GRIFFINS HEAD Pubs of Chillenden

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1740-

Griffins Head

Still open

(Chillenden)

Griffin's head, taken by Paul Skelton, 11 June 2011.

Griffins Head, Chillenden. Photo kindly supplied by Kim Hollingshead, April 2011.

Above photo by Kim Hollingshead, showing the pub on their vintage car day 2010.

Photo by Kim Hollingshead, showing the inside of the pub.

Above sign 2011.

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

A wonderful ancient pub, the Griffins Head has been part of everyday life in the Domesday village of Chillenden for many centuries.

Inside the pub is a picture frame containing the following information. I am not certain when it was written but would guess at during the 1980s:-

In the hundred of Eastry, lathe of St. Augustines lies the parish of Chillenden and there within the boundaries can be found the inn known as the "Griffins Head." Written in the Domesday Survey (1086) as Cilledene, Chillenden has derived its name from its low and cold situation.

The inn was built during the reign of Edward I (1272-1307) in the year 1286 and was originally a farmhouse forming part of the estate of one John de Chillenden, whose family took their name from and possessed the parish, until the 6th year of the reign of Henry IV (1399-1413) when it came into the possession of the Baker family of Caldham in Capel near Folkestone. During their term of ownership the property was given up to the church of All Saints for the monks to reside and farm the land thereto belonging. It remained part of the priory until 1539, when came the final dissolution of monasteries under the tyranny of Henry VII (1507-1549).

At this date the parish fell into the hands of one Gason of Apulton in Ickham and the property again became a farm consisting of "1 messauge, 15 acres of arable land, 6 planted with hopes, 1 wooded parcele of lande, 1 brewe house and detachede kitchen adjoining. At the turn of the sixteenth century the parish was sold to one Hammond of St. Albans, in Nonington who leased the property to a number of small tenant farmers. In 1634, one Joshua Smaite was in occupation here with his wife Meg, and six children. Smaite paid a weekly rent of 3 shillings and 6 pence, plus one pence for a plough share.

No land within the parish was exempt from the payment of tithe and by the turn of the seventeenth century all tithes collected were paid from this house. Ales and ciders have been brewed here for centuries and eventually in order that the rector could hold tithe suppers here, a license was granted to the house in 1743. One Elias Sloper was the first keeper of the house, then an untitled but registered ale house. The property and the parish was still then owned by the Hammond family.

In 1766, with the awareness of the coaching era, the property situated on the then main Canterbury to Deal road was given a full license and registered under the title of the "Griffins Head" a sign said to derive from the coat of arms of the Hammond family.

In 1809, the parish was split and the inn was sold to one Thomas Pettit, carpenter and wheelwright of the parish of Adisham who as well as running the inn opened a carpenters shop in an adjoining building and for many years a sign advertising this service hung outside the inn, when he died in 1842 he bequeathed the inn with its land and his carpentry business to his wife Sarah who was also a wheelwright, she carried on the business until 1850 when her son William took over. In 1895 one Thomas Saomes took over the inn. Soames was for many years a carrier to the parish, who when called upon would ride to intercept coaches with parcels or news.

The "Griffins Head" has seen and undergone many changes since first it was built. It started life as a wealden hall house and is now being caringly restored by its present owner. But although changes have taken place the historical character and atmosphere remains unchanged. So stay, enjoy the fayre and reflect on those bygone days.

According to Shepherd Neame, who now own the pub it was built during the reign of Edward I in 1286, originally as a farmhouse forming part of the estate of John de Chillenden until 1405, the building next came into the possession of the Baker family. During their ownership, it was given to the monks of All Saints Church, who farmed the land until 1539 - when they fell to victim to Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries. It remained a farm until the mid-18th century.

Ales and ciders had been brewed here for centuries and in 1743 a licence was granted so that the rector could hold suppers here. In 1766, with the dawn of the coaching era and the property being on the main Canterbury to Deal road, it was given a full licence and registered under the title of the Griffins Head.

Today, the Griffins Head is extremely popular, especially with the local Kent cricketing fraternity. The food is excellent, the beers are Shepherd Neame and its been voted 'Wine Pub of the Year'.

Also has facilities for Bat and Trap.

At the time of writing (2011) the landlord, Jerry Copestake has helicopter landing facilities in a field behind his house nearby – some customers do use it! There is also a strong farming element within its locals, and a rally of vintage and veteran cars is held there every first Sunday of the month.

Still a Shepherd Neame house, dogs are allowed in the upper bar if on a lead and not noisy and children are not allowed in the pub.

Superbly run by Jerry and Karen Copestake. The landlord has something of a reputation! He doesn't suffer fools gladly and if you behave in a crass fashion you will be told so in no uncertain terms and serve you right!

The Griffin's Head doesn't claim to be a gastro pub - it just IS one but doesn't feel the need to jump on the makeover/label bandwagon. It has too much taste for that!

The quality of the food and wine list is remarkable. There is no permanent menu but the menu changes according to the seasons. Despite not being on the menus they are happy to make sandwiches or provide a bowl of chips/cheesy chips. You will not be disappointed by the food itself or the presentation of the dishes. The wine list is extensive.

There is a tiny smock mill to the north of the village to complete the picture of the idyllic English pub.

From the Dover Telegraph, 5 January 1850.

The Dover Telegraph reported the death of landlady Mrs Rose Brooks on 5th January 1850.

From the Dover Express, 2 July, 1971.

The advert, with picture shown above showed Keith Davis as proprietor and the following text:-

Our Specialities:- Scampi in the basket 40p, Chicken a la Maison 50p, Snacks, Buffet, Parties catered for, Chillenden, near Wingham, Tel. Nonnington 325.

LICENSEE LIST

BAX Thomas 1740+