DOLPHIN HOTEL Faversham

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Faversham, April, 2021.

Page Updated:- Tuesday, 06 April, 2021.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton & Rory Kehoe

Earliest 1768-

Dolphin Hotel

Latest 1951+

86 Preston Street

Faversham

Above photo, 1906, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above showing the Dolphin Hotel, circa 1920.

Above photo, circa 1933, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Dolphin Hotel date unknown.

Above picture from Google maps, May 2009 showing the position of the former "Dolphin Hotel."

Above sign left from the "Dolphin Hotel." Date unknown.

Above aluminium card issued June 1951. Sign series 3 number 12.

I have reference to this pub from the Kentish Gazette or Canterbury Chronicle September 1768, when the paper advertised the sale of household furniture of Colonel Parr, at his House in Burgate Street, Canterbury. It was stated that catalogues could be obtained from this public house. See Notes of 1768.

This was a free house until (I think) around WW1 when it was acquired by Ash's Dane John Brewery, Canterbury. A series of takeovers saw the Dolphin change ownership several times in the 1920s: Jude, Hanbury's Kent Brewery, Wateringbury acquired Ash's in 1923 and in 1929 the Dolphin became part of the combined tied estate of Jude, Hanbury's, Mackeson's Hythe Brewery and Frederick Leney's Phoenix Brewery in Wateringbury, all of which were under what became known as the infamous Whitbread "umbrella." Many more breweries were persuaded to take shelter under this, never to re-emerge!

In about 1932 the Dolphin was refurbished and when re-opened, it had been liveried up as a Mackeson house, as indeed all the former Jude, Hanbury houses were eventually. The swing sign, however, has Whitbread at the top and this too became standard for all Mackeson and Frederick Leney houses.

From the Kentish Gazette or Canterbury Chronicle, Wednesday 10 May to Saturday 13 May, 1769. Price 2½d.

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER

At the “Dolphin” at Faversham, in the County of Kent, on Thursday the 25th day of may Instant, between the hours of four and five o'clock in the afternoon.

All that capital Messuage, or Mansion-House, with the Coach-house, Stable, Outhouses, two very large Garden walled and in planted with Choice Fruit-trees, and other Conveniences and Appurtenances thereunto belonging. And also that small Messuage, with the Appurtenances thereto adjoining; all which premises are situate in Preston Street in the town of Faversham, and are now in the occupation of John Collett Mawhood, Esq. or his Undertenants.

For further particulars, enquire Mr. Morgan at Mr. Hinde's, Attorney at Law, at Milton.

From the Kentish Gazette, 11 October 1775.

FAVERSHAM. To be SOLD by AUCTION.

On Saturday, the 21st of October, at the "Dolphin-Inn," between the Hours of Three and Four in the Afternoon, in one Lot.

One Messuage, with the Appurtenances; situate on the West Side of Court street, in the Town of Faversham; some Time since in the Occupation of Mr. John Clare, Surgeon, deceased, and now untenanted. The Premises consist of a Shop, three Parlours, Kitchen, Wash-house, Cellars and Garrets, Stable, Hayloft, and other Out-buildings, with a good Garden Spot, and Outlet by a Back-gate to any Part of the Town.

Also one other small Messuage; situate in Conduit row, in the Town of Faversham aforesaid, adjoining to the Garden of the other Messuage, and now in the Occupation of John Stone.

The Estate is Freehold, and may he viewed by applying to Mr. Tappenden, Attorney at Law, in Faversham.

From the Kentish Gazette, 10 July 1838.

Faversham, July 6.

The Sessions of the Peace for the town of Faversham took place on Thursday last. John Gibbons was found guilty of stealing a pewter pint pot from the "Dolphin Inn," the property of Mr. J. Hodges.

John Taylor was found guilty of stealing a quantity of coals, the property of Mr. C. Drayson. Both the above prisoners were sentenced to one month’s imprisonment each.

Margaret Heywood charged with stealing two shillings, the property of Thomas Thurston,—acquitted. The prosecutor to pay expenses.

Kentish Gazette, 17 August 1852.

DOLPHIN INN. COMMERCIAL HOUSE,

PRESTON STREET. FAVERSHAM.

EDWARD PILCHER. (Late of the "Swan Inn," Charing),

RESPECTFULLY informs his Friends and the Public that he has taken the "Dolphin Inn," and made extensive improvements in the House and Premium, and an entirely new and lofty Carriage Entrance.

Superior Beds; Viands, Wines, Spirits, and Malt Liquor of the First Quality, at exceedingly moderate charges. Private Sitting Rooms, excellent Coffee and Dining ditto, good Stabling and Carriage Horses.

Omnibuses leave the "Dolphin" daily to meet the Trains at the North Kent Railway Station at Strood.

From the Faversham Gazette, Saturday 4 August 1855.

AQUATIC EXCURSION TO ROCHESTER.

John Skinner, of the "Dolphin Inn," Preston Street, Faversham, begs to inform his friends and the public generally, that he has engaged the fast and commodious Steam Boat, the "Alma," for an aquatic excursion to Rochester, on Thursday next, August 9, 1855.

The boat will leave the Standard Quay, at eight o'clock, a.m. and arrive at Rochester at half-past ten. On her return she will leave Strood Pier at a quarter before six, and Chatham at six, p.m., in order to arrive before darkness sets in.

The company will have the gratification of witnessing the ships of war at Sheerness, and also the gun-boats and floating batteries which are destined to strike terror in the strongholds of our common enemy; after which they will proceed up the Medway (which nature has blest with unparalleled picturesque scenery) to Rochester, where a deputation from the ancient city will be in readiness to receive them, and to offer their services in conducting them over the venerable Cathedral, the antique Castle, and other ancient buildings in the vicinity. Chatham Dock-yard will also be open for their inspection.

J. S. has entered into arrangements with the Railway authorities, to transfer any of his patrons to the fashionable resort at Rosherville, at a small additional charge.

The Packet, accompanied by an excellent Band engaged for the occasion, will arrive at the Standard Quay, Faversham.

N. B. Refreshments of every description may be obtained on board, at the most reasonable charges.

A Convivial Meeting will be held on the evening prior to, and on the arrival of, the Excursionists, at the "Dolphin Inn," at which the band will attend.

From the Faversham Gazette, Saturday 25 August 1855.

FIRE.

A fire which might have been attended with very serious consequences was discovered at the "Dolphin Inn," about six o'clock on Friday morning, in a bed-room, in which two of the landlord's children sleep. It appears that the eldest, a boy about 10 years of age, was dressing at the time, and trod on a lucifer match, which instantaneously set the bed clothes on fire. The little fellow had the presence of mind to pull his younger sister, who was asleep at the time, out of the flames, and immediately gave alarm. The fire was quickly extinguished by Mr. Skinner, with the assistance of his ostler, but not until the bed furniture and the child's clothes had been consumed.

From the Faversham Gazette, and Whitstable, Sittingbourne, and Milton Journal, Saturday 13 October, 1855.

DOLPHIN INN AND COMMERCIAL HOTEL.

Preston Street, Faversham.

John Skinner begs to return his sincere thanks to those friends who have so kindly supported him since taking the above Inn, and at the same time assures then that they will ever be his constant endeavour to deserve the encouragement he now solicits.

Superior Wines and Spirits, Good Stabling and carriage Houses.

From FAVERSHAM GAZETTE 16 February 1856.

DOLPHIN INN.

John Skinner Begs to inform his Friends and the Public generally, that he has purchased a considerable quantity of Wine and Spirits, which he now offers for Sale at the Lowest Prices.

From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald. 7 September 1867. Price 1d.

FAVERSHAM. CRICKET.

Faversham Juniors v. Sittingbourne and Borden Juniors.

The return match between the above was played on the ground at St. Ann's Road, last Monday, resulting in a victory for Faversham, as the subjoined score shows. In the evening the players took tea together at Mr. Rogers', "Dolphin Inn," and spent an hour or two in innocent enjoyment. It should be stated that the match was played for a ball, which was exhibited in the tea room, decorated with blue ribbon.

On Thursday May 28, 1908 a fire started in the early hours of the morning around from the premises fronting the Market Street area on the south to the rear of the "Dolphin Hotel." The fire spread behind Preston Street as far as the "Dolphin Hotel" where the scullery and harness room were burned. Behind the corner of the street, the printing works of Messrs Voile and Roberson suffered damage and a corporation cottage was burned. The premises most severely damaged were those of Henry S. Tett and J. H. Curling.

The area today is the main car park to the town.

The above photograph show fire-fighters in action, although the picture was actually mocked up after the fire had been extinguished.

Above photo showing the aftermath and extent of the fire in 1908.

The Dundee Courier and Advertiser, Friday 29 August, 1947.

Widowed on her wedding day.

Donald James Thompson (29), of the "Dolphin Hotel," Faversham, died a few hours after his marriage. His bride was Miss Freda Robinson (23), Gravesend.

Before their wedding at Gravesend, Mr. Thompson complained of feeling unwell. He appeared better at the reception. He and his bride later left for Greenhithe, where they were to stay the night at the home of the bride's brother.

Shortly after arriving there Mr. Thompson became ill. He was put to bed and died while the bride was reading telegrams of good wishes.

Hull Daily Mail, Friday 29 August 1947.

No inquest will be held on Donald Thompson (29), of the "Dolphin Hotel," Faversham, who died a few hours after his marriage to Miss Freda Robinson, of Gravesend, at Holy Trinity Church, Gravesend. Death was due to natural causes.

From an email received 16 January 2020.

Mark Whyman kindly sent me the picture below of a salt-glazed flagon with the name John Hodges, Faversham printed on it. That would date it to circa 1840.