Above photo 1990s, kindly sent by Charles Fortt.

Above photo 2006, kindly taken and sent by Brian Brockie.

1956 FROM KENT CHRONICLE BOOK BY BOB OGLEY. 1956 PRINCES HOTEL, DARTFORD.

RIOTING TEDDY BOYS rock around the clock.

Sept. 11th. 1956, Kent police have been called to several cinemas in the county this week to eject youths who have been "jiving" in the aisles, clapping and chanting to the music of the film Rock Around the Clock. Some teenagers dressed in Teddy Boy clothing have let off fireworks in the cinemas and ripped the seats with their flick knives.

It is not only in cinemas that Teddy Boys are causing trouble. In July, a group of these modern day "Edwardians" stormed the "Princes Hotel" in Dartford. Landlord Mr. Charles Stow refused to serve them and called the police. "I've never seen such an extraordinary sight in my life," said Mr. Stow. "They piled off the bus and came towards the hotel like some strange regiment in knee-length jackets, velvet collars and drainpipe trousers. They wore sideburns and black string ties. I called the police, a car load arrived and the youths began to run in all directions. There has been more trouble in Maidstone.

These Teddy Boys enjoy the music of Lonnie Donegan who has released his album called Rock Island Line. He is well known in Kent and is planning concerts in most towns including Dartford, Margate and Maidstone. He previously played in jazz bands with Ken Colyer and Chris Barber.