CHEQUERS Pub of Canterbury

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Canterbury, August, 2022.

Page Updated:- Wednesday, 03 August, 2022.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1848+

(Name from)

Chequers

Latest 1848

(Name to)

15 High Street

Canterbury

According to Edward Wilmot in his book "Inns of Canterbury" this house was originally called the "Queen's Head," changing name to the "White Horse" in 1837 and then the "Chequers" for a few years until 1848 when it changed name again to the "Bell." However I have reference to Edward Christie being the licensee of the same "White Horse" in 1847 and moving to the "Mermaid" in April of 1848.

Further research also sees this turn up under the name of the "Chequers" in the Pigot's Directory of 1824, and again another mention in 1852. Perhaps Edward Wilmot got the order of names wrong.

However, I have also found reference to another "Chequer" also addressed as High Street, but as early as 1733. I am wondering if this refers to the "Chequer of the Hope."

Kentish Gazette, 29 June 1852.

An alarm of fire was raised in the High Street of this city on Monday evening about 9 o'clock, and the Phoenix engine was quickly brought to the spot. It proved, however, to be mearly the ignition of a fool chimney, at the back premises of Mr. Dunn, hair-dressers, of High Street, which, for a short time, poured forth volumes of flame, sparks and smoke. These premises form part of the "Chequers Inn," famed in the antique annuals of Canterbury as a resort of pilgrims bound to the shrine of Thomas A'Becket.

LICENSEE LIST

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

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