47 (45) Lower Boxley Road
Maidstone
01622 920723
https://whatpub.com/hare-hounds
Above photo, circa 1900. |
Above photo January 2009. |
Above sign left, August 1990, sign right, 2009.
With thanks from Brian Curtis
www.innsignsociety.com. |
Above aluminium card issued May 1949. Sign series 1 number 24. |
From the Maidstone Telegraph, Saturday 4 August 1866.
FIRE.
On Thursday evening last a bed in an upstairs room of the "Hare and
Hounds" beer-house, Sandling Road, Maidstone, was discovered to be on fire. Mrs. Baker, the landlady, and her daughter
attempted to extinguish the flames, but in the
effort the clothes of both caught fire, although the women were not
severely burnt. Police-constable Drawbridge, with
the assistance of several persons near, put out the flames before they
had spread, the cause of the fire is a matter of
conjecture.
|
From the Montreal Gazette, Friday, 26 September 1975.
Pub bomb injures 2 British bobbies.
LONDON - (UPI) - A bomb explosion demolished the front of a bar in the
southern England town of Maidstone, 36 miles south of London last night
and injured two policemen. First reports indicated that the policemen’s injuries were not serious.
There were no details of other casualties. Witnesses said the explosion wrecked the front of the "Hare and Hounds"
public house. The policemen were checking a car near the bar, situated by an army
barracks and the city hall, when the explosion occurred. Extra police were drafted into the area to search for a second bomb they
believed may be in the area. The explosion, the seventh serious bomb explosion in Britain within a
month, came hours after the outlawed Irish Republican Army accused
Britain of violating the seven-month-old truce in Northern Ireland and
said IRA action units had been ordered to retaliate. |
From the
http://www.bbc.co.uk 25 September 2015.
Maidstone's 1975 pub bomb: How IRA was thwarted by soldier.
The pub was a local for the Royal Engineers and was known to be a target.
When the IRA bombed a Kent pub - a local for the military - 40 years
ago, it was only the quick thinking of one soldier that prevented any
deaths.
The "Hare and Hounds" pub in Maidstone - close to the Royal Engineers
barracks - was a known target, but then landlord Brian Wooster never
thought anything would happen.
However, on 25 September 1975, a bomb was placed outside the pub.
Only by chance did 19-year-old Sapper David Campbell see the device
enabling him to raise the alarm.
In the minutes before the explosion, police were called, the pub was
cleared, nearby homes were evacuated and roads were sealed off.
Residents then heard "an almighty boom".
The bomb was in a holdall next to the landlord's car.
Seconds later, Mr Wooster saw glass, wood and debris everywhere, with
his destroyed car against the neighbouring prison wall.
He remembers a scene of "absolute devastation".
But, despite a series of false alarms in the months beforehand, Mr
Wooster was not unduly alarmed.
"We were scared, of course we were scared. But, being a little pub we
only had one door open and we knew all the customers," he said.
"So, if anyone came in we would be on them straight away, especially if
they were carrying a bag or anything.
"We felt quite happy that no-one was going to come in here and do
anything, but as it turned out they didn't have to."
Above photo, Brian Wooster in 2015.
Brian Wooster said it was a little pub and staff knew all the customers
'I just ran'
Because of Mr Campbell's actions, no-one was killed, but two police
officers were injured.
One of them, Mick Gray, was going to warn a driver and a pedestrian when
the bomb went off.
There were about 20 people in the "Hare and Hounds" that evening.
"I just had this voice in my head say 'run'," he explained.
"I was facing that way and I just ran and I'd only gone a few yards when
I was picked up and blown over and all this stuff came at me at the same
time."
The uniform he wore that night is covered in holes where shrapnel
penetrated his body. A notebook in his top pocket was the only thing
that stopped a shard of metal entering his chest.
Nineteen-year-old Sapper David Campbell was commended for his actions.
Mr Campbell had served in Northern Ireland and was ready to react.
There were about 20 people in the pub that night.
Mr Campbell said it was pure chance he spotted the device, having gone
outside to look for someone who had left their coat in the pub.
Having served in Northern Ireland, his suspicions were immediately
raised on seeing a bag next to the landlord's car.
As the area was cleared, police officers shone torches through the gap
at the end of the holdall zip and saw batteries, a clock and wires.
The bombers were eventually caught after a tip-off, which led to an
armed siege in Balcombe Street, London.
They served more than 20 years in prison before being released under the
Good Friday agreement.
The Hare and Hounds still stands on the same site in Maidstone.
|
From the
http://www.kentonline.co.uk by Suz Elveys, 25 September 2015.
Former Hare and Hounds landlord recalls when IRA bomb ripped through
the Lower Boxley Road venue.
Forty years ago today, an IRA bomb ripped through a Maidstone pub,
injuring two police officers as they desperately tried to evacuate the
area.
Thursday, September 25, 1975, was a normal evening at the "Hare and
Hounds" in Lower Boxley Road.
Soldiers from nearby Invicta Park Barracks were among about 40 people
enjoying their drinks when one of their comrades burst into the bar.
Bombing of the Hare & Hounds public house, Maidstone - 25th
September, 1975.
The bomb was left under landlord Brian Wooster's car.
Sharp-eyed Sapper David Campbell, 19, had seen a suspicious package
outside and told landlord Brian Wooster to evacuate.
Recalling the terrible day four decades on, Mr Wooster, now 68 and
living in Derbyshire, told the KM he was half expecting an attack,
having been informed by police just weeks before that his pub appeared
on a “hit list” confiscated from a man in Ireland.
But until a policeman shone his torch into a black holdall placed under
Mr Wooster’s white J-reg Rover and discovered wires and mechanisms
inside, he did not think it would really happen.
Sapper David Campbell, who spotted the bomb.
Brian Wooster was landlord of
the "Hare and Hounds" pub in Lower Boxley Road.
Half an hour later, at 10pm, the bomb exploded. The car, which the
landlord had only owned for two weeks, was blown to pieces.
Two policemen were injured evacuating the pub and nearby homes. One
witness reported seeing an officer draped over his patrol car with glass
sticking out of his back.
Mr Wooster, who became a policeman after the attack as he no longer felt
safe running a pub, said: “Anyone in there would have died without a
doubt.
"One of the wheels from my car went through the front window of the pub
and out the back window. The bonnet and steering wheel went over the
prison wall.
“I had a two-year-old son, Paul. His mum took him down the road and sat
in my mate’s car, thinking they’d be safe.
“The force of the blast blew the back windscreen in, but fortunately
they weren’t hurt. The IRA claimed responsibility soon afterwards. I was
really angry, but what can you do?”
Sapper Campbell was credited with saving the lives of the people in the
pub and received messages of thanks from the Army, police and Mayor of
Maidstone Cllr Horace Ashton.
|
From the
https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Sean McPolin, 25 August 2022.
Chatham father dies after attack outside Hare and Hounds pub in Maidstone.
A father-of-six has died in hospital after being attacked outside a town
centre pub.
Andrew Looseley, from Chatham, was fighting for his life at King's
College Hospital for five days after being assaulted outside the Hare
and Hounds pub in Maidstone.
The "gentle giant", also known as Kevin, was knocked to the ground with
a single punch in Lower Boxley Road on Saturday evening.
But sadly, on Wednesday, he died from his injuries.
His family and friends are devastated by the popular punter's death.
Daughter Bethany Looseley, 20, previously described her father as a
"huge fighter" as he lay in hospital in a critical condition.
She said: "Its hard trying to figure out what my dad did wrong, however
he didn't do anything wrong, he was hit in the face passed away after
fighting so hard for his life.
"My dad has been taken way to from us far quickly.
"My dad did not deserve any of this his such a caring man, some times we
don't see eye to eye but he's been my dad throughout and always will be
even if his now flying high.
"I can't get my head around it I still think I'll be able to see him or
call him next week or he'll be doing his food deliveries for the
homeless, or working, I already miss him so much.
Andrew Looseley, left, pictured with his daughter Elektra, died after
being punched outside a pub in Maidstone.
"He has helped me through a lot, he helped moved me and his son in law
into our first home together, he helped me when things got tough, he
gave me advice to always be strong and move forward, he was a character
of funniness and some times sarcasm but he was my dad and that's all I
cared about.
"I can't believe my dad has been taken from me, he made a change in so
many lives and loved so many people.
"He was always devoted and strong when it came to family he would try to
help even if there was no way of helping, I could count on him
especially when the going to tough.
"I will forever love and cherish my memories with him.
"It's hard knowing he won't be able to be there to see my success in the
future, but I know he'll be looking down. I'll do anything to make you
proud dad as you have made me proud. I love you so much. Until we meet
again."
Son-in-law Terry Shorthouse described how the family dropped everything
after hearing the news and rushed to the hospital.
“Kev had everyone around him. He didn’t deserve this. We kept telling
him to keep fighting because his family need him.”
Since the incident, John Gibbs, 18, of Nickley Wood, Ashford, was
charged on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm.
Police cordoned off the road outside the Hare and Hounds pub in Lower
Boxley Road after the incident.
Following the attack, landlord Matthew Bryant, 51, who has been at the
Hare and Hounds since 2015 and a landlord for 23 years, immediately gave
first aid, putting Mr Looseley in the recovery position.
Paramedics arrived within five minutes and worked on him for 30 minutes
at the roadside, before he was taken to Maidstone Hospital. He was later
transferred to London.
Mr Bryant, who has known the victim for 10 years, said: “Kevin is a big
bloke, 6ft 1in, and 16st, but he’s very placid.
“He’s never the type to start any fight or look for trouble.
“He’s a popular member of our community, well respected.
“He works for charity and will put his heart and soul into doing
anything to help others.”
Mr Bryant has handed over the pub’s CCTV to the police to help the
investigation.
The assault was also witnessed by a number of the pub’s patrons who had
been sitting outside, at around 7.45pm on Saturday.
Police are appealing for witnesses. Call 01622 604100 quoting crime
reference 46/162838/22
|
From the
https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Paul Hooper, 17 February 2023.
Teenager John Gibbs from Ashford jailed for killing Chatham dad Andrew
Looseley outside Hare and Hounds pub in Maidstone.
A teenage killer, who took the life of a dad-of-five with a single
punch, has received a sentence of less than four years.
John Gibbs, now 19, felled victim Andrew Looseley "like a tree" before
fleeing the scene outside the Hare and Hounds Pub in Lower Boxley Road,
Maidstone.
John Gibbs, of Nickley Wood, Shadoxhurst, near Ashford, has been
jailed. Picture: Kent Police
Mr Loosely was knocked unconscious on his feet before falling backwards
striking his head and died days later without recovering, Maidstone
Crown Court heard.
Now Gibbs, of Nickley Woods in Shadoxhurst, near Ashford, has been sent
to a young offenders institute for three years and eight months and will
miss the birth of his first child in April.
He had admitted a charge of manslaughter at an earlier hearing and will
be released after serving 22 months.
Prosecutor Ian Hope said the fatal blow was caught on CCTV footage and
shown to the packed court.
He said the incident happened on August 20 last year when 47 year old Mr
Looseley - the captain of the Hare and Hounds Pool team - was
"play-fighting' with a friend of Gibbs', Luke Wright.
"They had been playing pool together and Mr Looseley put Mr Wright in a
headlock. Luke wanted a fight and urged Mr Looseley to go outside.
"It is clear from the CCTV there was an aggressive altercation which
resulted in all parties going outside and into the street."
The prosecutor said the victim later returned to the pub but
"unfortunately" went outside again.
The pub landlord later stood between them acting as a peacemaker.
"The defendant wasn't involved and at more than one point can be seen on
the CCTV putting his hand out preventing Luke from moving closer to the
victim.
"However, one eye witness says that Gibbs did offer to be a referee as
Mr Wright and Mr Looseley square up to one another.
"The defendant then moved forward and as the landlord was trying to keep
order, Gibbs threw a very powerful punch into Mr Looseley's face, " he
added.
The Chatham father's hands were down at the time and the blow
immediately knocked him out on his feet and he lost consciousness.
"He fell directly to the floor, like a felled tree, with the blow coming
out of the blue.
He sustained a fractured skull and brain damage and never recovered, "
added Mr Hope.
Gibbs then fled the scene, leaving passers by to help the stricken
victim who was taken to a London hospital but died days later.
The victim's mother, Marian said in her victim impact statement that Kev
was a happy lad who had four daughters and a son and loved cars and
playing pool.
"I feel my son's death was completely unnecessary. I will never
understand what made Gibbs punch Kevin that night," she said.
"He has taken not only my son away from me but also taken the father
away from his five children... all I'd like to know is why?
"Although I know I might never get an answer to this question."
"This was a tragic incident following a needless altercation in a town
centre pub..."
Danny Moore, defending, said that Gibbs was "very, very sorry and wishes
to apologise."
Judge Philip Statman said this was known as a "one punch manslaughter"
and he rejected any claim that Gibbs had been acting in self-defence to
protect his pregnant girlfriend, who was also present.
"A life has been taken and there are absolutely no words of comfort or
support I can give to diminish the suffering of the family."
Detective Constable Kirsty Gee, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime
Directorate, said: "This was a tragic incident following a needless
altercation in a town centre pub.
"A family are now mourning their loss and a young man is starting a
prison sentence.
"I would like to commend those who provided first aid for the victim in
an attempt to save his life and the witnesses and others who assisted us
throughout our investigation."
|
From the
https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Sean McPolin, 12 September 2023.
Maidstone pub landlord Matthew Bryant named as fatal stabbing victim
as murder probe launched.
A pub landlord has been named as the victim of a fatal stabbing.
Tributes have been paid to Matthew Bryant, who ran the Hare and Hounds
in Lower Boxley Road, Maidstone, after police and medics were called to
the town centre pub last night.
Landlord Matthew Bryant has been named as the victim of a fatal stabbing in Maidstone. Picture: Ruth Cuerden.
Matthew Bryant died after an incident at the Hare and Hounds. Picture: Andy Jones.
A large cordon was put in place between the roundabout at Staceys Street
and the J&S Accessories shop.
A woman, aged in her 50s and known to Mr Bryant, was arrested at the
scene on suspicion of murder and an investigation into the circumstances
is ongoing.
Following the tragic death, people have paid respect to the landlord who
took over the Hare and Hounds in 2015.
He had been a pub landlord for 25 years and also had long experience as
a door supervisor, off and on for 30 years.
One of Matt’s friends at the scene, who didn’t want to be named,
described the shock which was left in their group.
He said: “It just hits you. You never expect something like this to
happen to your friendship group. He was a great bloke.”
Becky Whitehead commented: “R.I.P Matt. Love and thoughts to the family
and friends. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Chris Leach said: “He hadn't got a bad bone in his body. You couldn't
help but love him.”
Mark Osborne added: “Matt and Caroline were the best landlords you could
ever meet all my thoughts go out to all his family and friends heaven
has got a true angel. R.I.P Matt.”
While Daniel Hoggart continued: “Absolute gent you always will be Matt.
Rip mate and thinking of you Caroline. I just don’t want to believe
this.”
A number of police officers were at the scene last night and were
diverting traffic as well as carrying out inquiries. Multiple police
vehicles remain outside the pub this morning.
Mr Bryant made headlines in August last year after he rushed to give
first aid to father-of-five Andrew Loosely who had been attacked outside
the pub.
Mr Loosely, who was the Hare and Hounds' pool team captain, was felled
by a single punch and hit his head when he fell.
Speaking at the time, the landlord said: "We put the victim in the
recovery position and I stayed on the phone talking to the ambulance
service for instructions.
"Fair play to them, they came in five minutes and took over."
Sadly, Mr Loosely died in King's College Hospital five days later. In
February, John Gibbs, 19, of Shadoxhurst, near Ashford, was jailed for
three years and eight months after admitting manslaughter.
|
From the
https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Megan Carr, 13 September 2023.
Murder charge after Maidstone pub landlord Matthew Bryant killed in fatal stabbing.
A woman has been charged with murder after a man was fatally stabbed outside a pub.
Stephane Langley appeared in court this morning after Matthew Bryant,
who ran the Hare and Hounds in Lower Boxley Road in Maidstone, died from
his injuries.
Matthew Bryant ran the Hare and Hounds, in Lower Boxley Road, Maidstone. Picture: Ruth Cuerden.
On Monday, September 11, police and medics were called to the town
centre pub where a large cordon was put in place between the roundabout
at Staceys Street and the J&S Accessories shop.
A woman, who was known to Mr Bryant, was arrested at the scene on
suspicion of murder.
During the early hours of today, the Crown Prosecution Service
authorised a charge of murder against Langley.
She was also charged with one count of possessing a knife in a public
place.
The 54-year-old, of Wilsons Lane, East Farleigh near Maidstone, appeared
at Medway Magistrates’ Court today.
The road remained closed in the aftermath of the murder in Maidstone. Picture: UKNIP.
Wearing a grey tracksuit, she spoke only to confirm her name, address
and date of birth.
She entered no pleas and was remanded in custody. The case was adjourned
and sent to Maidstone Crown Court where Langley is due to appear on
Friday.
Following Mr Bryant’s death, people have paid respect to the landlord
who took over the Hare and Hounds in 2015.
He had been a pub landlord for 25 years and also had long experience as
a door supervisor, off and on for 30 years.
One of Matt’s friends at the scene, who didn’t want to be named,
described the shock which was left in their group.
He said: “It just hits you. You never expect something like this to
happen to your friendship group. He was a great bloke.”
Mr Bryant made headlines in August last year after he rushed to give
first aid to father-of-five Andrew Loosely who had been attacked outside
the pub.
Mr Loosely, who was the Hare and Hounds' pool team captain, was felled
by a single punch and hit his head when he fell.
Sadly, Mr Loosely died in King's College Hospital five days later.
In February, John Gibbs, 19, of Shadoxhurst, near Ashford, was jailed
for three years and eight months after admitting manslaughter. |
LICENSEE LIST
BAKER Mrs 1866+
HEARNDEN Thomas Frederick 1882+
TIMMINS Thomas 1899+
PETTITT Edward 1903-04
PARKS Charles 1913-38+
WOOSTER Brian 1975+
BRYANT Matthew 2015-12/Sept/23 dec'd
https://pubwiki.co.uk/HareHounds.shtml
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