DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Walmer, November, 2023.

Page Updated:- Sunday, 19 November, 2023.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1801

Lord Nelson

Latest 31 Dec 2010 (Name to)

50 Strand

Lower Walmer

https://whatpub.com/lord-nelson

Lord Nelson date unknown

Above photograph 1926.

Lord Nelson 1952

Above photo 1952. Creative Commons Licence.

Lord Nelson ledger

Thompson & Son ledger. Creative Commons Licence.

Lord Nelson 2011 Lord Nelson closing sign 2011

Above photographs by Tony Wells, 1st January 2011.

Lord Nelson in Deal Lord Nelson sign in Deal

Coloured photographs by Paul Skelton 2008.

Lord Nelson sign above, July 1993.

Above with thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com

 

From the East Kent Mercury 8 December 2011

Last orders by Steve Glover and Michael Rogers.

The "Lord Nelson" gained its name in 1801, at a time when Deal and Walmer were teaming with military personnel. The local barracks were full to the brim and makeshift housing was swiftly erected along The Strand (then known as Walmer Road) as overflow accommodation for the servicemen. Small wooden dwellings, often housing their families, were painted navy blue, thus earning the area the nickname of ‘Bluetown'. Regrettably, the "Lord Nelson" lost its Victorian interior some years ago after over-zealous modernisation. Older locals remember it as a bustling, place where Royal Marines and locals mixed alike. Now it stands empty and forlorn, having closed its doors on February 22, 2011.

 

 

Incorporating "Trafalgars restaurant", the "Lord Nelson" is situated in Lower Walmer now on the Strand and could be the oldest pub in Walmer, although further research has found that perhaps the "True Briton" is. The Strand was previously called the Walmer Road but was renamed in the 1840s. I am also informed that the Strand has also been referred to as the High Road, and York Road, just behind it as Back Road.

The pub was named the "Lord Nelson" some time after a visit by Horatio Nelson in 1801.

A serious fire gutted the building in 1870 but it was rebuilt to the house we see today.

 

Lord-Nelson-Walmer-pre-1870

A gentleman called John recently sent me the above picture, which may or may not be the original "Lord Nelson" before the rebuild after the 1870 fire. If anyone has any thoughts on this please email.

From an email received 18 December 2010.

I am Trevor Hatton, I did the pix for Steve Glover and Michael Rogers' book 'the old pubs of Deal and Walmer'. We looked at that 1870?? picture, it is not of Walmer. In fact it looks more like somewhere in France or Belgium, notwithstanding the English sign.

Trev.

 

Kentish Gazette, 29 November 1803.

On Thursday died Mr. Simmons, wife of Mr. T. Simmons, of the "Lord Nelson" public-house, at Walmer, who has left a numerous family to lament' the loss of a good parent.

 

Kentish Gazette, 11 February, 1806.

DEAL and WALMER.

To be SOLD by PRIVATE CONTRACT.

A Good, substantial, and convenient BREW-HOUSE., with the Store-houses, Yard and Appurtenances. in the Parish of WALMER late in the occupation of Mr. George Quested: A capital Inn, called the "Three King's Inn," with sundry Stables, a good Billiard Room, and Yards and Appurtenances, in the town of DEAL, now in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Cross.

A Freehold Public House, in Deal, called the "Black Bull," now in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Jelly.

Another Public House, in Deal, called the "Duke’s Head," now in the occupation of Mr. John Carlton.

Another Public House, in Deal, called the "Three Kings Tap," now in the occupation of Mr. Robert Simmons.

Another Public House, in Walmer, called the "Union Flag," now in the occupation of Mr. Francis Simmons.

Another Public House, in Walmer, called the "Lord Nelson," now in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Simmons.

A convenient Dwelling-House, in Broad-street, in Deal, late in the occupation of Mr. Quested, and now of Mr. Ladd.

Another Dwelling-House in Deal, near the old Market-place, late the "Fleur-de-Lis" Public House.

For particulars apply at the office of Mr. May, in Deal.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 22 March 1842.

A few days ago a fatal accident occurred in the Downs to a youth named Thomas Carter, a native of Yarmouth. It appears that the ill-fated lad had been furling the sails, and while making his way down, fell from the cross-trees to the deck. On examination, the skull was found extensively fractured, the right shoulder dislocated, and left thigh broken. The unfortunate Bufferer lingered in the greatest agony for two days before death granted him relief. An inquest has been held on the body before R. J. Emmerson, Esq., coroner for Sandwich, at the "Lord Nelson," Walmer Road.

Verdict, "Accidental Death."

 

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 7 November, 1846. Price 5d.

DEATH

October 29th, at Walmer, Mr. Robert Hookham, of the "Nelson Inn," aged 36 years.

 

From Kentish Gazette 02 June 1863.

WALMER. SHIP'S DINING TABLE AND LIFE BOAT.

On Thursday a novel scene presented itself opposite the "Lord Nelson" Inn, to witness the display of an invention by Capt. Sayer, R.N., of Statenborough, Eastry. Shortly after 12 o'clock a waggon arrived containing a small parcel of what appeared to be fir wood, but which, after taken out of the waggon, was very soon converted into a dining table, with seats all round it. A cloth was spread on it, and a dinner provided by Mr. Ford, landlord of the "Lord Nelson Inn," was served up. The spread consisted of the good old English cheer of roast beef and plum pudding, and Capt. Sayer, Mr. H. Marsh, and four boatmen having done ample justice to it, the table was in four minutes converted into a life boat. The boat was launched, and Captain Sayer, Mr. H. Marsh, and the four boatmen that had recently dined on it proceeded out in the Downs. They rowed round a vessel, and found that the boat answered admirably. With her six occupants she did not draw 6 inches of water. When she returned to the shore, the Royal Marines were paraded near the spot and their commanding officer allowed them to break off for a short time to view the invention. As the boat neared the shore admirably, the Marines gave the crew three hearty cheers. As soon as she beached Mr, Marsh and the boatmen jumped out, but, at the request of the Royal Marines the gallant captain retained his seat, and they shouldered the boat (with the captain in it) and carried him to the waggon. The boat is constructed of inch fir, and is about 16 feet long, 3 feet 6 inches wide, and about 2 feet 6 inches deep. The sides are on hinges, and are fastened together with nuts and bolts. Her thwarts also have nuts and bolts to fasten to her sides, and she is fitted with a small rudder and oars. If required for a table by taking out the nuts and bolts and reversing her sides, a table is formed sufficiently large to dine 30 people, and her thwarts make the forms. If not wanted for a table the boat may be stowed away in a very small space of not more than 2 inches in thickness.

 

From the East Kent Mercury, June 1904.

The five-year old daughter of landlord, Charles Gladwell, was playing outside the public house when she was run over by a milk cart as she crossed the road and suffered severe grazing to her ear and face as the wheel passed over her.

 

 

Around 1936 when the pub was under the reign of Arthur William White it became a hotel.

 

A Charrington & Co. outlet in 1974. Library archives 1974

 

The Trafalgar restaurant open in 2009.

 

From the Dover Express, 3 September, 2009

Luxury lunch ends as fast food

Happy ending after spoilt celebration

Report by Yamurai Zendera

A COUPLE planning to celebrate their wedding anniversary in style after winning a voucher for a free gourmet lunch for two ended up tucking into a McDonald's after being told the token was void.

Jean and Paul Jenings

Jean Jennings, 56, of Tower Hamlets Road, Dover, won a two-course Sunday lunch for two at the Trafalgar Restaurant, Lord Nelson pub, in Walmer, in a Christmas raffle last year.

So cleaner Jean and her machine-operator husband Paul, 51, booked to go on Sunday, August 23 - the eve of Jean's 56th birthday and two days before their eighth wedding anniversary.

But when they arrived, their romantic day quickly turned sour as the restaurant's new owner told them their token was no longer valid because it was issued before he took over.

So the cheesed-off couple drove back to Dover, where Paul, to salvage the day, bought Jean a CD player as a birthday present. Then the pair nipped into McDonald's, in Biggin Street, for some fast food.

Reflecting on how the day went horribly wrong, Jean, who is in remission from breast cancer, said: "I was so angry with the restaurant in Walmer. We drove all the way there for nothing. It was meant to be a birthday and anniversary treat."

But when The Express contacted the restaurant's new owner, Stefan Godden, the big-hearted businessman offered the Jennings a free meal for two to make up for the disappointment.

When we told the Jennings, who have two children between them, of Stefan's kind offer, they said: "We are very grateful to him for doing that. It's such a nice gesture. We'll definitely go there."

 

From the Dover Express, 24 September, 2009

Stefan takes the helm of his own restaurant at 20

It's nerve-wracking but satisfying says entrepreneur

Report by Yamurai Zendera

Stefan Godden

WHILE others his age are studying or scraping by on student loans, 20-year-old Stefan Godden is busy running his own restaurant.

Stefan is the new owner of Nelson's Galley, in Walmer, which is inside the Lord Nelson's pub, on the Strand.

The former Channel School pupil, who has worked in kitchens since he was 14, said he has been on a steep learning curve since taking on the business.

He said: "It's nerve-wracking having your own business. It gives you a lot of understanding on how to handle your money. There is still lots I have to learn, but I really want this to succeed."

Stefan said he decided to buy the restaurant as he can see potential for further growth.

He said: "It was a perfect opportunity. I worked here before and I got gifted the opportunity to take it. I reckon I can give something Deal has not got. Deal has not got anything like this. Everything here is about seafood."

Enterprising Stefan said he intends to change the name of the restaurant to Nelson's Galley and Grill Family Restaurant, and turn it into a venue attracting families. He is planning to showcase a new menu on Friday, October 9 at 6pm, which the public is welcome to attend. He said: "The business is not doing too bad at the moment, but I want to launch a new menu focused on grills, steaks, gammons and pies.

"I'm also concentrating on Christmas. People will have to pre-book for Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.

"When a customer walks out of my restaurant happy it's a great feeling as I know we've done a good job."

 

 

Information I have received tells me that unfortunately the current licensee is very ill in hospital and the pub has had to close. 2011.

Information received in May 2014 says the pub is open again, but operating under the new name of the "Lighthouse."

 

LICENSEE LIST

SIMMONDS William Bunce 1801-11

SIMMONS Tomas 1806+

HOLTON William 1811-12

STURGES John 1812-15

GRAVES James 1815-16

SCOTT Francis 1816-19

COULDER James 1819-21

ELLEN Thomas 1828+ Pigot's Directory 1828-29 (Walmer Road)

ELLEN Sarah 1828-1840s (Pigot's Directory 1832-34Pigot's Directory 1839Pigot's Directory 1840 HELLEN, Walmer Road)

HOOKHAM John 1840s+

SMITH Benjamin 1847+ Bagshaw's Directory 1847

HOOKHAM William 1851+ (age 75 in 1851Census)

MARSH Henry 1854-62 (age 48 in 1861Census) Melville's 1858

FOORD Silas 1862-66 Kelly's 1862

HANBROOK John 1866-74

WILLEY Simeon 1874-78 Kelly's 1874Post Office Directory 1874

BARRETT Harry 1878-89 Post Office Directory 1882

WELLARD William 1889+

BATCHELOR Richard 1891+ (age 37 in 1891Census)

WILLIAMS N S 1898+

DOUGHTY James Randall 1899+ Kelly's 1899

GLADWELL Charles 1903-13 Kelly's 1903

WHITE Arthur 1913 dec'd

GLADWELL Minnie B Mrs 1913+ Post Office Directory 1913

WHITE Mrs A 1914 Deal library 1914

PHILLIPS Mrs Alice 1918-30+ Post Office Directory 1918Post Office Directory 1922Post Office Directory 1930

WHITE Arthur William 1934-38+ Kelly's 1934Post Office Directory 1938

HARDING A 21/Dec/1939-1957

JOLLY A F 1957-1963+

GOODMAN Bob & Dulcie 1969-72

AUSTEN James R 1972-74+ Library archives 1974 Charrington & Co

CLIFT Thomas & STAPLETON Lesley 1985+

LUNN Christopher 1994-98

OLIVER Phil 1998+ 

BURNETT Richard & Bernadette 2004-31/Dec/2010

https://pubwiki.co.uk/LordNelson.shtml

 

Pigot's Directory 1828-29From the Pigot's Directory 1828-29

Pigot's Directory 1832-34From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34

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 1882From the Post Office Directory 1882

Kelly's 1899From the Kelly's Directory 1899

Kelly's 1903From the Kelly's Directory 1903

Post Office Directory 1913From the Post Office Directory 1913

Deal library 1914Deal Library List 1914

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

Dover TelegraphFrom the Dover Telegraph

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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