62 (48) Bower Lane

Maidstone

Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo 2011.

Above sign, April 1985. With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

Above matchbox, circa 1986.

Above matchbox, date unknown.

I have reference to the "Anchor and Hope" a tavern in the mid 17th century being on the east side of Week Street, but this would have been a different pub. It also exists in the song, "The Maidstone Landlords" in 1798, but with the name "Anchor of Hope."

Reference from the Kentish Gazette says it changed name to the "Windsor Castle" between 1830 and 1870, (1830 and 1839) but this must have been a different building.

The pub had a long association with fishing and boating on the river Medway which lay just down the hill on the left of the above photograph. It was the headquarters of The Maidstone Angling Society in the 1880's at the time of proprietor Edward Avery. Boats of every type were let for hire by the pub in those days.

I believe after a short time closed during September 2011 it is again open (2014).

Latest information tells me that the building is currently being demolished. (December 2014.)

LICENSEE LIST

BOTTING William 1826-30+

CORNWALL Thomas 1832+

AVERY Edward 1880-82+ (age 46 in 1881)

SHIRLEY John Stanley 1891-1913+ (age 59 in 1911)

SEAGER Mark 1918-30+

MOSS John William 1938+

???? Buck & Beryl 1980s

???? Steve & Sue 1980s?

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

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

Kentish Gazette

From the Pigot's Directory 1828-29

From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34