07984853305

111 Old Dover Road

(Capel-Le-Ferne)

Above photographs by Paul Skelton 15 Sept 2007

Above photo of Capel Court 2000 by kind permission Lighthouse.

Above photo of Capel Court 1930 by kind permission Lighthouse.

Information below from a plaque at the Lighthouse Inn.

History of The Lighthouse Inn and Restaurant.

In 1840 The Lighthouse Inn, as it is known today, was in two parts, Vineyard Lodge, which was used as a wine and ale house, and Capel Lodge where travellers would rest during their journey.

An agricultural labourer, his wife and four daughters owned the property in 1851. They renamed the two buildings "New Vine House" and "Old Vine House".

In 1870 Baptist Minister Thomas Briggs lived here with his wife, six children and three servants. He renamed it Capel Lodge. John Marsh, an agricultural labourer, and wife Elizabeth, together with granddaughter Alice Dawkins, occupied the other building.

By 1855 a new wing was added. This may have been the time that the two buildings were joined together. The bungalow, which stands in the car park, was also built at this time, possibly to serve as a gatehouse. We know that it was later used as a billiard hall.

In 1887 Dr Norton and his wife ran it as a convalescing home. His wife was the sister of Emma, who was the wife of Mr. Fred Weston who bought a piece of land on the cliff edge directly in front of Capel Lodge at the turn of the century. He built a house there called Eagles Next, which slid, intact, into the Warren during the night of the biggest recorded landslip in December 1915.

After the war it was owned by Dr. Martin who ran it as a home for psychiatric patients. Miss Veronica Huthwaite ran the other part of the building as a small hotel with a riding stable.

In 1967 extensive renovations took place and ownership changed to Mrs. Laxton together with her daughter and son-in-law, Pat Hollis. They ran it as Capel Court Country Club. They also had caravans to let. Jean and Harry Dunn owned a caravan here and decided to buy Capel Court in 1975. They also ran it as a Country Club.

In 1985, a Mr and Mrs. Dudley arrived. They continued to run it as a Country Club. The Channel Tunnel workers, formally known as the "Channel Tunnel Tigers" were based here during the building of the tunnel.

In February 1998 the Hinton family bought Capel Court and, after six months refurbishment, open on August 10th 1998 under the new name "The Lighthouse".

In July 2005 The Lighthouse was taken over by Mr. Alan Bowles, owner of London and Edinburgh Inns and Swallow Hotels. It is being run by Bob and Alison Tappenden. A few changes have been made but only for the better.

Many thanks to the owners for allowing me to use the above information.

As of late 2010 the pub unfortunately closed, but I have been informed November 2011 that the Fore Sale sign has been removed, so here's hoping it's about to open again.

Just been informed (10 December 2011) that the premises is currently undergoing renovations and should be open again by Easter 2012.

Visit their Website:- www.thelighthouse-inn.co.uk

LICENSEE LIST

HINTON 1998-2005

TAPPENDEN Bob and Alison 2005-Sept/10+

REES Stephen to open May/2012