INDIA ARMS Pubs of Deal

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1680-

India Arms

Latest 1865

118 Beach Street

Deal

Picture printed in the East Kent Mercury 1st September, 1983, kindly supplied by Deal library.

The picture above shows a painting signed by S. Willey, and depicts the "India Arms," which was on the north side of King Street at its junction with Beach Street. One of the first references to the pub was in 1680 when the Inn Sign Tax was paid. The original painting is to be found at the Maritime and Local History Museum, St. George's Road, Deal.

Today, 2010 the premises holds the amusement arcade.

Above picture taken from Google maps 2010.

The earliest mention of this pub is in 1680 and at that time King Street had the name of Whetstone Street.

In July 1750 the premises was advertised in the local paper to be let or sold and inquiries to be made to Rob Cudden, Draper and in 1753 John Dixon had taken over the reigns.

From "The coldest place in England" by Tony Arnold, 1995.

The only Mayor of Deal to be accorded a military salute on his election was John Hollams, in 1796. A clothier, he had two years earlier raised a company of volunteers for William Pitt. He was a lieutenant in this company formed to resist an expected French invasion.

On his election as senior citizen on August 6, 1796, his sergeants went to the ramparts of Deal Castle and fired three rifle volleys, frightening many townspeople. After the volley the sergeants moved to the "India Arms," which used to stand at the top of King Street, and there toasted their officer and new Mayor.

From Laker 1917. Page 249.

Thomas Powell's diary 1703, Sunday

As I came by the "India Arms Inn" I saw a coach making ready to start for Canterbury. I sent for the coachman and told him, if he was not upon the King's business, he should not go until the next morning. He compiled with my request & forbore putting his horses in.

From Laker 1917. Page 298.

Deal Lodge on Free & Easy Johns held a meeting at the "India Arms, Thursday 21st February, 1794.

The "India Arms" is licensed continually from 1828 to 1872 and then appears in the Deal Licensing Register as "India Arms Wine Vaults," King Street. However the following newspaper advertisements appeared.

From the Deal, Walmer & District and Kingston Telegram, 1 January 1963.

Alex Bird, Wine and Spirit Merchants, "India Arms Vault," beach Street - Counting House in King Street.

From the Deal and Walmer Institute Journal, July 1965.

Alexander Bird - "India Arms Vault, 118 Beach Street.

Deal Licensing Register 1873 reported the "India Arms Wine Vaults," King Street - 6 days only and to close at 10 p.m.

The pub eventually closed during Bird's reign when he converted it into a private residence for him and his family, probably just after 1865.

LICENSEE LIST

CUDDEN Rob to 1750