Above photo, circa 1900, showing the old "Red Lion." Also in show is Naylar & Sons, Undertakers.

Above photo circa 1920.

Above photo, date unknown.

Above flagon kindly sent by Brian Tasker. Circa 1865.

From an unknown local paper, 29 September 1978.

End of Red Lion after 289 years.

Last orders for historic pub doomed in the name of progress.

A RED LION public house has stood on the corner of Rochester High Street and Corporation Street as far back as 1689.

The present building — put up earlier this century - is a fine example of Edwardian architecture.

But in a few years, commuter traffic and heavy industrial juggernauts will be rumbling over the pub's foundations.

For on Wednesday, demolition work starts on the Red Lion. It is being pulled down to make way for road improvements to the Star Hill Junction.

Landlord Tom Fall and his wife Ada will have to find another pub — but they say it will be difficult to find another as historic or as welcoming as the Red Lion.

The pub is mentioned in a by-law passed in 1689 which says Rochester citizens between the “great bridge and the Red Lyon at Eastgate" should “set forth a candle" for two hours each night.

Tom and Ada Fall behind the bar at the Red Lion.

In 1907 the old pub was pulled down and a new concrete one put up. During re-building, business went on as usual — in the stables at the back.

Tom and Ada have been tenants at the pub — their first — for the past five years.

Last year, they laid out £1,500 for new carpets and curtains and the Courage brewery paid hundreds of pounds to repaint the outside of the building.

A brewery spokesman said the couple would probably receive some compensation for their investment and would be able to keep the pub furniture for themselves.

The decision to give the pub a brighter image was taken because it was thought demolition work would not start for some time.

The brewery originally opposed the demolition plan, but lost and the Red Lion was compulsorily purchased.

Tom and Ada talk of the family relationship built up with their customers.

Regulars enjoy one of their last of many card games the Red Lion.

And the regulars speak as highly about them. For instance. Mr. Harry Grossmith claims they are the best landlord and landlady in the Medway Towns. And Mr. Chas Barrett says it is the best pub in the area.

Neither landlord or customers are concerned that the demolition of the pub and the widening of the road will ease the traffic congestion at Star Hill to any great extent.

But they are resigned to the fact that the Red Lion will go. It closes on Monday.

At least the pub will have a rousing send-off party for regulars tonight (Friday) guarantees that.