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36 Lower Road
River
01304 829433
https://www.royaloakriver.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com
https://whatpub.com/royal-oak-river
Above photo taken in 1960 and kindly sent by Terry Wheeler of the Ramsgate Historical Society. |
Above photo, circa 1970, showing Freddie Mack and dog, Shane, outside
the "Royal Oak." Don't know the name of the horse though. |
Above photo 1970s, kindly sent by Terence Kirk. Showing Peter Ashman
ex B.R. seaman, right. |
Above photo 1970s, kindly sent by Terence Kirk. Showing Jim Percival
behind the bar, Len Hopkins in brown sweater ex B.R. cook, Roy Dench in
red sweater, ex ship pilot and Peter ????, ex B.R. captain in black
sweater at bar. |
Above photo 1970s, kindly sent by Terence Kirk. Resident parrot just
seen on the left. |
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Royal Oak, River circa 1980 by Barry Smith. |
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Above and below photos Royal Oak, River circa 1990 by Barry Smith. |
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Above photo by Paul Skelton 8th Sept 2007. |
Photo above by Paul Skelton 2007.
 
Royal Oak sign left April 1986, sign right September 1993.
Above with thanks from Brian Curtis
www.innsignsociety.com |
It was a great disappointment to Barry Smith when he could only
trace it back to 1907. People assured him that it is older but he unfortunately didn't find the evidence.
The buildings can be dated back to 1797 when it was two cottages, the
left hand side being called Rose Cottage.
By 1820 an Edward and Charlotte Halladay were living in the property but
it isn't till 1838 that we can say for certain that he was operating the
premises as a beer house as the licensee.
On 11 April 1865 the Halliday's purchased the building for £250 from the
estate of Thomas Butler, and these title document confirmed that the name of
the pub was and had been for many years the "Royal Oak."
Charlotte Pierce Halladay died on 9 June 1891 and in her will and
testament the premises was passed over to her daughter Mrs. Amelia Buchanan,
by that time the licensee was Edward James Brockman. The property was leased
to Ash brewers Gardner and Co for £25 rent per annum. She renews the lease
on 12 June 1901 for £36 per annum.
On 19th August 1927 at the Licence Transfer Sessions the "Royal
Oak beerhouse," River was transferred from Stephen Smith to Thomas W.
Marlow, of the "Royal Oak," River, manager of the above.
Above photo showing from left to right, Thomas and Elizabeth Marlow,
licensees in 1927, Stephen Smith, landlord from 1899, Gewn Graves his granddaughter, and
Derek the postman.
The furniture, stock etc. at this time was valued at £33 2s 7d. |
The full licence was applied for in 1949, and the following
year, the full licence of the "Hotel de Paris" was transferred here. The old
beer and wine 'on', was then surrendered. It had closed on 11 October 1940
but must have reopened because I note that the wine licence was granted in
1944.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 11 March, 1944.
WINE LICENCE GRANTED
At the Dover Licensing Sessions on Monday, before Messrs. W. L. Law
and H. T. Hawksfield, Mrs. Morecroft and Mrs. Binge.
Mr. A. C. Gardner, representing Gardner and C., Brewers, applied for
a wine licence for the "Royal Oak," River.
Evidence was given that there was a demand for wine amongst woman
customers. No objection was raised by the Police.
The application was granted.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 17 October, 1952.
CRICKET CUP WINNERS
Mr. Dan Borrett, Chairman of the Dover Cricket League, presenting the
League Cup to Mr. Ken Smith, captain of the River Club, during a social
at the "Royal Oak," River, on Saturday evening. It is the first time
River have been League Champions.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 19 December, 1952.
Transfer Granted
The full transfer of Justices licence of the "Royal Oak," River, from
Mr. Walter Richard Munt to Mr. John Dennis, was granted by Dover
magistrates on Friday.
Mr. N. W. S. Mitchison, making the application, reminded the
magistrates that last Friday Dennis had been convicted of being drunk
and disorderly, but added that the brewers were still putting forward
Dennis as the licensee. "They feel that he made one mistake," said Mr.
Mitchison.
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The structure is one of flint, giving the impression of
age and the door, up to 1983, still carried the message 'Taproom'. "I belong
to the group of people who appreciate horse brasses, polished furniture and
a parrot in the corner." That was the picture that year.
Further research by me (Paul Skelton) has since unearthed the following
report from the Dover Express, showing its existence in 1889.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 14 June, 1889.
ALL AMONG THE ROSES
Henry Hanson and Henry Gill were on the same day charged with stealing
roses at River. This was a county case heard before Mr. Alderman Finnis,
J.P. Mrs. Files, of River, living in one of Mr. Pain's houses adjoining
the “Royal Oak,” said that Mr. Pain had a garden there. She saw the two
defendants and two others get over the iron fence and begin picking
roses. She went and said they must leave off, and they replied “Mind
your own business; we shall have as many as we like.” After they had
paid Mrs. Files a domicilary visit and wanted to fight her son. The two
men who were not present broke off the branches with roses on. They
afterwards went towards Dover. Mr. Pain, the owner of the garden,
afterwards saw the four men all carrying roses. The defendants were each
fined 17s., including costs, or in default 14 days' imprisonment.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday,
20 December, 1929.
SUDDEN DEATH OF LICENSEE
About six o'clock on Thursday evening, Mr. Thomas William Marlow, aged 49
years, the licensee of the "Royal Oak Inn," River, died suddenly. Dr.
Adamson, who had been attending Mr. Marlow for some time was sent for, and
found life extinct. The facts have been reported to the Coroner, but Dr.
Adamson is giving a certificate.
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Dover Express 22nd June 1945.
Town, Port & Garrison.
At Dover, on Thursday, Leslie Eric Castle, described as a clerk, of no
fixed abode, was remanded until June 29th on a charge of obtaining £10
by false pretences from Leonard Pritchard of the “Royal Oak” public
house, River, between May 15th & 21st.
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Above photo 1948 showing locals (from left to right) Jack Keeler, Sam
Dunford (a market gardener and who used the pub several times a week for
70 years,) Peter Pascall, Les Tems, Bob Dunford (Sam’s brother and
partner), Ray Smissen, Bert Chapman.
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From the Dover Express, Friday 11 March, 1949.
An application for a full licence in respect
of the "Royal Oak," Lower Rd., River, was adjourned until March 28th,
for reference to the Licensing Planning Committee.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday,
17 June, 1949.
ALTERATIONS
Plans for construction of staircase from bar to kitchen were approved by
the Magistrates on Friday.
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Gardner & Co were brought by Fremlins Whitbread in 1968 sold the premises
to them outright on 30 October 1970 for £9,771 19s. 4d, and in turn Shepherd
Neame bought the premises of Fremlins Whitbread in 1972.
In 1975 landlord Frank James Percival sells the cottage called Stone
Cottage at the rear of the pub to Shepherd Neame and they were knocked
through to enlarge the premises.
In 1983 the other cottage to the right of the pub was also amalgamated
with the building and the pub closed whilst alterations were taking place.
In 2007 a kitchen extension was also added and the premises was able to
offer food.
It is now (2007) the meeting place for The 69 Club, a band of
motor-cyclists who regularly meet there on Sunday's after 7.30 in the
evening.
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From THE ANIMALS OF RIVERSIDE FARM by Fred Mack.
I suppose the first encounter I had with wild animals was through my
friendship with Owen and Jean Norton of Riverside Farm, now Mannering
Close. Of course I had always had dogs, cats, horses of my own. But at
that time O and J were keeping and taking care of two monkeys, three
foxes, an African cat, a mink, a common seal, two rooks, a gull and owl,
apart from their seven dogs, seven cats and a horse. At that time Riverside Farm was a piggery, some 200 or more, plus few
dozen chickens, a goose called Victoria, some game birds and nine goats.
Of all these animals the African green monkey named Topsail (pronounced
Tops'l) was the greatest character. She had been brought back from
Africa by a sailor who had saved her from being shot. Taken to live in a
London flat, lack of activity and being left alone did not go down very
well with her. On one occasion she decided to investigate how the
television was put together, and was found to have taken the back out
and taken it to pieces. This did not make her too popular, the next
problem was getting loose in the kitchen and going along the shelves
tipping everything off - rice, flour, you name it. Needless to say, a new home had to be found. An advert was placed in The
Times. A friend went to collect her and on the train home she was of
great interest to passengers as she stood on his lap looking out of the
carriage window. She settled in a treat at Riverside and look great
interest in the other animals. Poppy and Fawny the farm cats, that never
seemed to leave the barn area, had a kitten called Lizzie. Tops'l found
her fascinating. She would pick her up for a cuddle and fuss over her
fur, and kept Lizzie looking immaculate. They became inseparable. Three
times Tops'l's size was Skippy, a Patas monkey, also known as Hussar or
military monkeys. The two of them got along well and would sit together. In fact all the animals in the place were the best of friends. Yes, even
the fox Rupert and the chickens. Rupert had been rescued by the RSPCA
from under a hedge. He was being stoned by people. Jean had taken care
of him and took him out everywhere she went. He lived in a kennel under
the caravan and, being well fed, the most a chicken received was a
feather plucked from its tail if it went to peck food from his dish. Laura the seal, in much the same circumstances, had been picked up from
the beach at St Margarets, left behind by the tide. She was just a baby,
again brought to Riverside to be taken care of. She was fed through a
rubber tube on goals milk and oil. A large round galvanized tank was
made for her to swim in. When she flopped about the place she made great
friends with one of the dogs.
They always seemed to be together. In summer Tops'l lived outside; she had her little box type house and
one of her favourite possessions was a large round hand mirror. On a
cool day and in the winter she sat on the locker seat beside the stove
in the caravan. The stove was a small kitchener and she would sit
holding the damper as though she was driving a steam engine. She watched the coming and going of everyone and everything. On one
occasion she had seen the Landrover with O and J drive out the gate.
Somehow she managed to undo the tiny belt from her waist. She had been
taken along to the “Royal Oak” at times and Jim Percival, the landlord,
knew her well. So off Tops'l went down the road, over the bridge, along
by the river, to the Oak. Walked in, jumped up on the bar and started to
bripp and cackle, much to everyone's surprise. Jim saw that she was
served with a bowl of orange juice, then phoned to say she would like to
be collected. We put this down as Tops'ls trips to the pub. |
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From the Dover Mercury, 29 December 2005. By Graham Tutthill.
Historic flint-built pub is given a £54,000 make-over.
Royal Oak licensee John Clark with pub regular Sam Dunford, John’s
partner Chris Stewart and brewery chief executive Jonathan Neame.
THE Royal Oak at River has reopened following a £56,000 refurbishment
from brewer Shepherd Neame.
Chief executive Jonathan Neame officially reopened the pub and was
joined by Sam Dunford, a regular at the Royal Oak for over 60 years.
Robin Beresford accepted a cheque for £200 on behalf of the Dover Lions,
the pub’s nominated charity.
The mid-18th century flint building in Lower Road has been
redecorated inside and out in keeping with the pub’s traditional style.
An exposed flint wall inside has been restored and spotlights installed
to make it a design feature of the pub.
A new seating area for customers has been created by moving the beer
cellar, the kitchen has been enlarged and the toilets refurbished.
Licensees John and Chris Clark collect funds for six local charities
from donation boxes on the bar and a regular Wednesday night quiz for
customers.
“We’ve been inundated with customers recently,” said John. “Our
simple formula of good food, good beer and good company is really paying
off.”
The Royal Oak’s menu ranges from simple sandwiches to monkfish and
sea bass and more unusual meals - including ostrich - freshly cooked to
order.
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From the Dover Mercury, 21 May, 2008.
Much-loved biker vicar dies at 89.
by Graham Tutthill
MOTORCYCLISTS are expected to turn out in force next month for a
memorial service for Fr .Bill Shergold, who died on Sunday aged 89.
 Fr Bill, affectionately known as Farv, was a keen motoryclist
himself, and set up both the 59 Motorcycle Club in London and the 69
Motorcycle Club in Dover.
He last visited Dover in 2006 for a Pentecost service at Charlton
Church, where he was Rector more than 30 years ago.
It had been hoped he might have been able to attend the 69 Motorcycle
Club's 40th anniversary service and party on June 20.
Born in October 1919, Bill Shergold went to St Chad's College in
Durham and gained a Bachelor of Arts degree.
He trained for the ministry at the College of the Resurrection at
Mirfield, was made a deacon in 1942 and a priest in 1943. He was Curate
at All Saints', Poplar, in the east end of London from 1942 to 1949,
then served as Vicar of Hanworth until 1958 when he was appointed to
Hackney Wick, and then in 1964 to Paddington until 1969.
Described as a pleasant, cultured and quiet man, he became the
unlikely champion of motorcyclists and established the 59 Motorcycle
Club in 1959.
When he moved to Dover in 1969, local motorcyclists were quick to
make contact and he agreed to form the 69 Club.
He was vicar of the former St Hart's Church in Templar Street until
it closed and then became Priest in Charge of Charlton, and Rector of
the parish, until 1978. He moved to Tunstall, near Sittingbourne,
retiring in 1984. Returning to London, he was honorary curate at Poplar
for the next eight years, retiring, again, to the Chichester Diocese and
finally moving to Wells in Somerset in 2000, continuing to officiate at
services.
The link between the motorcycle club and Charlton Church has
continued with the current priest, the Rev Colin Johnson, who is also a
keen motorcyclist. During the winter months club members have
refurbished and redecorated the church hall.
Mr Johnson said: "The service on June 20 will now take the form of a
memorial and thanksgiving service for Fr Bill's life, work and ministry.
"One of his last wishes was that we should have bikes in church ...
lots of them! We shall be obeying his request."
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From the Dover Mercury, 25 June, 2009.
Revved up to remember Farv
by Graham Tutthill
FATHER Bill Shergold would have loved it!
A long line of motorcycles outside the church, several strategically
placed inside the building, and the current parish priest, Father Colin
Johnson, riding his bike straight down the central aisle ...
The service, held at Charlton Church on Saturday, was originally
intended to mark the 40th anniversary of the 69 Motorcycle Club in
Dover.
But when the club's founder, Father Bill - affectionately known as
Farv - died last month, aged 89, members decided to turn it into a
service of thanksgiving and remembrance to mark his life and ministry.
 And
they did him proud. Some bikers travelled from London, where Father Bill
originally set up the 59 Motorcycle Club, to take part in the service.
And a former member of the 69 Club, Dover Mayor Cllr Sue Jones, was
there too, complete with her chain of office over the leather jacket she
used to wear in her motorcycling days, emblazoned with the 69 Club
badge!
Bikes of all descriptions were parked outside the church as their
owners took their seats in the church for the service,
recalling the life of an extraordinary man.
Former club chairman Dick
Pascoe, who was unable to attend, sent a message saying how he and
fellow biker Mick Ray went to see Father Bill in 1969 when he arrived in
Dover to ask about setting up the club.
"Farv had a calm, peaceful
outlook on life but with an extra quality that enabled him to reach out
to young people," he said.
"A quiet and unassuming man, he had a calming influence on those who
might have been trouble makers and he was well respected by all the
members, no matter what background they came from."
Father Colin said
Father Bill never forgot that he was a priest. "He welcomed motorbikes
into his church, which was previously unheard of," he said.
"When he
heard this service
was being planned to mark the 40th anniversary of the club he said we
had to get as many bikes in as possible."
As well as riding his bike
through the church, Father Colin blessed the bikes and the
bikers.
Mayoress Ronnie Philpott read one of the lessons. A party to celebrate
the club's anniversary was held on Saturday evening at "Crabble Corn
Mill".
Father Colin Johnson rides his bike into church at the start of the
service. |
Information received in November 2011 says the pub is for sale and the
leasehold is £14,500.
Latest news I have heard 18 February 2012, for sale signs on their web
site have been removed.
Open again thank goodness and new owner John Barton has bought the
premises from Cantia Public Houses Limited
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 29 March, 2012. 65p. Report by Sam Inkersole
RIVER PUB GIVEN NEW LEASE OF LIFE
CHEERS: New Royal Oak pub landlord Steve Waymark (left) with chef Sabi Sztanko
Landlord quits chain to run the Royal Oak
PUBGOERS in River are toasting to the future after a new face took
the reins of a well-known public house.
Steve Waymark is now running The "Royal Oak" pub in River after leaving
his position at the "Eight Bells" pub in Dover after seven years of loyal
service.
Opportunity
Mr Waymark, 56, said that he fancied a change of scenery and that the
opportunity to have a more of a say in running the pub, rather than
working for a major chain, was a factor in his move across town.
The father of two used to work on cruise ships before entering the pub
industry. He says if you have been in any pubs across the county, he has
probably been either behind the bar or connected to it in some way.
Mr Waymark said: “I think
one of the only places I haven't been involved with a pub is around
Dartford.
“I am really looking forward
to working here in River - it is a great pub and the regulars I have
already met are fantastic. “Regulars are very important
to pub owners and I am going to make sure they always enjoy their time
in here.
“They are happy to see a new face behind the bar.”
Mr Waymark added: “Running the "Eight Bells" was fun but I have a lot more
freedom here to do what I want, when I want, which can only be a good
thing.”
He describes The "Royal Oak" as being “like a country pub but in a big
village”.
Spruce-up
He added: “It has got great character but we do have some plans in place
to spruce the pub up a bit.
“We will be arranging fundraising events to help us along but I
obviously need permission from Shepherd Neame before any work can be
done.
“The pub trade is dwindling in the UK but there is still a good core of
pubs, particularly around Dover, that are doing well and I want to
continue that success here in River”
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From the Dover Mercury, 8 November 2017.
The Royal Oak in River was sold for £215,000 at property auction.
The former Royal Oak pub and restaurant at Lower Road, River, which was
sold freehold for £215,000.
It might now have one of a number of commercial uses but could also be
developed with planning permission. |
Shepherd Neame owned the building till 29 November 2017 when
John Barton bought it and it now serves as an untied freehouse.
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From the
https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Charlie Harman, 23 May 2020.
The Royal Oak in River's manager Lee Sansum sings Covid-19 cover of Billy Joel's Piano Man.
A pub manager has lamented the lack of customers in a Covid-19 cover of Billy Joel's Piano Man.
The comical rendition was performed by Lee Sansum behind the bar of
The Royal Oak in River, where he is a manager.
Mr Sansum has been spending the lockdown with his girlfriend
Elizabeth Covatti, and the parody came about as a way of tackling
the tedium.
The 34-year-old said: "I was just bored really, missing the punters
- living in an empty pub is pretty lonely.
"I thought Piano Man was fitting, it mentions the locals staggering
in but of course coming in. Plus it's just a good song."
He said he's not had any singing training, but admitted: "I like a
bit of karaoke every now and again but that's about it."
Singing's not the only thing the couple have been doing to enrich
their time during quarantine.
Lee Sansum has vowed to not shave until he can reopen the pub.
As the stored beer neared its use by date he put what was left on a
table outside and invited people to give a donation in return for
it, an effort that raised £90 for the Dover Athletics Club.
He noted: "We've also done car washes in the car park for the club,
I'm the chairman of the supporters club so it's very close to my
heart.
"Overall we've raised £300 for them during the lockdown, which is
great because they really need support during this time."
He and his girlfriend have also been looking after dogs for key
workers while they're at work.
One of the highlights of the last couple of months was a
mini-'getaway' the pair took.
Lee and Elizabeth have also given free meals to those who need them
or in self-isolation.
Lee said: "My girlfriend's been working from home, so she booked a
week off and we camped in the beer garden.
"We did our shopping for the week and didn't leave the pub at all
after that. We just barbecued and made the best of the situation."
The creative crooner has decided not to shave until he re-opens the
pub, perhaps with a tonic and gin in hand. |
LICENSEE LIST
HALLADAY Edward 1838-65+ (also schoolmaster age 69 in 1861 )
BUCHANAN Amelia Mrs 1891
BROCKMAN Edward James 1889-1899 (also brickmaker age 49 in 1891)
      
SMITH C 1899-1900
SMITH Stephen 1901-Aug/27 (also bricklayer age 41 in 1901)
  beer
retailer
HOPKINS John 1911 (listed as License Holder age 44 in 1911)
MARLOWE Thomas William Aug/1927-Dec/29
MARLOWE Mrs Elizabeth Jane (Widow) Feb/1930-32+
GOOCH Victor Sidney 1937-40 end (age 37 in 1939)
PRITCHARD L V 1945+
BOWLEY Alfred William Philip to Feb/1948
WILLIAMS Thomas Feb/1948-50 end
MUNT Walter Richard 1950-53 end
Full license approved Aug 1950
DENNIS John 1953-Feb/54 end
PERCIVAL Fred James Feb/1954-83 end
 
Shepherd Neame
WHEELAGHAN John 1983-87+
RUSSELL Paula & MILNER Jodie 2000-03
SALTER Pauline 2003
CLARK Mr John 2003-Mar/12
WAYMARK Steve Mar/2012-Nov/2017
BARTON John (owner) 29/Nov/2017-18+
WEYERS Craig (licensee) 29/Nov/2017-18+
SANSUM Lee 2020+
I believe that Alfred Bowley was manager to Messrs Gardner & Co, brewers, so
may have been just a holding manager at the time.
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1889
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1890
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1891
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1895
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1896-97
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1898
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1899
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1899-1900
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1924
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1932-33
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1938-39
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1948-49
From the Kelly's Directory 1950
From the Kelly's Directory 1953
From the Kelly's Directory 1956
Library archives 1974
From the Dover Express
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