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53 High Street
Bridge
01227 833830
https://whatpub.com/white-horse-inn
Above photo circa 1883, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above photo, circa 1909, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above postcard circa 1932, kindly supplied by Rory Kehoe. |
Above postcard, circa 1934, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above photo, circa 1935, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above postcard, circa 1935, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above photo, circa 1958, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above photo 30 August 1960, kindly sent by Clive Bowley. |
Above photo 30 August 1960, kindly sent by Clive Bowley. |
Above photo 5 March 1963, kindly sent by Clive Bowley. |
Above photo late 1960s, kindly sent by Clive Bowley. |
White Horse at Bridge circa 1970. |
Above map 1896. |
Above two photos by Paul Skelton, 22 Aug 2008. |
 
White Horse sign left July 1985, right July 1991.
Above with thanks from Brian Curtis
www.innsignsociety.com
Above sign 2017.
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Above aluminium card issued June 1951. Sign series 3 number 42. |
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From the book "Inns of Kent"; Whitbread & Co. Ltd.; 1948.
Leaving Canterbury by the Dover road, you will come after three miles to
Bridge, and there in the centre of the village The "White Horse" stands to
welcome you. This inn was once a 'baiting' or halting house, hardly
distant enough from Dover for a full stage but convenient for a change
of horses. It is neet and proper that the forge should be next door,
thus providing yet another example of that happy English disposition to
live by taking in each other's washing. Shoeing the horses changed at
the inn would be hot work and the pint of Kentish ale literally at the
elbow a pleasant means of returning patronage; and so, no doubt, both
smith and innkeeper prospered through the centuries until the New Iron
Age.
The "White Horse" is old, as may be seen from the Tudor fireplace in the
large bar with its moulded beams above. Dimly seen in the background of
the cellar behind the bar are many barrels with neat linen covers,
waiting to be broached, for here all beer is drawn direct from the wood.
On the lintel of the great fireplace may be seen the remains -- now,
alas, almost indecipherable -- of a white horse painted long, long ago;
surely a rare place to find an inn sign!
The front of The "White Horse" is Regency, or very early simple Victorian.
There is a car park and, behind, the kind of garden only Kent can
produce -- but then it is in the heart of the Garden of England and
Bridge is surrounded by orchards, parks and the seats of the gentry and
nobility, most of whom, one is glad to hear, are content to share their
wide domains, temporarily at least, with those who can appreciate to the
full the beauties of nature.
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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.
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Kentish Gazette 22 March 1769.
This is to acquaint all lovers of auriculars, that on Thursday the 6th of
April, will be an Auricular Feast, at Sarah Gilbert's, the "White Horse, in
Bridge: The best flower produced, will be entitled to a Guinea; the
second best to Fifteen Shillings. Each Flower that is entitled to a
Prize, must have Six Pips. And every Person that shews a Flower, must
have had it in his Possession Fourteen Days before the Day of shewing,
which must be attested upon Oath if required. No Person will be entitled
to a Prize, but who has subscribed Half a Crown Three Months before the
Day of shewing, unless he makes it up Five Shillings on the Feast Day,
before One o'Clock. No Flower to be entitled to a Prize, unless it is in
the House before One o'Clock. And no Person to win two Prizes. Every
Person that shews a Flower to appoint an Umpire. N. B. There will be a good Twelvepenny Ordinary at One o'Clock. |
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From the Kentish Gazette, February 27 to March 3, 1770. Kindly sent from Alec Hasenson.
Cock-fighting at the White Horse in Bridge, March 6, 1770.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 5 January 1774.
LOST,
On Tuesday Evening, the 4th of Instant, between Canterbury and Halfway
House to Dover.
A SACK,
Containing three Shirts, two Neckcloths, two Pair of Stockings, a Pair
of Boot Stockings, a Pair of Shoes, a Pair of Boot Shoes, a Pair of
Gloves, and two Books. Whoever has found the aforesaid Sack, and will bring the same to Mr.
Noyse, at the “Mermaid”, Canterbury, or to Mr. Palmer at the “White
Horse” in Bridge, or to Mrs, Gibson at the “Royal Oak” in Dover, shall
receive HALF A GUINEA Reward. |
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Kentish Gazette, 30 February, 1779.
Notice.
The principal Creditors of James Caister, now or late in the Parish
of Bridge, in the county of Kent, Carpenter
and Wheelwrights, do intend to meet together on Thursday next, being
the 18th day of this instant, February,
precisely at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, at the sign of the "White
Horse," in Bridge aforesaid; and will be glad
that the other Creditors will attend, at the same time and place, to
determine what steps are necessary to be
taken in settling the said James Caister's affairs. And all the said
creditors are requested, in the meantime, to
send an account of their demands either to Mr. Sloddon or Mr. Bunce,
Attorneys-at-law, in Canterbury.
February 15, 1779.
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Kentish Gazette 6 October 1801.
Came Astray.
To the "White Horse," Bridge.
A dark brown Cart Mare; near hind leg white, star in her forehead,
blinds of one-eyed. The owner may have her again by paying expenses,
and applying to Richard Callcraft, at the "White Horse," Bridge.
Bridge, Oct. 4, 1801.
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From the Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal 7 September 1819.
VALUABLE BREWERY,
Free Public Houses and other estates,
To be Sold By Auction, By Messrs. White, (Without Reserve).
Pursuant to certain orders of the Vice Chancellor of Great Britain, and
before the Major part of the Commissioners named and authorised in and
by a Commission of bankrupt awarded and issued against Matthew William
Sankey, of the City of Canterbury, brewer, dealer and chapman, at the
Guildhall, of the said city of Canterbury, on Wednesday next, the 22nd
day of September next, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, (subject to
such conditions of sale as shall be then and there produced.)
The following very Valuable Freehold Estates, in Lots.
Valuable Brewery free public houses and other Estates to be sold by
auction by Mrs White without reserve.
Lot 28. A Messuage, called the "White Horse," stable, outhouses, yards,
gardens, ground, and appurtenances, situate in or near Bridge-street, in
the parish of Bridge, in the said county, and now in the occupation of
Ann Chalcraft, widow.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 10 April 1838.
EAST KENT QUARTER SESSIONS.
John Minter was charged with stealing, on the 28th of January, at the
parish of Bridge, one coat, one shirt, and other articles of
wearing apparel, the property of Henry Sayer.
Henry Sayer lives at Bishopshbourn. On the day named in the indictment
he was at the "White Horse," Bridge, he had with him a
bundle containing wearing apparel, which he laid on a table in the
passage leading to the bar, and in ten minutes missed it. A
fortnight afterwards his father brought it to him. He did not see the
prisoner at the inn. He took the coach, and proceeded on his
way to London.
Cross-examined by Mr. Bodkin:— Was going to town to get work.
William Sayer, father of last witness, was at the "Red Lion," Bridge, on
the day his son went. A man named George Lott exclaimed,
on seeing Minter:— Here comes Minter with a bundle that he has been
prigging. Lott said he would have it, and he struggled with
the prisoner. Percy got it, and threw it over the table, and Lott picked
it up. Witness knew the bundle, but had not said he knew it. Told Minter it was his son’s, and he would take care of it.
Cross-esamined:— Prisoner never said he found the bundle against Mr.
Hodges's hay stack, and if anything was in it belonging to
me I might have it.
Richard Sherrard:— Keeps "White Horse" at Bridge. Saw Minter there in
the early part of the evening.
Cross-examined:— Mr. Hodges has a hay stack near my house. Prisoner was
in Mr. H.'s employ, and passed the stack as he went
to work.
Mr. Budkin said this was the most extraordinary robbery he ever heard
of. People generally stole things for their own benefit. This
person brought the bundle in precisely the same state as it was lost a
fortnight ago. He took it almost to the same house from
which it had been stolen. He thought there was no necessity to go at
length into the evidence. It was idle to say the person was a
thief — that he was guilty of felony in this instance.
Not Guilty.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 7 July 1840.
BRIDGE AND PATRIXBOURNE.
THE Draft Apportionment of the agreed Rent-charge with maps and costs of
commutation, are deposited at the "WHITE HORSE," and the Day of Appeal,
is on THURSDAY, the 30th of July, at the same place, at Eleven
o'clock-in the forenoon.
Robert LAKE. Apportioner.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 3 November 1840.
CAME ASTRAY.
On or about the 2nd of October last, into the Premises of Mr. Sherrard,
of the "White Horse," Bridge, a Couple of Black and White Pigs.
This is to give notice that unless the owner takes them away, on paying
expenses, on all before the 14th inst., they will be sold by auction, in
the Cattle Market, Canterbury, to defray the same.
"White Horse," Bridge, Nov 2, 1840.
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From the Kentish Chronicle, 8 December, 1860.
SUDDEN DEATH AT BRIDGE.
Mr. Fox held an inquest at the "White Horse Inn," on the body of Thomas
Austen, 78 years of age, a pauper, who died in the Union on Monday night
or early on Tuesday morning. An old man who slept in the same ward,
heard the deceased make a gurgling noise; but he did nothing, as such a
noise had often been made by the deceased. The jury returned a verdict
of "Natural death." |
In The White Horse a famous brawl took place which is recorded in the
Church Archives of Christopher Applegate, a contemporary of Marlowe, I am
afraid my research hasn't given a date for the above.
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From The Dover Express, Friday, May 11, 1934.
BRIDGE. DART MATCH.
On Tuesday evening, the "White Horse" dart team defeated the Kent Flying
Club dart team, from Bekesbourne, by 6-2.
Mr. Fairservice captained the winners and Mr. Ellen the losers. The
musical interludes given by "Daisy" Miles and his boys, were greatly
appreciated.
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From an email received 11 May 2014.
I have been researching my family
history for several years.
The 1911 census for the "White Horse" at Bridge, shows the
following:-
William George Taylor aged 60 lincensed victualler born Ramsgate
Emma Taylor age 60 his wife assisting in the business born Rolvenden
Henry Prebble son-in-law assisting in the business born Elmstead
Agnes Maria Prebble daughter assisting in the business born Dungeness
Alfred James Austin who was Emma Taylor's brother and retired
Albert Bates who was a lodger
My maternal grandparents were Henry and Agnes Prebble and William
Taylor was my grandmother's step father. She is described as his
daughter on the census. Emma Taylor was my grandmother's step mother. My
grandmother's father died when she was 4 months old and her mother
married William Taylor. Her mother died soon after and William Taylor
married Emma Austin. There were no further children.
I remember my grandmother saying there was a parrot at the pub but
nothing else.
Hope the above will be of interest.
Regards,
Angela Smith.
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Saturday 30th June 2007. Ghost Search.
White Horse Inn, The Posting House, though Bridge is only half a stage
from Dover. It has an 18th century exterior, with late medieval core. An
Early 16th century inscription on the fireplace lintel is insitu. The
house is visible in Schellinks' 1661 drawing of the High Street.
Cathedral archives record a brawl here involving Christopher Applegate,
a Marlowe contemporary, and the first meeting of the workhouse guardians
was held here, 22 April 1835.
A good number of orbs were captured on camera when we visited this inn
on our scanning appointment.
A male energy, who felt cold as he approached, made it clear that he
considered himself to be the 'boss' of this establishment. He came
across as stern, strict yet kind hearted and I feel that at one time he
could well have been a Landlord. He was a full figure of a man who liked
to smoke (you could tell that by the tobacco stains at the tip of his
moustache); he was a lover of Ale and had a really deep belly laugh.
This man would have passed over in the 1920's. A military man stepped in
to see us while we were there, he said he had no connection with the
building, yet had said that his regiment had marched passed this
building (the feeling was the 16th century). He came dressed in a
red/burgundy jacket, red hat with a black peak. This gentleman (name
given as James Donald Caprice) was shot in the neck by a musket ball.
Strong connections as a coaching house were given (before we knew that
it was a coaching house) and that an unexpected distinguished guest
would have stayed here over night. We were given that a horses shoe came
off (guest in a carriage) and they stopped over for this to be taken
care of. I shall have this looked into to establish if this is true, but
we were told that the special guest was non other than Queen Victoria??
A number of children were also on site, two being sisters, Katrina 12
years & Josephine 8 years, the surname given was Cartela (unknown
spelling). Small Leylines runs through this property.
We have the whole of the property to discover, the top floor (rooms in
attic) felt not as welcoming as the rest of the abode!
The Investigation Report.
It was one of those venues, full of promise, but with little forthcoming
on the night. It all seemed to be stop-start, with no flow.
We started with table tipping and although the table did move it was not
the usual frantic movement, more of a stutter. We did however sit one of
the female guests onto a stool and got Spirit to move the stool, but
even this was limited to a small amount of movement and was over in a
minute or two.
Our group then went to the living room and whilst standing in a circle
several of the guests saw bright lights sparkle against the wall and
move across the ceiling.
Steve felt a male energy but couldn't seem to connect with him. I
managed to get some information, his name was James Harrington, he stood
about 5'10" and was slim with dark hair. He then just left us with no
further information. One of the guests said that her hands felt tingly
and she felt a heavy weight on her shoulder.
We then tried some glasswork, but again it was just stop/start with no
real evidence or information being gained. I then tried an experiment
with one of the EMF meters. I asked Spirit to step forward and light up
the lights on the meter, and the lights all flashed almost straight
away. I asked if the Spirit was a male and the lights did not move, but
when asked if they were female the meter lit up like a Christmas tree. I
had the name of Mary given to me, and, when I asked if this was her
name, again the lights just danced. Using the lights (flashing=yes) we
gleaned the following. Mary has passed over in 1720 (one of the guest
had picked up this year). She had passed of old age, without any illness
or disease. She had been married and had 9 children, and was happy to be
re-united with her family in the world of Spirit. When I asked if she
would try to move the glass for us, she gave us a yes. Unfortunately the
movement did not happen.
We then went for a break and several guests had a go of the Ouija board
with various levels of success.
We held a grand séance with everyone to end the night, just to see if we
could generate enough energy to tempt Spirit though. There was only one
person forthcoming. He presented himself to me as P/O Ray Williams (or
Williamson). He was about 5'6" tall and had short dark hair swept
straight back. He was wearing a flying jacket (brown fur lined leather)
and fur lined boots. He had passed over aged 19yrs in 1942. He showed me
a scene where as his plane went to take off, the right hand side
undercarriage just collapsed and the plane exploded. This was to have
been his first time in action. Carole (our host) informed us that during
the 2nd world war the pub had been used as a billet for air force
officers.
Donna asked him if he would tell us his parents names and he replied his
Mums name was Morag, but that was all that I could get from him before
he left.
All in all bit of a disappointing night, but not a complete loss.
Many thanks to Carole for her hospitality and the tasty buffet.
Pete & Steve (Ghost Search Uk Paranormal investigators).
http://www.ghostsearchuk.co.uk/
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In the 1911 census, William Fairservice was given as living in Tonbridge being a
professional cricketer for the Kent County Cricket, age 29.
Information received August 2016 says that the pub is still closed after
suffering water damage sustained from the flooding of 2015. It is hoped that the
pub will reopen.
I believe the pub is again open (2017.)
Closed again and boarded up December 2018. I heard there was a fire there in
August and the pubco tenants just left. Latest news is there may be hope for
this as the lease is still being advertised.
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From the
https://www.kentonline.co.uk 16 April 2018.
Fire at White Horse Inn pub, Bridge.
Two fire engines were called to tackle a small blaze inside a
historic country pub.
It broke out at the White Horse Inn in Bridge this evening.
Witnesses said flames could be seen coming from a room upstairs.
Fire crews at the scene.
Two fire engines were sent to the scene at around 7.45pm.
Flames could be seen coming from the pub.
A fire service spokesman said: "Everybody inside the property was
evacuated safety and there were no reported injuries.
"Crews used breathing apparatus and a hose reel jet to extinguish the
blaze.
"The cause isn't know at this stage."
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From the
https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Marijke Hall, 9 March 2019.
Queen's former footman takes over as landlord of the White Horse Inn in Bridge.
A former footman to the Queen who served the Royal Family at Buckingham
Palace and Windsor Castle is the new face behind the bar of a popular
village pub.
Christian Diamant, who grew up in Eastling in Faversham and went to
school in Canterbury, has taken over the pumps at the "White Horse Inn" in
Bridge.
The executive chef says it feels like returning home after spending 20
years in Cornwall.
Christian Diament who has taken over as landlord at the White Horse in
Bridge. Picture: Chris Davey.
It’s coming home to village life,” he said.
“I have customers coming in who I knew from my teens.”
Christian admits he has packed a lot in over the years, working as a
footman and under-butler for the Queen, serving at state visits and
royal weddings such as that of Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex.
A move to Truro in Cornwall saw him running the area’s first gay
nightclub and then opening his own bistro.
He was also an avid campaigner in the fight to legalise same-sex
marriage as the founder and organiser of Cornwall Pride.
“To cut a long story short, I came back and took on Shepherd Neame’s
"Royal Naval Reserve" in Whitstable,” he said.
The White Horse in Bridge. Picture: Chris Davey
“It’s an amazing high street pub, a great boozer.
“Shepherd Neame did a refurbishment but it wasn’t quite right for me.
“I now have the "Smack" in Whitstable and I was going to go to the "Blean
Tavern" but that is now being sold so here I am.
“I love it.
“I’m a fun, flamboyant landlord who wakes up every day loving what I do.
Christian Diament and his team at the "White Horse" in Bridge. Picture:
Chris Davey
“Coming to Bridge is like coming home.”
Mr Diamant, who lives at the family-friendly pub, writes the menus and
has a “young, brilliant, chef” in the kitchen producing the food.
“I’m the landlord, the executive chef and general dogsbody,” he admits.
“I’ve brought a friend with me from London who is front-of-house, he’s
worked at The Ivy, and my cousin is here from Madrid to work behind the
bar.
“We have a great team.”
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From the
https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Joe Wright, 1 October 2020.
Former footman to Queen who runs pub in Bridge, Canterbury, found with child
abuse videos on phone.
A pub boss and former footman to the Queen found with child abuse videos
on his phone has avoided community service to ensure his village boozer
can continue to operate.
Christian Diamant, who owns the White Horse Inn in Bridge, near
Canterbury , was spared unpaid work by a judge who said he had “no
desire to upset his business”.
The 51-year-old, who previously served the Royal Family at Buckingham
Palace and Windsor Castle, appeared for sentencing at the city’s crown
court on Friday having admitted having indecent pictures and videos of
children on his iPhone.
He was found in possession of 29 indecent images and five videos when
arrested by police in January.
He admitted to having an addiction to chatting with gay men on Grindr
and sometimes having video calls and chats online to discuss and watch
child sex abuse.
But his defence solicitor stressed that Diamant “did not have a sexual
interest in children” and never shared the content with others.
Diamant was made the subject of a two-year community rehabilitation
order with a condition that he attends a sex offenders programme.
The judge, Recorder Stuart Trimmer QC, said Diamant’s offending was
something he “slipped into”, but that he shows desire to get back on
track.
“You have shown you are deeply ashamed and desperate to address the
causes of your offending,” he said.
“You’ve demonstrated steps to address offending and accepted what you
have done. This sentence is to ensure you escape this and do not fall
again.”
Recorder Trimmer said he had “no desire” to order Diamant carry out
unpaid work as it would upset his current business at the White Horse.
Diamant, who grew up in Eastling in Faversham, was an under-butler for
the Queen, serving at state visits and the wedding of Prince Edward and
Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
He took over the White Horse last year, describing himself as a “fun,
flamboyant” pub owner.
Approached by KentOnline after his conviction, he said: “The judge made
his judgement and was sympathetic to me trying to move forward and to
protect jobs.”
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From the
https://kentlivenews.com 5 October, 2020.
White Horse Inn at Bridge, near Canterbury, vandalised after owner’s child abuse conviction.
Villagers have condemned the “small-minded idiots” who vandalised a pub
following the conviction of its boss for having child abuse videos on
his iPhone.
Windows have been smashed at the White Horse Inn in Bridge, near
Canterbury, which is run by Christian Diamant.
Windows have been boarded up following damage.
Police officers executed a search warrant at the pub in January
following an investigation by the force’s Paedophile Online
Investigation Team.
Diamant, 51, was arrested and last month admitted three counts of having
indecent videos and images of children on his mobile.
He avoided jail and was spared unpaid work by a judge who said he had
“no desire to upset his business”, ordering him to attend a sex
offenders programme as part of a two-year community rehabilitation
order.
But now the pub has been partly boarded up following the vandalism on
Friday night.
Two men were reportedly seen causing the damage before leaving the area.
It is understood staff at the pub – unconnected in any way to Diamant’s
crimes – have also suffered verbal abuse since his conviction.
One has even reportedly been forced to give up their accommodation at
the village inn, fearing for their own safety.
Police have launched an investigation into the vandalism, which has been
condemned by local residents.
Jane Meakin said: “I know it’s anger aimed at the owner, but what about
the other staff who work there?”
The feelings were echoed on the Bridge Village Facebook page, where one
commenter said: “These small-minded idiots obviously do not realise that
the ‘offender’ is not actually there, and that they are doing nothing
more than terrorising the innocent people that worked for him!”
Another added: “How sad that the building is being attacked. Neither the
building, nor the resident staff are responsible for the crimes of the
landlord.”
On its website, the White Horse Inn’s company number matches that of CD
Food and Drink Limited, of which Diamant is the sole director.
Speculation on Facebook suggests he no longer remains at the pub, and
that a new licensee is set to take it on.
Police say they are now appealing for any witnesses to Friday’s criminal
damage, which happened at about 8.30pm.
They are also keen to access any CCTV which could help the
investigation. |
LICENSEE LIST
PALMER Mr 1774+
CALLCRAFT Richard 1801+
CHALCRAFT Ann 1819+
COLEGATE Frederick 1828-38
  
SHERRARD Richard 1838-58
   (also
postmaster)
HORNSBY Charles F 1861-74+ (age 38 in 1861 )
 
WEBB James 1881-82+ (age 59 in 1881)
KENNETT James 1891+ (age 44 in 1891)
SHAIL George 1899-1903+ (age 50 in 1901)
 
TAYLOR William George 1911+
THORNE Timothy 1913-Jan/1914
  
COLLINGWOOD Edmund John Jan/1914-Jan/16 dec'd
COLLINGWOOD Alice Jan/1916+
GODDARD Mrs Dora F 1918+
CHIDWICK William 1922+
DEAN Andrew Frank 1930+
FAIRSERVICE William John 1934-39+ (age 38? in 1939)
 
???? Carole 2008+
RAY Tony 2011+
DIAMENT Christian Mar/2019-Oct/2020
https://pubwiki.co.uk/WhiteHorse.shtml
Above photo showing the Kent Cricket Team of 1919.
Back Row - E Humphreys, G. C. Collins, F. E. Woolley, Mr. W
Hearne (Scorer), J. C. Hubble, J. Seymour.
Seated - W. J. Fairservice, Major W. S. Cornwallis, Lt. Col. L. H.
W. Troughton (Captain), Mr. L. P. Hedges, Mr. J. L. Bryan.
On Ground - A. P. Freeman, H. T. W. Hardinge. In 1919, Kent were
runners up (to Yorkshire) in the County Championship - Played 17,
Won 6 , Lost 1, Drawn 1. I am informed that William Fairservice's claim to fame was that
he famously took the wicket of Dr. W. G. Grace as his first
ever professional wicket. |
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From the Pigot's Directory 1828-29
From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34
From the Pigot's Directory 1839
From the Pigot's Directory 1840
From
Bagshaw Directory 1847
From Melville's Directory 1858
From the Post Office Directory 1862
From the Post Office Directory 1874
From the Post Office Directory 1882
From the
Kelly's Directory 1899
From the Kelly's Directory 1903
From the Post Office Directory 1913
From the Post Office Directory 1918
From the Post Office Directory 1922
From the Post Office Directory 1930
From the
Kelly's Directory 1934
From the Post Office Directory 1938
Census
From the Dover Express
Whitstable Times
and Herne Bay Herald
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