DOVER KENT ARCHIVES
PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1823-

(Name from)

King's Arms

Still open

63 Strand Street

(Sandwich)

1304 617330

King's Arms 1908

 Above, The King's Arms according to the postcard 18 April 1908.

King's Arms 2012 King's Arms 2012

Above photos shows the King's Arms in Sandwich. Photo taken by Paul Skelton 14 January 2012.

King's Arms plaqueKing's Arms sign
King's Arms 1930s

Above shows a watercolour circa 1930.

King's Arms date unknown

Above photo date unknown. By kind permission of the "King's Arms."

 

Formally the Queen's Arms and dates from 1592. The name the "King's Arms" has been traced back to 1823.

In the 16th century, The King's Arms was formerly The "Queen's Arms." It was named as a compliment to Queen Elizabeth I, who had stayed and been entertained nearby.

The pub is still a traditional English Inn with 6 rooms.

Kings Arms carving

Was a tied house for The East Kent Brewery at the turn of the century but now the Hotel is privately owned.

David G. Collier writes:- The "King's Arms" is rightly famed for its carvings, and an article I found in a back issue of The Mercury says of it: "In unexpected parts of the town, one comes across woodwork worthy of attention. The massive corner post of an old inn has its top wrought into a grotesque devil  crouched upon its haunches; the treatment of its hair is weird in appearance resembling tongues of flame, and no doubt the carver hoped to convey to passers-by a constant reminder of their possible fate in another world." Photo left kindly supplied by Patricia Streater who says "the carving has the numbers 15 (shown) and 92 on the other side, out of view. Front view by Paul Skelton.

Engraving

The above picture was kindly sent to me by Pete Hawkes, who says the above rare etching is titled; "Bracket Carved in Oak, at the Queen's Arms, Sandwich. Etched by H. W. Rolfe." Published in 1853 in a publication of "The Antiquarian Etching Club."

 

King's Arms fireplace

Above photo showing the fireplace.

From the Dover Express, 28 August 2003.

Judges' job at the bar.

THE winner of the district's best pub award this year is the King's Arms at Sandwich, with the "Smugglers" at St Margaret's and the Park Inn at Dover highly commended.

The results of the annual competition, organised by the White Cliffs Country Tourism Association, were announced at the association's general meeting at Goodnestone Park last week.

The team of judges visited more than 20 public houses, nominated by customers, throughout Dover, Deal, Sandwich and many villages.

The results were announced by district councillor and former guest house owner Roger Walkden, a member of the association, who was leader of the judges.

The judging criteria was which pubs were best for tourists.

Gary Virtue, owner of the "Park Inn," was delighted. He said: "I do a lot behind the scenes now, working closely with my manager and chef to keep standards up.

"I was delighted when I found out how well we'd done. I think about 20 other pubs were nominated, so it's not bad at all."

Manager of the "Park Inn," Tina Holley said: "I'm absolutely delighted with receiving the certificate."

 

From the Dover Express, 28 August 2008.

OUT OF TRENCHES AND INTO MODERN WORLD.

Duncan Woodruff

PLAYING a First World 1 War soldier who travels through time to the 1980s would be an interesting role for any young actor.

But for Duncan Woodruff it is even more alluring as it combines his enthusiasm for history with his passion for performing.

Duncan, who recently graduated from the University of Kent with a history degree, is looking forward to repeating the role of Jasper Everly in Trench Kiss for Platform Theatre Company next month.

And it is not only the part he is playing that is appealing, the location will be pretty interesting too.

It will be the first time the company has brought pub theatre to Sandwich, at The "King’s Arms Hotel."

The former Sir Roger Manwood’s student won’t have far to go to work, as he lives just down the road in Ash.

“I first played this role last April and I found it quite thought-provoking,” said Duncan.

“Although it is billed as a comedy there is a real poignancy to it.

“My character discovers that the world he fought to protect for future generations isn’t without its problems and flaws.

“I think he is quite sad at how it has turned out.”

Duncan is using his year after graduation to prepare himself for formal training as an actor. He has set his sights on drama school and hopes to gain a place next year.

“I suppose the plays I have been doing with Platform Theatre Company have been like work experience and should help me with my applications for drama college,” he said.

“You need to show a commitment to theatre and hopefully the work I have been doing will prove this.”

Duncan discovered an interest in performing when he went for vocal training and got involved in public speaking as a teenager. He decided to take a history degree as back-up.

“I realised when I left school that I wanted to pursue acting but knew it would make sense to have a degree behind me,’ he said.

TRENCH KISS

Trench Kiss is being staged at The "King's Arms Hotel" in Sandwich from Monday, September 1, to Wednesday, September 3, at 8pm. Tickets cost £10 and £8 concessions available by phoning 01843 601312 or 07930 545222.

 

 

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

 

LICENSEE LIST

PEARSON Thomas 1823-41+ Pigot's Directory 1823Pigot's Directory 1839Pigot's Directory 1840Census

GIBBS Charles L 1847-55+ Bagshaw's Directory 1847 (55 Publican directory)

TATNELL Mrs 1858+ Melville's 1858

MILDWATER Joseph 1862+ Kelly's 1862

ALCHIN John 1874+ Kelly's 1874Post Office Directory 1874

MILLS William 1878+ Post Office Directory 1878

WAREHAM George V 1882 Post Office Directory 1882

WAREHAM Mrs Sarah 1899-1903+ Kelly's 1899 (03 Publican directory)

BISHOP William Henry 1913 Post Office Directory 1913

AMES Archer Elgar 1918-38+ Post Office Directory 1918Post Office Directory 1922Post Office Directory 1930Kelly's 1934Post Office Directory 1938

BLISS Angharad H 1974+ Library archives 1974 Fremlins

MURPHY Mike & Pat 1994-98

BEARD Richard 1998-2012+

 

Pigot's Directory 1823From the Pigot's Directory 1823

Pigot's Directory 1839From the Pigot's Directory 1839

Pigot's Directory 1840From the Pigot's Directory 1840

Bagshaw's Directory 1847From Bagshaw Directory 1847

Melville's 1858From Melville's Directory 1858

Kelly's 1862From the Kelly's Directory 1862

Post Office Directory 1874From the Post Office Directory 1874

Kelly's 1874From the Kelly's Directory 1874

Post Office Directory 1878From the Post Office Directory 1878

Post Office Directory 1882From the Post Office Directory 1882

Kelly's 1899From the Kelly's Directory 1899

Post Office Directory 1913From the Post Office Directory 1913

Post Office Directory 1918From the Post Office Directory 1918

Post Office Directory 1922From the Post Office Directory 1922

Post Office Directory 1930From the Post Office Directory 1930

Kelly's 1934From the Kelly's Directory 1934

Post Office Directory 1938From the Post Office Directory 1938

Library archives 1974Library archives 1974

CensusCensus

 

If anyone should have any further information, or indeed any pictures or photographs of the above licensed premises, please email:-

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