ROYAL OAK INN Pubs of Dover

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Barry Smith and Paul Skelton

Earliest 1753

Royal Oak Inn and Commercial Hotel

Latest 1893

9 Cannon Street

The Royal Oak public house was the main stage coach station in Dover in the early 1780's and was situated just opposite St. Mary's Church. Coaches used to leave for London at 4am and 6 am. It was removed when the street was widened in 1890.

By kind permission of Dover Library. ILL/611.

A view of Cannon Street between 1875 and 1895 showing right to left Amos, Ladies Outfitter and Ironmonger, Philpotts Royal Oak hotel and stables opposite Standens Draper and Cabinet maker business, and Colonnade prior to demolition: old Dover disappearing for widening before the turn of the century.

It is believed that the "Royal oak" had existed there since the Stuart days, and that it was named after the oak in which Charles II hid himself. These features disappeared in the widening of Cannon Street in 1893. Prior to that date the street was both crooked and narrow, and in earlier days it had been narrower still, the footway on the east side previous to the rebuilding of the church in 1843 having passed over a part of the churchyard, and after the rebuilding that part was permanently added to the street. The Royal Oak Rooms, at the back of the "Royal Oak" Inn, Cannon Street, were used for many years for public meetings, balls and banquets. The Dover Corn Market, also, was held there, and the "Royal Oak" yard was the "putting-up" place of coaches, omnibuses and carriers' vans - a rendezvous for country folk such as no longer exists in Dover. The Deal coaches made the "Royal Oak" yard their terminus until they ceased to run on the opening of the Dover and Deal Railway in 1881.

Information taken from John Bavington Jones' book "A Perambulation of the Town, Port and Fortress of Dover", 1906. (Reprint in The South Kent Gazette, July 25th, 1979.)

Above photo, by kind permission of Dover Library, ILL/609.

Cannon Street in the 1890's before widening showing Chidwicks, tobacconist, Sutton's toy shop, Royal Oak Hotel, Wright Brothers, ironmongers, Harts, outfitters and pawnbrokers - on the corner of Market street - and, opposite Standen's, draper and cabinet maker, with colonnade labelled Lot 1.

The picture to the left shows a watercolour by Tucker of Cannon Street and the Royal Oak in about 1850.

Showing the Colonnade on the left, demolished in the 1890s for road widening. Next to the Royal Oak is Chidwick's the tobacconist's shop.

I doubt if an oak stood on this site for Charles to hide in but its origin was said to be in the time of the Stuarts. Alterations in January 1980 disclosed an old fourteenth century doorway which suggested a priest's residence associated with the church opposite.

Its rooms were used for meetings and concerts as well as trade and its extensive yard, with livery stables, was used by coaches and vans. The populace of the surrounding villages congregated here and coaches from Eythorne and Nonington ran every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, returning the same day. Two operators ran coaches from Whitfield, both on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, making the round trip. Coaches from Folkestone arrived here every day except Wednesday and Sunday, returning the same day. Coaches for Deal left the inn every day and the London coaches left daily at four a.m. and six p.m. stopping at Canterbury, Sittingbourne, Rochester and Dartford.

We know of its presence in 1770 but its demise, like so many others, was the result of a road widening. That had already been started in 1858, when the frontages between New Street and the inn had been set back.

From the Kentish Post or Canterbury News-Letter, April 18-21, 1753. Kindly sent from Alec Hasenson.

Advert: George Adams, late Master of the Dover Caravan, has taken the Royal Oak near the Market Place in Dover.

From the Kentish Gazette, June 9-12, 1770. Kindly sent from Alec Hasenson.

Sale of Household furniture at the Royal Oak in Dover, June 18, 1770.

From the Kentish Gazette, November 6 – 10, 1789. Kindly sent from Alec Hasenson.

Auction of a "Freehold Messuage", November 11, at the sign of the Royal Oak in Dover.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 23 November, 1833. Price 7d.

The Catch and Glee Club, at the "Royal Oak," has commenced for the seventh season, with a very considerable increase of patronage; and Epps continues his usual urbanity. The third evening was on Tuesday last, when as on the former meetings, there was a very crowded room; and the overtures, Sophonisha, Italian in Algiers, William Tell, and Sargino, were delightfully performed. The leader, Mr. Harrison, will have his concert on Tuesday, the 10th December, until when, the Club do not again meet; every member wishing to shew that encouragement due to the service of so deserving a young man, and on which occasion the usual beauty and fashion will doubtless grace the room.

A Glee club is a musical group, historically of male voices but also of female or mixed voices, which traditionally specializes in the singing of short songs—glees—by trios or quartets. The first named Glee Club was founded in Harrow School, in London, England, in 1787.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 30 November, 1833. Price 7d.

The meetings of the Friendly Musical Society at the "Royal Oak Inn" being suspended this winter, the Anacicontle Society has been revived at the "Fleece Tavern," under the presidency of G. W. Gravener, Esq. An orchestra of amateurs has been formed, and no doubt is entertained of the societies recovering the celebrity is formerly acquired.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 8 February, 1834. Price 7d.

Valuable Freehold Mills, Capital, Messuage and Garden, Farm and Lands, at Buckland, near Dovor.

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION BY

MR. GEORGE HARRISSON,

At the Royal Oak Inn, Dovor, on Saturday, the 5th March, 1834, between the hours of One and Three in the afternoon., (by order of the Commissioners under a Fiat of Bankruptcy against Mr. William Kingsford.)

ALL THOSE FREEHOLD CORN AND PAPER MILLS, Capital Messuage, Garden, Farm and Lands, situated in the Parish of Buckland, in the County of Kent, and late in the occupation of the said Bankrupt.

Particulars will be given in future Advertisements, an information may be obtained of Mr. Surrage, Solicitor, Sandwich; Messrs. Shipdem and Ledger, Mr. Kennett, and Mr. E. Elwin, Solicitors, Dovor; and of the Auctioneer, Barton Farm, near Dovor.

Dovor, February 6th, 1834.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 26 September, 1840. Price 5d.

A Temperance Tea party was held on Thursday afternoon at the Royal Oak Rooms, to which a Teetotal meeting was appended, in the same place in the evening. Though enlivened only by the circling teacup, the speakers exhibited a great deal of spirit in their several addresses; and portrayed in strong terms the ill effects of intoxicating drinks, and the beneficial results of Teetotalism. Several signatures were added to the list of members.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 26 December, 1840. Price 5d.

On Wednesday last a female servant at the Royal Oak, while at work in the hall, fell down and broke her arm. We understand another woman, one day this week, had her leg broken in Snargate Street.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 31 August, 1844.

Henry Garlinge, William Bass, and William Frost, charged with being found in the “Royal Oak Tap” for an unlawful purpose. Mr. Hudson the landlord, stated that early on Sunday morning, his wife hearing a noise in the house, he got up, and on going down stairs saw three men in the tap-room, who immediately ran out. He called for assistance, and on going into the yard saw two or three other persons, who were getting over the wall. He could identify Garlinge and Bass, as being two of the persons in the tap-room, but not Frost. On examining the door he found that the lock had been forced back. He then fastened the door and went to bed, and between one and two o’clock he was again awoke by hearing a noise by breaking tiles. He called his son and went out of the front door to find the police, and meeting with sergeant Laker, returned with him and two of the police. On entering the house his son said that the men had just run round the corner down York Street, on which the police followed them. Sergeant Laker stated that on going down York Street, he apprehended Bass and Frost on the Folkestone Road. Garlinge was apprehended at his father’s house about four o’clock in the morning.

The landlord on being recalled, stated that he missed nothing from the tap-room, as there were only tables and chairs in the room. He could not say what their intention was in entering the house. On examining the roof of the out-house, the tiles were found to be broken where they had forced an entrance. The bench decided, that there was not sufficient evidence to prove a felonious intent, and the prisoners were discharged on payment of 1s. each.

We almost regret this lenient decision of the Bench, as we understood on the following morning (Tuesday) some person broke open the out-house of the “Royal Oak Tap,” and three fowls were stolen therefrom.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 21 February, 1846.

February 20th, at Dover, deeply regretted, Mrs. Mowll, of the "Royal Oak Hotel," aged 49.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 19 February, 1848. Price 5d.

David Walsh, private 17th regiment, charged with stealing a quantity of rope, and netting needles, from the "Royal Oak Tap." It appeared that on the articles being missed, information was given that a soldier had been seen coming from the back of the premises early in the morning, on which application was made at the barracks; and on searching, the missing property was found under Walsh's bed.

Sergeant Kelly stated that shortly after seven o'clock, Walsh came to him in the barrack yard, saying he had found the articles on the hill; and that he afterwards took them into the canteen, where he made no attempt to conceal them. It was also proved that Walsh had been in barracks the whole night, and the case was dismissed.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 18 March, 1848. Price 5d.

CORONER'S INQUEST

An inquest was held on Monday, at the "Royal Oak Tap," Dover, before G. T. Thompsom, Esq., Coroner for the Borough, relative to the death of Edward Alexander Horn, a child ages 3 months. The jury having been sworn, and Mr. W. R. Mowll appointed foreman, the investigation was commenced, when the following evidence was adduced:-

Mary Ann Horn, mother of deceased, stated: I live in Youden's Court; the child from its birth was healthy, and never required medical advice. About half-past five on Thursday morning I suckled deceased, and he appeared quite well; I then placed him in the hollow of my arm, the bed clothes come up to his chin and my shoulder; he was then quiet, and I fell asleep. I woke up about a quarter past six, on my husband coming home from duty. Shortly after, not finding the child breathe, I looked at him, and he appeared dead. I awoke my husband, and he went for Dr. Rutyley, who arrived within a quarter of an hour; but he said he could do nothing for the child, neither could he tell the cause of death.

Thomas Alexander Horn, policeman, and father of deceased, deposed: On Thursday morning I left my duty at six. I then went to bed, and slept about half an hour, when I was awoke by my wife, who said something was the matter with the child. I took him in my arms and his mouth and eyes opened. I then ran for the doctor.

The jury then adjourned till this day, for the purpose of a post mortem of the body,

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 26 August, 1848. Price 5d.

DOVER PETTY SESSIONS

Jesse Thomas charged with an assault on Mary Ann Hills. Complainant stated that she was at the "Royal Oak Tap" on Wednesday evening, when defendant, without any provocation, struck her a violent blow in the face.

Thomas, in his defence, said he was drinking with some soldiers, one of whom was very flush with his money, and after treating with drink, changed a £5 note. Complainant and others endeavoured to get him into their company, and in preventing which, he pushed complainant away. Fined 10s., including costs, and in default committed to prison for 14 days.

September 1864 saw the property, then in the occupation of Mr. Stephen Philpott, put to auction by "Jeken & Co's" Brewery Estate, with its extensive outbuildings, stables, corn market room and the appurtenances belonging thereto. It was advertised with the following:-

"There are peculiar advantages attached to this lot it being the Office of Inland Revenue and also the Corn Market, which is held there every Saturday; and having besides an extensive patronage bestowed on it by Commercialists. The stabling and coach-house accommodation is very extensive."

The remaining properties on that side were removed for the road widening in 1893. On completion of that widening the "Metropole Hotel" arrived, that building being commenced in 1895.

Compensation and purchase price paid by Dover Corporation for the inn, its store and yard, equalled £8,935.2s.6d.

A "Royal Oak Tap" was present from 1841 to 1847 but I do not know what its association was, if at all, with other houses of like name. This was situated in Market Street.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 21 June, 1867.

MARRIAGE

On Tuesday was celebrated at the parish church of St. Mary the marriage of Miss Louisa Philpott, the third daughter of our worthy and respected townswoman, Mr. S. Philpott, the proprietor of the "Royal Oak Hotel." The happy bridegroom in this instance is Mr. Henry Godfrey, of Oundle, Northamptonshire. The marriage was a grand one, the bridesmaids numbering half-a-dozen, and the ceremony being witnessed by a considerable number of spectators, who assembled in and outside the church. The carriages were furnished by Mr. F. Packham and not allowed to stand idle by the less interested partakers in the ceremony, who enjoyed the pleasures of driving along the beautiful valley of the Dour, during the afternoon, though the happy couple themselves left for town by the 3.45 p.m. train.

From the Deal, Walmer, and Sandwich Mercury, 22 April, 1871. 1d.

THE WEST STREET HARRIERS

The complimentary dinner to Mr. M. Nethersole, of the West Street Harriers, and Mr. Smith, the huntsman, took place at the "Royal Oak Hotel" on Friday evening last, and was a great success. Captain Julles presided, and was supported by Mr. J. G. Churchward, Captain Coleman, Mr. Stephen Court, and other gentleman.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 1 January, 1875. Price 1d.

MAGIC v FELONY

Charles Mills was charged with stealing one leather bag, one coat, one velvet coat, one waistcoat, a pair of black trousers, a pair of grey ditto, 3 shirts, and £2, being altogether the value of £8, the property of Stephen Solley, on the 10th of October at Dover.

Mr. Ormerod appeared for the prosecution.

Stephen Solley said: I live at the Military-road, Dover. I am a professor of magic, and have travelled, but do not do so now. I was at Walmer of the 10th of October, and I sent my luggage to Dover by the Deal Coach. It was supposed to be left at the "Royal Oak Hotel," at Dover. The prisoner assisted me to put the luggage on the coach. He went on with the coach and I came later. I appointed him to meet me in Castle-street, Dover at eight o'clock. He did not keep the appointment. I one of the boxes were two bags, and one bag is lost. The articles mentioned in the indictment were in the box. There were also in the box a bag of coins, being two sovereigns, and 21 counterfeit coins which I used for my tricks. One of the boxes had been broken open, and all the things I mentioned were gone. The articles now produced by the police I identified as my property.

Cross-examined by Mr. Glyn: At the time of the robbery I was a professor of magic. I travelled the country mesmerising ladies and gentlemen. I do not mesmerise counterfeit coins into good ones. The magic business was not so successful as it might be. I owed the prisoner no money, but I stopped 5s. for a debt for board and lodgings while he was away from me. He had 10s. a week. I paid him the full amount of his wages; sometimes in instalments. He may have paid for beer, but I paid it back. The prisoner did not demand £1 1s. 4d. from me on the day he left. He only asked for his fare by the coach, which I paid, I paid Mr. Makie, of the "Stag" at Walmer, on the day I left. I always paid my debts. One night there was only £2 left of the entertainment. I put that in the box. The prisoner used one of my coats; there were no magic pockets in it.

Henry Couthard, porter at the "Royal Oak Hotel," Dover, said that on the 10th of October he saw two boxes that came by the coach, and were deposited at the "Royal Oak." He saw a young man uncord the boxes, but it being dark he could not say who he was.

At this point the learned council for the prosecution was about to repeat the question, but the council for the defendant objected, whereupon the Recorder took the matter in hand, and asked if the witness had any belief one way or the other as to who took the goods. The witness was a long time in answering the question, and the Recorder repeatedly asked if he understood it. "Yes," the witness replied, with evident consternation, "It's about the belief, but I don't know what to say as I cannot swear to prisoner." At length the witness answered "No," and he further stated that the prisoner took out of the box a little bag containing coin and went away.

Mr. J. Long, of the firm Long and Bacon, said a person giving the name of Charles Mills, brought a shirt and waistcoat and pawned it for 2s. 6d. He could not swear to the prisoner.

J. W. Moore, assistant to Mr. Hart, pawnbroker, said the prisoner brought a coat and trousers to their shop and pawned them for 5s. He asked £1 for them. He said his address was Charles Mills, East-cliff. Mr. Solley afterwards came and saw the articles in question.

Cross-examined: I can identify the prisoner. I took particular notice of him, and should know him anywhere.

Police-sergeant Barton said he apprehended the prisoner on warrant in Middlesex. The prisoner was duly cautioned, and he replied, after he heard the warrant read, "I did take the things mentioned in the warrant." The coat and trousers I pawned at Hart's for 5s., and the shirt and waistcoat I pawned at Long's for 2s. 6d." I had told him, of the coins, and he said, "The coins you speak of are at my mother's at Sheperton Green. I went there and received some collars. I did not get the coins, but the mother made a statement.

Mr. Glyn objected to this statement being made.

The Recorder said the Sergeant was a special agent of the prisoner to get the coins, and therefore he would take the evidence stated in the prisoners' absence.

Mr. Glyn objected to this hearsay evidence. He said the person in question might have said that the prisoner had committed a murder. Surely that would not be admissible evidence.

The Recorder said that was not relevant to the charge. He would take the evidence if the prosecutor pressed it.

Mr. Ormerod said he would not press the evidence.

Witness continued that the prisoner was wearing a pair of trousers which he said were Mr. Solley's. He (witness) was not able to speak of the prisoners' character.

The prisoners' statement, admitted the theft having been read.

Mr. Ormarod made a second speech to the jury, in which he rebutted what he anticipated would be the defence.

Mr. Glyn for the defence urged that if the prosecutor owned the prisoner money, the jury could not find the prisoner guilty of felonious intent if he took some of the prisoner's goods to raise the money he was alleged was owing to him. Of course he could not advise anyone to act in that way but the prisoner having acted in that way was it felony? He submitted that the jury would not think so and that the prisoner should be acquitted.

The Recorder elaborately summed up, and in the course of the remarks pointed out that the allegation of money being owing from the prosecutor to the defendant on which the defence was based was pure fiction. If the money were owing, the County Court was the place to recover it, and it could not be permitted that the prisoner should break open a box and help himself to the prosecutor's property. The charge of indictment was felony, and if proved the jury would find a verdict of guilty.

A verdict of guilty was returned and letters were sent in from various persons giving a good previous character to the prisoner and the prosecutor said he had been a good servant and asked that he might be dealt with leniently.

The prisoner aid he had been living with Lady Bacon at East-cliff, Dover, and the sentence was deferred so that some of her ladyship's house might come to speak as to his character.

John Mitchell, coachman, to Mrs. Bacon, of Honiton House, East-cliff, said the prisoner was in Mrs. Bacon's service four months as helper in the stables. I had a very good character with him. He left to go with this person, the prosecutor.

The prisoner begged for mercy on the ground that he pledged these goods to get home as he had not a penny left.

The prisoner was sentenced to three month's hard labour.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 24 March, 1882. Price 1d.

The annual meeting of the West Street Harriers will be held at the “Royal Oak Hotel” on Saturday, the 1st of April, after which a complimentary dinner to the Deputy Master, Morris Thompson, Esq., will take place, the Mayor, J. L. Bradley, Esq., presiding.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 3 February, 1888.

FELONY

James Charles Roberts was charged with stealing from the “Royal Oak Hotel” a quantity of coal, to the value of 9d., the property of R. Philpott.

Mr. R. W. Philpott said: I know the prisoner. He has been employed by the “boots” to do odd jobs, and go out with the commercial gentleman. He has been employed for some time. He has access to the cellar, but he had no business there. I have had reason to believe that the coal has been taken from my cellar for some time. From something I heard last Friday morning I communicated with the police. I cannot swear to the coal produced, the value of which is 9d. My place has been watched since Friday by the police. I also have some wood similar to that produced; I keep it in an outhouse.

Police-sergeant Suters said; According to the instructions I received I kept observations on the “Royal Oak Yard.” About a quarter to eight a.m. I saw the prisoner come out of the back of the hotel carrying the bag of coal produced. He took it to the gate leading into Cannon Street, stood it down and looked round the yard. He then put it on his back and ran out of the gate up Biggin Street into York Street. I stopped him in York Street and asked him what he had in the bag; he replied, “Some coals.” I asked him where he got it from, and he said from the “Royal Oak Hotel.” I asked him if he had any right to bring them away, and he said that one of the servants gave them to him. I told him that he would have to come to the Police Station, and he begged very hard not to be allowed to. He then said the servant did not give them to him, and I took him to the Police Station, where he was charged with stealing coals. I afterwards went to the prisoner’s house in Durham Hill, and saw there about 30 or 40 pieces of firewood like that produced in a cupboard.

George Carter, living at 2, Hartley Street, said: I am employed by the “boots” at the “Royal Oak Hotel” as under boots. The prisoner had been employed there since Easter. About a quarter to eight I went into the yard and was going in the back door of the hotel, when I saw the prisoner at the top of the cellar stairs, where the coal is kept, and he had got a bag in his arms. He passed me and went out of the door, and I saw him no more. I have previously seen him carrying away something from the hotel.

Prisoner pleaded “Guilty” and wished the case to be dealt with summarily.

Mr. Philpott said he did not wish to press the charge heavily against the prisoner on account of his wife and children who were badly off.

From the prisoner’s discharge it was seen that he was in possession of three good conduct badges, and had been in the 56th Regiment 14 years 128 days.

The Magistrates sentenced the prisoner to seven days’ hard labour.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 4 May, 1888.

DOVER ROWING CLUB

The annual meeting of this club was held last night at the “Royal Oak Hotel.” Sir Richard Dickeson was in the chair, and there was good attendance of members and supporters. Mr. H. W. Thorpe, the Treasurer, read the statement of accounts, showing that there were 120 subscribers, and that the balance in hand was £3 12s. 5d., the total subscriptions last year having been £165, being £16 in excess of the previous year. Sir Richard Dickeson was re-elected president. The Deputy-Mayor, Mr. E. Lukey, was re-elected Captain; and Mr. W. Bussey, Deptuty-Captain. Mr. Thorpe was re-elected Treasurer; and Mr. C. Flashman, Secretary. The Committee have ordered two new skiffs for the present season, and the opening day is fixed for Wednesday, June 20th. The season has, therefore, a promising prospect.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 12 May, 1893. 1d.

CANON STREET IMPROVEMENTS

The buildings on the West side of Cannon Street, comprising the “Royal Oak Hotel,” Mr. Clark’s, Mr. Sutton’s and Mr. Chidwick’s were sold by auction on Tuesday to Mr. Hanson, of the “Royal Standard,” London Road, for £60.

LICENSEE LIST

ADAMS George 1753+

GIBSON Mary 1771+