50 High Street
Sittingbourne
Above picture, date unknown, from
http://www.sittingbourne-museum.co.uk/ |
Above postcard, date unknown, also showing the "Bull." |
Above postcard, circa 1910, also showing the "Bull,"
kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above postcard, date unknown. Also showing the "Bull
Hotel." |
Above postcard, circa 1910, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. Also showing
the "Bull." |
Above photo, date unknown, kindly sent by Garth Wyver. |
Above postcard, date unknown. Building is shown centre of the
postcard on the right of the road. |
Above photo, date unknown. |
Above postcard, date unknown, kindly sent by Garth Wyver. |
Above postcard, circa 1924. |
Above photo, circa 1924, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Ipswich Journal, Saturday, 08 September 1739.
On Wednesday Dom Thomas Geraldine oh, and his retinue, dined at Mr
Agnes, the rose Inn at Sittingbourne in Kent, on his way to Dover.
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From the Kentish Gazette or Canterbury Chronicle,
Wednesday, 3 May, to Saturday 6 May, 1769. Price 2½d.
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION
The Household Furniture of Mr. George Turner, deceased, at his late
Dwelling House in the Green Court, Canterbury. Consisting of Beding,
Chairs, Tables, Looking Glasses, Kitchen Furniture, Brewing Utensils,
Linen, China Wares, and Plate.
The Sale to begin on Tuesday the 9th of May, at half past two, and to
continue three days. The goods may be viewed on Monday before the day of
sale.
Catalogues may be had this Wednesday at the “George,” at Boughton; the
“Ship,” at Faversham; the “Woolpack” at Chilham;
the “Rose,” at
Sittingbourne; the “White Horse,” at Bridge; the “Flying Horse,” at Wye;
the “Dog,” at Wingham; the “King's
Head,” at Sandwich; at the Taverns
and Public Houses in this city, and at Thomas Roch's Upholster, the
Apraiser, in St. George's Street.
N.B. The House to be Lett.
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Kentish Gazette, 18 May, 1774.
Lost, yesterday, between Rainham and Sittingbourne.
A large black and white dog puppy, about six or seven weeks old,
with both his ears cut off.
Whoever has found the said puppy and will bring him to Mr. Simpson's
at the "Rose" at Sittingbourne aforesaid,
shall receive half a Guinea reward.
No greater reward will be offered, nor will he be advertised
anymore.
May 20th, 1774.
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Kentish Gazette 26 October 1787.
LOST.
On Tuesday the 9th. inst. from the "Rose Inn," Sittingbourne.
A Large White Pointer Dog, with a Chain, and Collar round his Neck,
without any Name on the Collar. He answers to the Name Mutton.
Whoever will bring the said Dog either to Mr. Simpson, the "Rose Inn,"
Sittingbourne, or to Mr. Matthew Kennett, Dover, shall be satisfied for
their Trouble.
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Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal - Friday 3 January 1794.
Saturday evening some person or persons went upstairs in the house of
Thomas Croft, at the "Rose Tap," Sittingbourne, and broke open a chamber
door and a drawer, out of which they stole cash to the amount of £62
10s. 6d, and two bank notes of ten pounds each, six silver tea spoons,
and one silver pepper castor, one cream pot, two silver watches, with
several pieces of silver coin, and a note of hand for sixty pounds; with
which they got off undiscovered.
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Kentish Chronicles, 3 January, 1794.
Yesterday evening some person or persons went upstairs in the house
of Thomas Croft, at the "Rose Tap," Sittingbourne, and broke open a
chamber door and a drawer, out of which they stole cash to the
amount of £62 10s 6d. and 2 bank notes at £10 each, 6 silver
teaspoons, and 1 silver pepper caster, 1 cream pot, 2 silver
watches, with several pieces of silver coin, and a note of hand for
£60; with which they got off undiscovered.
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Kentish Gazette, 15 August, 1806.
LOST.
Between Sittingbourne and Harbledown Turnpike Gate, on Saturday
last.
A Silk Drawing Purse, containing about Five Guineas in gold.
Whoever will bring the same either to Messrs. Bristow and Cowtain,
at Canterbury, or to Mr. Ballard, at the "Rose Inn," Sittingbourne,
shall receive a reward of two guineas.
August 11, 1806.
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Kentish Gazette 12 May 1809.
NOTICE. TO INN-KEEPERS AND PUBLICANS.
That a Meeting is intended to be held at the "Rose Inn," Sittingbourne,
on Monday next the 15th inst. at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, at
which time and place one
Inn-keeper or Publican from every town in the county is requested to
attend. May 8, 1809. |
From the Kentish Gazette, 10 August 1810.
LOST.
Between Rochester and Sittingbourne, TWO SEALS and a GOLD KEY; one
seal engraved R. H. with a crest (boar).
Whoever has found the same, and will take them to Mr. Ballard's,
"Rose Inn," Sittingbourne, shall receive One Guinea reward.
No greater reward will he offered.
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Kentish Gazette, Friday 8 March 1816.
Sittingbourne. Kent.
"Rose Inn," first-rate Hotel, Tavern, and Posting Establishment, a free
Tap House attached, and Lands Tax redeemed.
To be sold by private contract. Possession at Christmas next, or before,
if required.
This Inn, so celebrated throughout Europe, is situated in the much
admired town of Sittingbourne, and forms a very striking feature of
commanding, from its magnificence, the first line of connection on the
high London and Dover Road.
The Hotel and Tavern exhibits a very uniform, modern, and commanding
frontage of the town, with stone pillars, and capacious stone hall in
the entrance, and contains numerous and well-proportioned sitting and
bed rooms, finished in a very superior style, equal to any in the
Kingdom; the cellars extensive, with wine vaults constructed for the
improvement of wine, kitchen excellent, and the house abounds with
spacious conveniences of every description, and is used by the first
families of distinction.
The stable yard, is very commodious, having a gateway at each end of the
house, that company may not be disturbed with the sound of carriages,
containing extensive double and single stables, capital granaries and
lofts, enclosed locked up coach houses, laundry, wash-house, drying
ground, a walled garden adjoining, in high cultivation, about nine acres
of land, well supplied with water, equal to any pasture in Kent, may be
had for a term of years if required.
The Tap House is situated most conveniently both for the house and town,
to prove this a desirable situation, it has been occupied only by two
families since the year 1760. Every accommodation will be given to the
purchaser.
For further information apply, (if by letter post paid), to John Shipden,
Esq., Solicitor, Dover, Kent.
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Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal 24 December 1816.
ROSE INN, SITTINGBOURN.
John Jennings, "Lion Inn," Ospringe, returns his sincere thanks to his
friends, the Nobility, Gentry, and the public, for the support he has
experienced during his residence at Ospringe, and begs leave most
respectfully to inform them that he has taken.
The "Rose Inn," Sittingbourne, and will enter upon it at Christmas,
which he intends fitting up in the most comfortable manner, and hopes by
moderate charges and a strict attention to the comforts of his friends
that may honour him with their commands, to merit a continuance of their
favours.
Ospringe, Dec. 18, 1816.
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Kentish Gazette, 26 January, 1821.
ROSE INN, SITTINGBOURNE.
THE Nobility, Gentry, and the public in general, are most
respectfully informed that the business of the above Inn, is carried
on as usual by J. JENNINGS, who most earnestly solicits a
continuance of their patronage and support.
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Kentish Gazette, 26 January, 1821.
THE Creditors who have proved their Debts under a Commission of
Bankrupt, awarded and issued forth against JOHN JENNINGS, of
Sittingbourne, in the County of Kent, innkeeper, dealer and chapman,
are requested to meet the Assignees of the Estate and Effects of the
said Bankrupt, at the "Rose Inn,", Sittingbourne, on THURSDAY, the
8th day of February neat, at 1a2 o'clock at noon precisely, to
assent to, or dissent from the said Assignees, allowing the said
Bankrupt to carry on and continue his said business, for a definite
period of time, for the benefit of his creditors. And also to assent
to or dissent from the said Assignees, selling by Public Auction, or
Private Sale nr Contract, all or any part of the Bankrupt's Estate
and Effects at such price and prices, and upon such terms, and
conditions, and either for ready money or on credit, or for payment
on a future day, and upon such securities as such Assignees shall
think fit. And also to absent to or dissent from the said Assignees,
agreeing with the landlords of the premises at Sittingbourne, now
occupied by the said Bankrupt or his under tenant, for the hire of
the said premises, for a certain period, and at such rent and made
such conditions as shall be mentioned at the meeting. And also to
assent to or dissent from the said Assignees retaining or employing
the said bankrupt, or any other person or persons whom they shall
think eligible in or about the management and arrangement of the
property and effects, accounts and concerns, of the said Bankrupt,
and paying and allowing to the said Bankrupt, or any other person or
persons, a compensation or allowance for him or their services. And
also to assent to or dissent from the said Assignees, paying all
arrears of rent, and taxes, duties, and servants' wages now due from
the said bankrupt. And also to assent to or dissent from the said
Assignees, commencing, prosecuting, or defending, any suit or suits
at law or in equity, for the recovery of any part of the said
Bankrupt’s Estate and Effects, or to the compounding, submitting to
arbitration or otherwise, agreeing to any matter or thing relating
thereunto, and on special affairs.
26th June 1821.
R. R. and J. HINDE, Solicitors.
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Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal 30 January 1821.
ROSE INN, SITTINGBOURNE.
The Nobility, Gentry, and the public in general, are most respectfully
informed that the business of the above Inn, is carried on as usual by
J. Jennings, who most earnestly solicits a continuance of their
patronage and support. January 24, 1821. |
Kentish Gazette, 21 August, 1821.
ROSE INN, SITTINGBOURNE.
IN CONSEQUENCE of the present LOW PRICE OF CORN, J. JENNINGS, begs
leave to inform the public, that he has REDUCED THE PRICE OF POSTING
to Fifteen Pence Per Mile.
J. JENNINGS takes this opportunity of returning his sincere thanks
to the Nobility, Gentry, and the Public, for their liberal support,
which it will ever be his study by unremitting attention to merit.
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Morning Chronicle, Saturday 19 December 1829.
Teynham v. Tyler.
The plaintiff in this cause is Lord Teynham; and the defendant a
gentleman named Tyler, who holds an estate of considerable value under a
deed executed in his favour by the late Lord Teynham. The bill is filed
to set aside this deed, on the ground that Lord Teynham was insane at
the time of its execution; but the parties, after the examination of
nearly two hundred witnesses, have agreed, for the purpose of saving
expence, to try the question of title by an action of ejectment in the
Court of Common Law, and to permit the fate of the suit in equity to
depend on the verdict.
Mr. Knight now moved for an order to have the depositions of a person
named Valentine Simpson produced at the trial. This person was the
landlord of the "Rose Inn," Sittingbourne, in the vicinity of which Lord
Teynham had lived about thirty years ago, when he executed the deed; and
he was now 84 years of age, and had been afflicted with an apoplectic
fit since the time of his first examination, which it was feared would
render him incapable of bring produced as an evidence on the trial. The
Learned Gentleman said he moved this on the authority of the decision
the other day, in the case of Grindall v. Grindall; or that of Palmer v.
Lord Aylesbury, and many others.
Mr. Roupell, on the part of the plaintiff, objected to the production of
these depositions on several grounds, but principally because there was
good reason to suppose that the witness would not be able to give his
evidence in person at the trial.
The Vice-Chancellor, after some discussion, granted the motion,
observing that the Court below must be satisfied, by affidavit, that the
witness was unable to attend before it could make use of the
depositions.
Lord Teynham sat on the bench during the greater part of the day to be
present at this discussion.
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Kentish Gazette, 20 December, 1836.
DEATHS.
December 13th, at Dover, in her 31st year, Mrs. E. A. Court, wife of
Mr. Court, wine merchant, and youngest daughter or Mrs. Payn, of the
"Rose Inn," Sittingbourne.
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Kentish Gazette, 20 December, 1836.
ONE POUND REWARD.
Lost, on Thursday, 28th of November, at Sittingbourne, a Hound Bitch,
blue-mottled-tan-coloured head, and stands about 20 inches high.
Whoever has found the same and will take her to the "Rose Inn,"
Sittingbourne, will receive the above reward.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 10 April 1838.
ROYAL VICTORIA HOTEL AND ROSE INN, SlTTINGBOURN.
ROBERT P. HAMS (late of the "Hop-pole Hotel," Tewkesbury), begs to
announce to the Nobility, Clergy, and Gentry of the county
of Kent, and Families travelling to the Continent, that he has taken
the above Establishment from Mr. Payn.
This House will be found to contain suites of apartments for
families, with every comfort and convenience of their own private
dwellings, which no other house between London and Dover can boast
of. The Proprietor therefore confidently solicits the
patronage and support of the comfort-seeking Public.
A separate room is set apart for Commercial Gentlemen. From the
Proprietor’s long connexion with those Gentlemen in his former
Establishment, he can with confidence appeal to them for their
support in his present undertaking, where they will find him at
home.
The Yard has superior Stabling, lock-up Coach houses, an excellent
Stud of Horses, and careful driver’s.
Barouches, Chariots, Chaise, and Phaetons.
Hearse and Mourning Conches on the shortest notice.
Rose Hotel, April 8th, 1838.
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Kentish Gazette, Tuesday 8 May 1838.
King's head Hotel, and Commercial Inn, Canterbury.
JOHN JENNINGS, formerly of the "Rose Inn,"
Sittingbourne, and "Red
Lion Hotel," Canterbury, informs his friends, Commercial Gentlemen,
and the Public in general, that he has taken the above House, and in
soliciting their patronage, begs to state that the premises have
been thoroughly repaired, and modernly furnished, with an assurance
that every attention will be paid to the comforts of those who may
be pleased to favour him with their support.
Stall Stabling, and lock-up Coach Houses.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 18 February 1840.
Sittingbourne.
(The following was in response to Queen
Victoria's recent marriage to Prince Albert on 10 February 1840.
Paul Skelton.)
The morning was ushered in by a merry peal on the church bells, the
firing of cannon, &c. which was kept up with spirit during the whole
day. From the "Rose Hotel" windows were flying the royal standard
and union jack. The "George
Hotel," also was decorated with flags,
and many others were floating in different parts of the town. In the
evening a dinner was served up in first-rate style at the "Rose
Hotel;" the leading clergy and gentry of Sittingbourn and the
neighbourhood dined together. The party was ably presided over by T.
T. Valence, esq. supported by the Rev. Mr. Duthie and A. F. Monins,
esq. The vice chair was filled by William Murton. esq. of Tunstall.
The toast, song, and glee went merrily round until the arrival of
"small hours." Mr. Hams received the thanks of the chairman, for the
whole company, for the splendid repast provided for them on the
present occasion. In the evening the "Royal Rose Hotel" (being her
Majesty’s royal posting house) was brilliantly illuminated, which
attracted hundreds of promenaders into the streets, and maintained
the gaiety of the town to a late hour.
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South Eastern Gazette, Tuesday 8 June 1841.
INSOLVENT DEBTORS.
To be heard at Maidstone, in the county of Kent, on the 30th day of
June, 1841, at the hour of ten in the forenoon precisely.
WILLIAM LOFT.
Formerly of Dartford, in the county of Kent, out of business or
employment; then of the "Rose Inn," Sittingbourne, in the said county of
Kent, waiter to Mrs. Sophis Payn, of the same place, innkeeper; then of
the same place, waiter to Mr. Robert Pettman Hams, of the "Rose Inn,"
Sittingbourne aforesaid, innkeeper; and late of the "Lion Inn,"
Sittingbourne aforesaid, licensed victualler.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 5 April 1842.
THE MEMBERS of the TICKHAM HUNT CLUB will dine at the "Rose Inn,"
Sittingbourne, on THURSDAY, April 14th, when the Company of any
Gentleman is requested.
Dinner Tickets, including a bottle of wine, 10s to be had at the "Rose
Inn," on or before Monday, the 11th instant.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 29 November 1842.
Caution to Innkeepers.
A person of respectable appearance, about forty years of age, 5ft. 11in.
in height, dressed in black, short trowsers without straps, a drab great
coat with a large cape, and one button hanging loose on the right side;
rather a large and oval face, with small whiskers; his conversation that
of a gentleman. Should the above personage be met with by any brother
innkeeper, they will confer a favour by kindly hinting to him that he
forgot to pay his bill (£1 0s. 3d) at Mr. Hams’ "Rose Hotel,"
Sittingbourn, whom he favoured with his company for two days, and walked
off on Sunday morning after attending Divine Service at chapel.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 12 May 1846.
TURTLE! TURTLE! TURTLE!
ROYAL WESTERN HOTEL. BRISTOL.
R. P. HAMS, late of the "Rose Inn," SITTINGBOURN, begs to announce to
the Nobility and Gentry of Kent, that he has just received a quantity of
Fine Lively TURTLE, which will he immediately converted into that
monarch of Soups, at 12s Per Quart, and may be sent to any part of the
country in high perfection.
R. P. H., although he has left the County of Kent, trusts his connection
therewith may not cease, but that every day may bring orders for Turtle,
which shall not be surpassed in Richness and Delicacy of Flavour. All
orders for Two Quarts and upwards, will be carriage paid to London.
N. B.— A. continued Supply through the Season.
May 7. 1846.
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Kentish Gazette, 4 September 1849.
SITTINGBOURN.
Notwithstanding the shock occasioned by the closing of the two fine
hotels, the "Rose" and the "Crown," we are happy to say that the town
is rapidly improving. The "Rose" has been turned into fine shops
with plate-glass fronts, and the "Crown" is now undergoing the same
change.
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Southeastern Gazette, 15 March 1853.
Death.
March 10, at Key-street, near Sittingbourne, Mrs. Sarah Simpson, at
the advanced age of 102. The deceased was the relict of Mr.
Valentine Simpson, formerly of the "Rose Inn," Sittingbourne, and
which they retired from in the year 1800.
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From Kentish Chronicle 2 February 1867.
SITTINGBOURNE. PETTY SESSIONS. - MONDAY.
The license of the "Rose Inn," was transferred from James Wyles, to
William Smith.
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This pub was serving customers as an inn as early as 1769 and the
building has a rose on it that states R. I. 1708. In 1873 the right hand
side of the building was remodelled having been a private house and later
became the Westminster Bank in the 1960s.
Above plaque on building stating R. I. 1708. |
It changed its name for a short time to the "Royal
Victoria Hotel" after the future Queen had stayed there in 1825. Further
usage after closure was as Woolworths, which in turn also closed in 2008.
Other uses have been as a Cafe and I am informed the building is now
(2015) being
used as a Whimpy.
There appears to be licensees of both the "Rose" and "Rose Tap" mixed in
the following list. The "Rose Tap" may well have been a different location
to that of the "Rose" but could also have been attached.
LICENSEE LIST
AGNES Mr 1739+
SIMPSON Valentine 1787-1800
CROFT Thomas 1794+ (Rose Tap)
BALLARD Mr 1806-10+
JENNINGS John Dec/1816-28+
SIMPSON Valentine 1829+
BALLARD William 1832+
(& Posting House)
WATERMAN Robert 1832+
PAYNE Sophis Mrs 1836-41+
HAMS Robert P Apr/1838+
BALLARD William 1839+ (& Posting House)
WATERMAN Robert 1839+
CRUMP William 1840
HAMS Robert Petman 1840-45+ (age 35 in 1841)
TAYLOR Henry 1841+ (Rose Tap) (age 35 in 1841)
DECON William 1847+
HURD Samuel 1851-55+ (also Wine & Spirit Merchant age 46 in 1851)
PETLEY James 1858+
WYLES James 1862-Feb/1867
SMITH William Feb/1867-74+
SHARP Alfred 1881-82 (age 46 in 1881)
SHARP Susan 1891+ (widow age 57 in 1891)
ADAMS George 1899-1903 (age 28 in 1901)
SELLERS William Henry 1913-18+
YOUNG Archibald 1922+
YOUNG Lilian Mrs 1930-38+
https://pubwiki.co.uk/RoseInn.shtml
http://www.closedpubs.co.uk/roseinn.html
From the Pigot's Directory 1828-29
From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34
Kentish Gazette
Census
From the Kelly's Directory 1903
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