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Spring Hill
Fordcombe
01892 740267
http://www.chaffordarms.com/
https://whatpub.com/chafford-arms
Above photo circa 1919, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above postcard, circa 1919, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above postcard, circa 1950, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above postcard, circa 1957, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above photo 2015. |
 
Above sign left July 1986, sign right 1996.
With thanks from Roger pester and Brian Curtis
www.innsignsociety.com.
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The "Chafford Arms" was built in 1851 by the Victorian architect George
Devey who was also involved with parts of Penshurst Place and Swaylands (a
large impressive mansion which can be seen from the garden). The Chafford
Arms first got its licence when the "Black
Lion" a mile or so up the road, in I believe Ashurst, lost their licence
when contraband was found in the cellar.
The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News of 19 March 1943 describes the
premises as "situated four miles from Tunbridge Wells, and if its exterior
attracts - its interior will not disappoint. A small lounge, a dining-room,
once the brewhouse, a tiny bar and four bedrooms fitted with electric fires.
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Sussex Agricultural Express 21 February 1857.
FORDCOMBE FESTIVE GATHERING.
A ball was given at the "Chafford Arms Inn," Fordcombe, on Monday, the
9th inst. Upwards of 60 persons were present; dancing commenced at nine
o'clock, and was kept up with great spirit until an early hour. The
arrangements made by Mr. & Mrs. Goodwin gave great satisfaction, and the
music, executed by Messrs. Johnson, of Tunbridge Wells, was of the
highest order. The greatest credit is due to the admirable manner in
which the stewards performed the duties of their office.
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Sussex Advertiser 05 October 1858.
PENSHURST. COMICAL ENTERTAINMENT.
On Monday evening, the 27th ult., Mr. Fitzgerald gave his "Comic
Sketches," and personations extraordinary, at the "Chafford Arms Inn,"
Fordcombe, before a large audience, who, we should suppose from the
continual applause with which they commended him, were highly pleased.
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From The Standard (London, England), Wednesday, October 12, 1864; pg. 1 Issue 12535.
SALE BY AUCTION by FAREBROTHER, CLARK, & LYE
At Garraway's, on Oct. 19th
includes:- "Chafford Arms Inn," at Fordcombe-Green, Kent in the
occupation of
Mr. Edwards.
(Also included Chafford Paper Mills, which had been established for
nearly 100 years, & various other cottages, etc.) |
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Sussex Advertiser 26 June 1866.
TUNBRIDGE WELLS. A DRUNKEN SPREE.
At the Tunbridge Wells Police Court on Thursday, two navvies, named
Robert Prim and John James, were charged before the Hon. F. G. Molineux,
with having wilfully broken two glasses, value 9d, the property of
Edward Young, landlord of the "Chafford Arms," Fordcornbe, on the 20th
inst., and James with having threatened to kill the said Edward Young.
The prosecutor stated that the defendants were at his house on the
previous day, and when he went into the smoking room at six o'clock in
the evening, Prim took up a glass from off the table and dashed it into
the fire-place. He would have broken some other glasses had not he
(prosecutor) snatched them away; and as it was he believed he threw
another glass into the grate after he had left the room. He had not had
any quarrel with Prim, and said to him, "You know what you have got to
pay," but he took no notice, and left the house with Jones and two other
men. He followed them as far as Langton, where he gave them into
custody. James threatened to kill him if he did not desist from
following them.
In answer to Prim, prosecutor denied that he offered to
pay for the glasses when he had broken them. James Reading, a labour
living at Langton, stated that he was in prosecutor's house the previous
evening, and saw the prisoners each, break a glass wilfully.
The
prisoners were fined 1s. each, 9d. damage, and 7s. costs, or in default
7 days' hard labour. James was also bound over to keep the peace for
three months.
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Kent & Sussex Courier 25 December 1874.
TONBRIDGE PETTY SESSIONS. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22.
FORDCOMBE - EXTENSION OF TIME.
On the application of Mr. Ovenden, of the "Chafford Arms Inn," Fordcombe,
the Bench granted him an extra hour on the occasion of a supper being
held at his house on Saturday evening.
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From the Sussex Agricultural Express, Saturday 16 April 1892.
An extension till 2 o'clock in the morning was granted to Mr. George Ede,
of the "Chafford Arms," Fordcombe, for a ball at his house.
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Kent & Sussex Courier 02 June 1916.
SEVENOAKS RURAL TRIBUNAL. SITTING AT PENSHURST.
Colonel Stanley C. Williams, J.P., presided at a meeting of this
Tribunal, held at the Station Hotel, Penshurst, on Friday.
B. J. Johnson, licensed victualler, of the "Chafford Arms," Fordcombe,
34., Three Months Exemption War Service.
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Kent & Sussex Courier 27 August 1948.
WEEK'S RATION!
In a place of honour in the public bar of the "Chafford Arms," Fordcombe,
stands a freak 3lb 3 oz potato. The massive spud was dug up by Mr. A.
Outtram at Ashurst Park last week. |
LICENSEE LIST
GOODWIN Alfred 1857-58
CAMFIELD Charles to July/1861
EDWARDS Obediah July/1861-1864+
YOUNG Edward 1866+
OVENDEN William Ovenden 1871-81 (also Paper Maker age 53 in 1881 )
EADE George 1891-1903+
JOHNSON Bertie James 1911-16+ (age 28 in 1911)
https://pubwiki.co.uk/ChaffordArms.shtml
From the Kelly's Directory 1903
Census
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