63 Strand Street

(Sandwich)

1304 617330

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

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

Above shows a watercolour circa 1930.

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.

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.

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."

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."

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

LICENSEE LIST

PEARSON Thomas 1823-40

GIBBS Charles L 1847-55+ (55 Publican directory)

TATNELL Mrs 1858+

MILDWATER Joseph 1862+

ALCHIN John 1874+

MILLS William 1878+

WAREHAM George V 1882

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

BISHOP William Henry 1913

AMES Archer Elgar 1918-38+

BLISS Angharad H 1974+ Fremlins

MURPHY Mike & Pat 1994-98

BEARD Richard 1998-2012+

From the Pigot's Directory 1823

From the Pigot's Directory 1839

From the Pigot's Directory 1840

From Bagshaw Directory 1847

From Melville's Directory 1858

From the Kelly's Directory 1862

From the Post Office Directory 1874

From the Kelly's Directory 1874

From the Post Office Directory 1878

From the Post Office Directory 1882

From the Kelly's Directory 1899

From the Post Office Directory 1913

From the Post Office Directory 1918

From the Post Office Directory 1922

From the Post Office Directory 1930

From the Kelly's Directory 1934

From the Post Office Directory 1938

Library archives 1974