(Elham)

Above photographs by Paul Skelton, 22 Aug 2008.

The Smithies Arms was built as an Inn in 1451 and contains the 15th and 16th century features. It is now called the Abbot's Fireside and is a Tudor style hotel. I am unsure yet as to when the name changed.

The Abbot's Fireside, now contains six bedrooms that are all named after the well known or local persons related to the history such as the Duke of Wellington and King Charles II.

Legend has it that the Duke of Wellington was based here before the Battle of Waterloo and King Charles II hid from Roundheads in a ‘priesthole’ within the main fireplace. An underground tunnel runs from the cellar to the church and manor house and there is a 16th Century wall painting in an upstairs corridor.

It still featuring a huge medieval fireplace, and antique furniture, original leaded windows and heavy beams throughout the lounge, the restaurant and all the bedrooms.

More details and pictures hopefully to follow.

LICENSEE LIST

HAYES Richard 1614