68 King Street

Margate

Above photo date unknown.

The "Phoenix Inn" has certainly risen from the ashes, as it was closed for a period during the 1970s before re-opening as a free house.

The pub dates from 1764, and sits alone on the west side of King Street, where a broad stream once flowed past the pub en route to the sea. In fact, it flowed again in February 1953, after a terrible storm left the lower parts of Margate under deep flood water. A plaque just below the Phoenix bar counter shows how high the waters reached, but the row of terraced cottages which once flanked the inn have all gone. About 1876 the "Phoenix" was due to be surrounded by a new shopping centre.

Former Mayor of Margate, between 1930-31, Percy Bosworth Osborne fondly known as the "Optimistic Mayor", was found dead in a gas filled room at the pub in 1940.

I am informed that there used to be a brass plaque on the bar about 800mm from the floor which read "Height of Flood Water in 1953" and an arrow engraved in it, so the place must have been flooded in that year, although to date I haven't come across any reference to this.

Around  the 1990s I understand the premises was operating under the name of the "Gaslight Inn."

I am informed (2017) that the premises is now part of the bowling alley complex as it is situated just behind the complex fronting onto King Street.

LICENSEE LIST

GORE Richard 1839+

GOLDSACK William R 1858+

STILL Charles 1862-67+

MILES Charles 1871-82+ (age 32 in 1881)

MILES Charlotte Mrs 1890-91+

STIGANT Charlotte 1901-15 (age 61 in 1911)

AMES Thomas 1922+

INGRAM Harold George 1930+

TROTT Sydney 1938+

OSBORNE Percy Bosworth to 1940 dec'd

???? Duchan & Melitza late 1970s

???? Jacko 1980s

???? Sylvia late 1980s

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

http://www.closedpubs.co.uk/phoenix.html

Census

From the Kelly's Directory 1903