden cot beds suspended from the rafters. On the opposite corner of the inn was the village pond where they watered their horses. Two post boys employed in 1780’s were Jon Silver and Thomas Mallett and although the term ‘boys’ is applied Silver was 63 years old and Mallett 58.

The Chequer has seen and undergone many changes since it was first built. The cost of building the house in the late 14th century was about 20 pounds, in 1576 it was sold for sixty guineas, in 1721 for 140 pounds, in 1808 for 816 pounds and in 1874 for 1,086 pounds.

Many of the early owners and keepers had various trades and had switched from or continued to ply them. Thomas Roberts and Thomas Brazier were formally yenman, Edward Hughes, a bricklayer, Edward Goldup, a coal dealer who carried out his business as well as keeping the Inn and LLEWELLYN Ames a caterer and garager who also conducted these trades whilst at the Chequer.

According to the local CAMRA website March 2008 (click here), the pub is closed and for sale.

Glad to say that as of November 2008, the pub opened its doors again with Richard Munden at the helm of which the above history was kindly passed to me.

Although changes have taken place the historic character of the Inn remains unchanged. So stay, enjoy the fayre and reflect on those bygone days.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 2 March, 1877. Price 1d.

SHORT WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

Charles Clayson, publican, Ash, fined 15s, and 8s. costs for having six incorrect measures.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 9 February, 1877. Price 1d.

WINGHAM PETTY SESSIONS

Charles Clayson, landlord of the "Chequers' Inn," at Ash, pleaded guilty to serving gin to a boy under 16 years of age. It appeared that the boys on quitting the "Marquis of Granby" entered the defendant's house, and were there supplied with nine-penny-worth of gin (in two lots) by Clayson's wife. It was argued that it was not known by the landlady that spirits were intended for the lad to whom it was supplied (aged it was said only 11 years) but for his companions who were somewhat older.

Defendant was fined 20s., costs 15s.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 2 March, 1877. Price 1d.

SHORT WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

Charles Clayson, beer house keeper, Ash fined 15s. and 8s. costs for having six incorrect measures.

From the Dover Mercury, 28 February, 2002.

REGULARS at the Chequer Inn, Ash, helped to raise more than £800 for the Cancer Research charity.

A pool knockout contest, reflexology evening, raffIes and wine and wisdom competition all helped to boost the total as well as sponsorship for customer Geoff Richardson who ran the London Marathon.

Publican, Steve and Maureen Gee and customers handed over the giant cheque to the charity's Kate Hunter on Friday.

Maureen said: "All the customers were very generous in helping and supporting our chosen charity of the year. The reason Cancer Research was chosen was because we lost a young member of our family to the disease."

From the Dover Mercury, 22 January, 2009.

At the heart of the village.

Chequer Inn landlord Richard Munden outside his pub.

A NEW licensee at the "Chequer Inn" at Ash is determined to make the pub the hub of the village community.

The distinctive-looking building overlooks The Street and has been in business since a hop grower bought it in 1674 to supply ales and ciders to the parish.

Richard Munden is now in charge and is full of plans to make the inn an important part of the neighbourhood. He said: "The Chequer is a traditional village pub and we are looking to make it the heart of the community."

As part of his plans he is organising an Eighties party night, to include fancy dress, next week with a disco to launch Leukaemia Research as the charity of the year.

Richard added: "We are aiming to raise £1,500 from a series of fundraising events in 2009 and hopefully we can smash that target."

The fun starts at 8pm on Saturday, January 31, and there will be prizes for the best-dressed male and female.

Since arriving in Ash in November Richard has introduced a series of pub events, with entertainment a top priority.

New quiz nights have proved successful and are held at 7.30pm on the first and third Tuesday of the month, with an entry of £2 per person and wine or chocolates for the winning team. There is a folk club sing-around on the second and fourth Monday of the month from 8pm and Adrian O, who lives near Deal, is a regular performer.

Bingo is held every Thursday afternoon from 3pm, with bingo books on sale from 2.30pm.

Richard said: "We have just started a credit munch offer, with two main meals for £6 every Wednesday and Thursday between noon and 3pm and again from 6 to 9pm."

Forthcoming events at The Chequer Inn include celebrations for St Patrick's Day and St George's Day and an art exhibition in September.

Every Wednesday there is also a Wii games session at 7.30pm, with a £2 entrance and prizes for winners.

If customers to the inn in Chequer Lane would prefer a glass of real ale beside a log fire, just like centuries ago, they can enjoy Spitfire and Greene King's IPA on hand pull.

From the Dover Express, 2 April, 2009

Pub's cask ales in great condition

A PUB in Ash has won an award for the quality of its ale.

Richard Munden, licensee of The Chequer Inn, has been awarded Cask Marque accreditation for serving the perfect pint of cask-conditioned ale.

Mr Munden said: "This award is a great endorsement for us. A lot of our customers visit the pub especially for the cask ale and it is really gratifying to know that we are getting the formula just right."

To achieve the Cask Marque accreditation pubs' ales must pass a series of beer quality audits which take into account, temperature, appearance, aroma and taste.

From the Dover Mercury, 14 September, 2009.

Skye's the limit for the tallest sunflower

Chequers sunflower 2009 TRADITIONALLY, the talk at the local pub ranges from international politics to what's happening on Coronation Street and East Enders.

But regulars at The Chequer Inn at Ash have had another topic of conversation this year to occupy the minds - sunflowers.

Back in April, new licensee Richard Munden launched a competition to grow the tallest sunflower.

The pub, in the centre of the village, distributed sunflower seeds to the children and grandchildren of the regulars, as well as Scouts and Brownies and other children from Ash.

The deadline was the end of August and Richard then went out and about to measure and validate the tallest.

Richard said: "Having never grown sunflowers as a child I was amazed when presented with sunflowers more than 11ft tall."

The winner was Skye Burr with a sunflower that towered at an impressive 11ft 4in.

In a very close second was Ellie Larkins and third was Georgia Alexander.

"I would like to say well done to everyone who took part," said Richard.

"Next year we will see If we can beat this height."

From the Dover Mercury, 25 March, 2010.

FINE BEERS.

The "Chequer Inn," Ash, has its second beer festival starting next week from April 1 until Monday, April 5, and the events will include fundraising for the pub's chosen charity, Greet Ormond street Hospital.

From the Dover Mercury, 1 April, 2010.

PUB GARDEN PLOTS ARE A DOWN TO EARTH OFFER.

KEEN gardeners desperate for an allotment are being offered a plot in Ash to grow fruit and vegetables.

The plots come with the added attraction of a short stroll to quench a thirst after an enthusiastic digging session.

For Richard Munden, licensee of The "Chequer Inn," Ash, has created a veg patch in the pub garden.

He said: "There is much emphasis these days on home grown produce and food miles, plus waiting lists for allotments.

"So I have decided to turn a small area of our beer garden into three vegetable patches and am now appealing for allotment holders."

The idea started after a compost tip behind the pub became an eyesore and needed to be removed. Now the heap has gone Mr Munden has created three allotments and is now looking for a trio of keen people living nearby who would like to transform the small area into a horticultural haven.

Mr Munden added: "We are not asking for a rent, instead a produce split has been suggested. The pub's share of the fruit and veg will be used in the pub kitchen. "I believe our customers will be pleased to be eating fresh ingredients grown in our back garden."

Anyone Interested in an allotment in the centre of Ash can contact Richard on 01304 813918.

From the Dover Mercury, 3 March, 2011.

PUB AIDS CHARITY

PLANS for two charity events are taking shape at a village pub. Starting next week there will be a race night in aid of the amateur drama group The New Ash Players.

It is at The "Chequer Inn," Ash, on March 12 at 8pm.

A bi-annual charity quiz night takes place at the Chequer Lane pub on March 29 in aid of the pub's charity of the year. Great Ormond Street Hospital,

The questions start at 7.30pm and the cost is £3 a person to include bar nibbles.

From the Dover Mercury, 21 April, 2011.

An extension to the usual five-day Easter beer festival at the "Chequer Inn" will celebrate the Royal Wedding in style.

Running from Good Friday, through to Bank Holiday Monday, May 2, the festival includes entertainment and 18 ales.

Live music, the Easter Egg Scramble, paper aeroplane competition and a learn to play Bat & Trap Session, plus a Royal Wedding garden party on Friday, April 29.

From the Deal and Sandwich Express, 27 October, 2011.

ELEVENTH-HOUR BID SAVES PUB PROM SHUTTING

CHEQUERS SAVED FROM SHUTTING.

Report by Sam Inkersole

An historic village pub has been saved from closure after temporary landlords entered an eleventh hour bid for the business.

After serving alcohol to the parish of Ash for 337 years, the "Chequers Inn" was due to close it s doors to the regulars tomorrow (Friday).

SAVED

But the pub's owners, Punch Taverns, has revealed that the establishment has now been saved from closure after a short-term licensee was found. Richard Munden

Outgoing landlord Richard Munden, who has run the pub for three years, told the Express how sad he was to be leaving the "Chequers," one of only two remaining pubs in Ash.

He said: "It is entirely down to the recession that we are having to leave the pub.

"It has been immensely fun running it, but when your takings are down 40 per cent from the same time last year, something has to give.

"The bingo ladies who come in every Tuesday are particularly upset at the news.

"We had some fantastic events here.

"I can't pick a favourite, but I have loved every minute of being here.

"My wife still works full-time at Pfizer, but she has been made redundant as of next year.

"We will just have to wait and see what happens between now and then."

CELEBRATIONS

Mr. Munden is having a leaving celebration tomorrow.

A spokesman for Punch Taverns said: "We are pleased to confirm that the "Chequers" is not closing and we will have new licensees operating the pub from October 31st.

"The pub is still owned by Punch Taverns.

"The new licenses are only going in as temporary operators."

Visit their web site at:- http://www.thechequerinnash.co.uk

LICENSEE LIST

ROBERTS Thomas 1674

HOLLINGSBURY Richard & Elizabeth 1708

BRASHER Thomas 1721 (probably the same as Brazier)

CORK John (Chequer)