BELL Pub of Maidstone

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Maidstone, September, 2024.

Page Updated Maidstone:- Thursday, 05 September, 2024.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1835-

(Name from)

Bell

Latest 1932

(Name to)

Sutton Road

Maidstone

This pub could well have started life as the "Broadway Bell" as early as 1830.

Although I believe this pub to be called the "Bell" and change name to the "Blue Door" at first I believed between 1938 and 1954, I have also seen reference to it called the "Blue Door" in the 1891 census. I don't know whether this is in error, but have been informed that the area of Bell Shaw and Bell Wood, hence its original name.

It is said that the name changed after the political minded landlord who preceded Mr Croucher, probably William Avard, unofficially renamed his pub after waking one morning in 1880 to find blue stripes painted on his front door in reference to his rival party - he liked the colour and stuck with it. It officially changed name to the "Blue Door" in February 1919 by licensee William Croucher.

Back in March 1937 it was surrounded by fields and woods - a far cry from the heavy development you'd find today - and became the go to inn for shooting parties, according to a fascinating article from 1937. When shooting fanatic William Croucher was at the helm, it was also the only tavern in the town still lit by oil lamps and had no running water or electricity. The article continues:- "The fish is a Sun Fish from Chinese Waters and hangs in the public bar, a fierce some (sic) looking object. But Mr Croucher claims it is an infallible weather prophet. When rain is due its prickles drip with water, but they soon dry up when the fair weather is about," the author continues, in reference to the pub's famous 'fish barometer' - apparently inherited from the town's "White Hart."

From the Kentish Gazette 24 July 1838.

SUDDEN DEATH.

On Saturday morning sennight, a young man named Samuel Robinson, servant to H. R. Reynolds, Esq. the chief commissioner of the insolvent court, was found dead in his bed at the "Bell Inn, Maidstone. Medical attendance was procured but was unavailable. An inquest was held the same afternoon before Mr. Dally, coroner, and a respectable jury, who after hearing the evidence of Mr. Taunton, surgeon, and other witnesses, returned a verdict declaring that the deceased's death was caused by apoplexy.

Kentish Gazette, 2 April 1850.

Inquest.

An inquest was, on Saturday se'nnight, held at the "Bell Inn," Maidstone, before F. F. Dally, Esq., coroner, on the body of Eliza Phipps, late of Shepway Street, who was found drowned in a well on the previous Wednesday morning.

It appeared that she had for some time past been in an ill state of health, under medical treatment, and suffering much from a pain in the head.

Verdict:— "Found drowned in a well."

From the Maidstone Telegraph, Rochester and Chatham Gazette, 14 December 1861.

Robbery at the Bell Hotel.

On Thursday afternoon between the hours of 3 and 5 a gold watch and other property belonging to a Mrs. Tegg stopping at the hotel was stolen from room No. 10., the thief appears to have taken the opportunity of walking up stairs and of ransacking the drawers in the room without being perceived. There have been during the last week several other robberies in the Town, and it is hoped the parties will soon be in custody.

From the Maidstone Telegraph, Rochester and Chatham Gazette, 14 December 1861.

Amateur Musical Party.

We are glad to learn that a new musical society has been established at the "Bell Hotel," to meet during the winter months. The members meet at 8:30 and separate at 11 o'clock. The first meeting was held during the last week under the presidency of Mr. Muruss, the very worthy and obliging host. There are upwards of 50 gentlemen present, and the evening was spent in great hilarity. Mr. Gibson presided at the pianoforte with his accustomed taste. On Wednesday last the meeting was again well attended.

LICENSEE LIST

FURMINGER John 1861-62+ (age 47 in 1861)