DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Maidstone, November, 2023.

Page Updated Maidstone:- Friday, 03 November, 2023.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1642-

Star

Latest 1853-

(Name to)

High Street

Maidstone

 

Situated in the High Street in the 16th century, the Royalists met here on the eve of the Civil War to discuss the Kentish petition. It also exists in the song, "The Maidstone Landlords" in 1798.

Queen Victoria came to the throne on 20 June 1837 and by 1840 it had gained its royal appointment and was called the "Royal Star Hotel."

 

From the Kentish Gazette or Canterbury Chronicle, Saturday, 22 October, to Wednesday 26 October, 1768. Price 2d.

TO BE SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER

At the “Star Inn,” at Maidstone, On Friday the 28th of October Instant.

A Freehold new built (Brick Front) Messuage or Tenement two Stories high, consisting of two Rooms on a Floor, with convenient Closets and Sash Windows in the Fore-Rooms, a Wash-House and finall yard and Garden, pleasantly situated in the best Part of the High Street in Maidstone aforesaid; and lately occupied by Mr. John Streatfield, gentleman deceased.

N.B. The sale will begin at Six o'Clock, and the Premises will be put up at £300.

For further Particulars enquire of Mr. Southouse, Attorney at Law at Maidstone, and Mr. Cherry who lives next Door to the Premises will shew the same.

 

From the Kentish Gazette or Canterbury Chronicle, Saturday 13 May to Wednesday 17 May, 1769. Price 2½d.

TURNPIKE

Notice is hereby given, that the first Meeting of the Trustees, appointed for the putting in Execution, an Act of Parliament entitled, “An Act for Repairing and Widening the Road from Maidstone through Debtling to Key-street, in the Parishes of Borden and Bobbing, in the County of Kent,” is, in the said Act, directed to be holden at the House of John Hollingworth, known by the Sign of the “Star,” in Maidstone aforesaid, on Thursday next the 18th of this Instant Month of May, at Eleven o'clock in the Forenoon, being the third Thursday in may 1769.

 

Kentish Gazette, 10 March, 1781.

March 1, 1781.

"Star Inn," Maidstone.

John Oliver, begs leave to acquaint his friends and the public in general, that he has lately taken the above inn, and hopes for the honour of their company and Commands.

Post Chaises at 9d. per mile.

 

Kent Gazette, 23 December 1778.

Star Inn, Maidstone.

Richard Comber, (successor to Mr. John Hollingworth). Humbly solicits the commands of the public in general, and particularly those gentlemen and ladies who dealt their favours to his predecessor; assuring them, that nothing shall be wanting to merit their continuance of their obligations, which will be ever gratefully acknowledged, by their dutiful and most obedient humble servant,

R. Comber.

Neat post chasises and abel horses. Good beds, good wines, and excellent larder, &c &c.

N.B. Neat hearse and Morning Coach. Undertakers supplied on the the shortest notice, in affordable terms.

 

Kentish Gazette, 25 October, 1780.

"Star Inn," Maidstone, October 24, 1780.

Whereas it has been reported that the "Star Inn," in Maidstone, is shut up; this is to acquaint the Nobility, Gentry, and the Public in general, that it continues open as usual, and is commodiously fitted up with good beds and every other useful and necessary article.

The continuance of their Favours will be gratefully acknowledged.

 

Kentish Gazette, 10 March, 1781.

March 1, 1781. "Star Inn," Maidstone.

John Oliver, begs leave to acquaint his friends and the public in general, that he has lately taken the above inn, and hopes for the honour of their company and Commands.

Post Chaises at 9d. per mile.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, Tuesday 26 April 1791.

STAR INN, Maidstone, April 19, 1791.

STEPHEN KENSLEY, having this day quitted the above Inn in favour of Mr. William Spratt, gratefully returns his sincere thanks to the Nobility, gentry, and Public in general, for the honour of their patronage so liberally conferred upon him during the time he possessed the same.

WILLIAM SPRATT, from the "Haunch of Venison," having this day entered upon the above Inn, most respectfully solicits the Nobility, Gentry, and Public in general, who have hitherto honoured Mr. Stephen Kemsley with their commands, will in future confer them upon him, by continuing their favours at the said Inn as heretofore. His unremitting endeavours will be exerted to give general satisfaction to them and his former friends, whom he most gratefully thanks for their past favours during his residence at the "Haunch of
Venison
.

"N.B. Neat Post-chaises, with able horses.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 3 January 1804. Price 6d.

MAIDSTONE, KENT.

A Very desirable Situation for Trade to be Sold by Private Contract, with immediate possession:— Consisting of A Freehold House, a large Shop, yard and garden, most desirably situated near the “Star Inn,” and the Town Hall, High Street, Maidstone.

The premises are in good repair— The proprietor is leaving off business, and has no objection to give immediate possession.

The land-tax is redeemed, and the greatest past of the purchase-money may remain on security, if required.

For further particular apply to Mr. William Green, Week-street, Maidstone.

 

Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal 24 August 1810.

TO INN AND TAVERN KEEPERS, AND OTHERS.

Capital First-Rate Inn, Tavern, Hotel, Assembly, and Posting-House, Maidstone, Kent,

With Immediate Possession—Land Tax Redeemed.

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, By Mr. Burton, On Wednesday, 19th September, 1810, at 12 o'clock, at the Auction Mart, London, if not sooner disposed of by Private Contract. A singularly Valuable Freehold Estate, comprising that respectable and well established Inn—"The Star," at Maidstone, the property of Mr. Sprat, who is retiring from business. The premises are rendered particularly convenient to conduct a business with unusual facility, which has been a prominent feature in the concern for 150 years, and from unparalleled advantages of capability and situation must confidently ensure a continued respectable support. The premise are commodious, well connected, in very excellent repair, and capable of making up 36 best and 9 servants beds; numerous dining and drawing-rooms, of good proportion, a spacious handsome assembly room, a well frequented coffee room, requisite and well arranged servants apartments, commodious arched, and other cellaring; at a suitable distance in the yard is a Tap, or Public-House, which may be let off considerable advantage; excellent stalled and open stabling for 71 horses, enclosed coach-houses, spacious well timbered lofts, requisite out-building, and a large open yard, &c. with a convenient hack carriage entrance. The whole completely enclosed, and secured with folding-gates.

To be viewed by application to Mr. Burton, 62, Cornhill, of whom descriptive particulars may be had; particulars also on the Premises; at the "Bull," Wrotham; "Saracen's Head," Ashford; "White Hart," Hythe; "Royal Hotel," Dover; "Three Kings," Deal; "Royal Hotel," Margate; "King's Head," Canterbury; "George," Sittingbourne; "Crown," Rochester; "Bull and George," Dartford; "George," Borough; "Blossoms Inn," Lawrence-lane; Cross Keys, Wood-street; "Spacan Eaple," Gracechurch-street and at the Auction Mart, London.

N. B.—A part of the purchase-money may remain on mortgage, if required.

 

Canterbury Weekly, 25 May, 1837.

Inquest.

On Wednesday se'nnight an inquest was held at the "Star Hotel," before Mr. F. F. Dally, coroner for Maidstone, on the body of John Marshall, 33, a pauper, belonging to the parish of Adisham.

It appeared by the evidence of the assistant overseer that the deceased had been taken into the Bridge Union house, and being ill was admitted into the infirmary, but subsequently exhibiting decided marks of insanity by very violent conduct, breaking windows, throwing furniture about, and spitting out his food, the medical officers signed a certificate for his removal to the Barming Heath Asylum.

On Tuesday last he was removed in a post-chaise, but on reaching the Asylum he could not be admitted as it was already quite full, there being 176 patients. He was then taken to the "Star Hotel," Maidstone, where, appearing to be very ill, Mr. Kenneth Connor, surgeon, was called in, who found him labouring under the last symptoms of pulmonary consumption. He immediately ordered the straight waistcoat to be taken off, and nourishment to be administered. Notwithstanding every attention that could be paid the poor fellow, he rapidly sunk, and died in a few hours. In consequence of Mr. Kennett's statement that he saw no symptoms of insanity in the deceased, and that, in his opinion, he could not have been in a fit state to travel, the inquest was adjourned till Friday, and the master of the workhouse and the surgeon was summoned to attend.

On Friday afternoon the jury began again assembled, Mr. Andrews, surgeon, and Mr. Forth, master of the workhouse, deposed to the insanity of the deceased while under their, and also to the state of his bodily health. The master of the work stated that the deceased appeared quite able to travel when he left the house, and that he was sent in a post-chase to promote his comfort. It was also mentioned that the parish to which he belonged incured a great additional expense by sending him to the Lunatic Asylum, and that the only motive for his being removed was that he might receive the attention which is case required. It seemed that no pains were spared by Mr. Forth and his wife to promote the comfort of the unfortunate man. The jury, after they careful inquiry, returned the following verdict.:- "That John Marshall came to his death by disease and debility, and that it was hastened by the journey, but that he had been treated with humanity and kindness both during and before the journey.

 

Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal 30 May 1837.

INQUEST.

On Wednesday se'nnight an inquest was held at the "Star Hotel," before Mr. F. F. Dally, coroner for Maidstone, on the body of John Marshall, aged 33, a pauper, belonging to the parish of Adisham. It appeared by the evidence of the assistant overseer, that the deceased had been taken into the Bridge Union workhouse, and being ill was admitted into the infirmary, but subsequently exhibited decided marks of insanity by very violent conduct, breaking windows, throwing furniture about, and spitting out his food, the medical officer signed a certificate for his removal to the Barming Heath Asylum. On Tuesday he was removed in the post-chaise, but on reaching the Asylum he could not be admitted, as it was already quite full, there being 176 patients. He was then taken to the "Star Hotel," Maidstone, where, appearing to be very ill, Mr. Kennett, surgeon, was called in, who found him labouring under the last symptoms or pulmonary consumption. He immediately ordered the strait waistcoat to be taken off, and nourishment to be administered. Notwithstanding every attention that could be paid the poor fellow, he rapidly sunk, and died in a few hours. In consequence of Mr. Kennett's statement that he saw no symptoms of insanity in the deceased, and that, i his opinion, he could not have been in a fit state to travel, the inquest was adjourned till Friday, and the master of the workhouse and the surgeon were summoned to attend.

On Friday afternoon the jury again assembled.

Mr. Andrews, surgeon, and Mr. Forth, master of the workhouse stated that the deceased appeared quite able to travel in a post-chaise to promote his comfort. It was also mentioned that the parish in which he belonged incurred a great additional expense by sending him to the Lunatic Asylum, and that the only motive for his being removed was that he might receive the attention which his case required. It seemed that no pains were spared by Mr. Forth and his wife to promote the comfort of the unfortunate man. The jury, after a careful enquiry, returned the following verdict: "That John Marshall came to his death by disease and debility, and that it was hastened by the journey, but that he had been treated with humanity and kindness both during and before the journey.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 22 December 1840.

DEATH.

Dec 8, Elizabeth Mary, daughter of Mr. William Scoones, late of the "Star Hotel," Maidstone, aged 19.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 8 February 1842.

DEATH.

Jan. 29, at Maidstone, Elizabeth Barbara, only daughter of Mr. R. Fowler, "Star Inn," aged 19.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 7 February 1843.

Maidstone.—Kent and Maidstone Cattle Show.

A general meeting of the subscribers to this society was held at the "Star Inn," on Thursday last, the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Torrington in the chair, when the accounts were passed and the report of the last year’s proceedings was presented and adopted. After some desultory discussion respecting some proposed new premiums, a vote of thanks to his Lordship for his services in the chair, and his zealous efforts on all occasions in support of the society, was passed by acclamation, and the meeting broke up.

 

Kentish Journal and Kentish Advertiser, Tuesday 22 October 1844.

The Auctioneer begs particularly to remind those gentlemen who wish to improve their stocks, that this is an opportunity which seldom occurs in this part of the country, and that Vouchers will be put into the hands of the purchases of each Lot, and the pedigree of each animal will be given in catalogues to be had at the "Star Inn," Maidstone; "Crown," Sevenoaks; "Kentish Hotel," Tunbridge Wells; "White Hart," Ashford; "George," Folkestone; "Star," Lewes; "George," Robertsbridge; "White Hart," Reigate; "Greyhound," Croydon; also of Mr. Stidolph, Dartford, and at the office of the Auctioneer, High Street Tonbridge.

The stock and effects maybe viewed any day previous to the sale.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 25 August 1846.

INQUEST ON THE LATE SIR CHARLES WETHERELL, KNT.

An inquest was held at the "George Inn," Aylesford, on Wednesday afternoon last, before J. N. Pudlow, Esq., one of the coroners for Kent, on the body of the late Sir Charles Wetherell, Knt., whose death on Monday afternoon last, was the result of the melancholy accident already recorded in our paper.

The jury having returned from Preston Hall, the seat of C. Milner, Esq , where the body was lying, the following evidence was taken:—

Joseph Rudge deposed he was returning to the deceased, who was about 76 years of age. Sir Charles had been to Smarden to view an estate he had thought of purchasing, and slept at the "Star Inn," Maidstone, on the night of Sunday the 9th. On Monday morning he ordered an open fly to proceed to Rochester, expressing his desire to be driven by the lower road, through Wouldham, &c. On arriving at the top of Rocky Hill, Sir Charles changed seats with witness, who was on the box, and witness sat inside. On reaching the back entrance gate of Mr. Milner's park, he felt the horse start forward, and heard Sir Charles say, "Whoa, whoa," when immediately the carriage upset. Witness sprung to his feet immediately, when he found Sir Charles on his back, apparently insensible. A woman having been despatched for a surgeon, he was conveyed to Mr. Milner’s house, Preston Hall, where he remained till his death. The driver was perfectly sober.

Eliza Jones examined:- Was coming from Mr. Milner’s lodge on the day in question, when a carnage passed her. Immediately it had passed her the horse took fright, and the carriage was overturned. By desire of the coachman she fetched Mr. Dennis, surgeon, of Aylesford.

John Brazier, of Maidstone, postboy, stated:— On the rooming of Monday, the 10th, he was ordered out with an open fly to convey Sir Charles Wetherell to Rochester. Sir Charles got outside on reaching Rocky Hill, and witness turned down the lane to Aylesford, and on approaching the back entrance to Sir. Milner’s, the flies being troublesome, the mare got her tail over the reins, and on witness loosening them to disentangle them, the mare naturally slightly increased her pace. This apparently frightened Sir Charles, who caught hold of the off rein, and immediately the horse started, and drew the carriage over a heap of stones lying at the side of the road, when the wheel ran up an iron which supported the railings, and overturned the carriage. Witness fell upon Sir Charles who fell on the side of his head, and upon his back. He appeared insensible, but slightly recovered, and walked across to the lodge gate, when he said, "Let’s go on." He, however, got worse, and was placed on cushions till a surgeon arrived. Witness was confident the accident would not have happened had not Sir Charles taken hold of the reins. Had driven the mare nearly two years; she was perfectly quiet, and stopped on the carriage overturning, though the harness was cut entirely away.

Ralph Dennis, surgeon, of Aylesford, stated he was sent for shortly after nine o'clock on the morning of Monday, the 10th, and on arriving at the Preston Hall back gates, found Sir Charles sitting in the road, supported by cushions—he appeared insensible. There was a considerable wound on the lip, and contusion on the left side of the head and the back. Witness proceeded to Preston Hall, where by the consent of Mr. Milner he was removed. Sir Charles partially recovered sensibility on the fourth day, but subsequently relapsed, and died at twenty minutes past five on Monday the 17th. Considers death to have ensued from concussion of the brain—no bones were broken. Sir Benjamin Brodie, Dr. Taylor, and Mr. Golding attended Sir Charles, but slight hopes were entertained of his recovery.

The Jury without hesitation, returned a verdict of "Death from Conclusion of the Brain, from an accidental fall."

The Jury expressed their high sense of the kindness of C. Milner, Esq., of Preston Hall, whose conduct towards the unfortunate deceased gentlemen was most hospitable.

 

Kentish Gazette, 23 January 1849.

Hop Dinner.

The annual hop dinner at the "Star Hotel" took place on Wednesday last, when, between 40 and 50 assembled to partake of the good things provided by the worthy landlord, Mr. Muruss. Mr. W. J. Epps was in the chair, and was supported as vice-president by Mr. George Clifton, of London. The winner of last year's sweepstakes was Mr. Hollings. The lowest set for the present year was £80,000, and the highest £230,000. The average betting was about £145,000. In the course of the evening some excellent glees were sung by Messrs. Mason, Lancefield. Kentish, and Tolhurst, and Messrs. G. Hodges and T. Bennett sang some good solos.

 

Kentish Gazette, 12 June 1849.

MAIDSTONE. Accident.

On Monday last, an accident happened to the head waiter of the "Star Hotel," named Briggs, while playing at cricket, at the "Gibraltar." He was in the act of striking the ball, when his foot slipped and he fell, the small bone of his left leg being broken.

Assistance was immediately afforded him, and on being conveyed to Maidstone, he was attended by Dr. Power, under whose treatment he is going on favourably.

 

Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 8 December 1849.

COUNTY INTELLIGENCE. MAIDSTONE. Reduction of Rents.

The Earl of Aylesford, at his rent audit held last Wednesday, at the "Star Inn," Maidstone, unsolicited, returned 10 per cent, to his tenantry, at the same time conveying to them, through his agent, his regret at the present position of the farming interest, and expressing a hope that the tenantry on his estate would still farm with confidence. Although his Lordship has ever been esteemed as a good landlord, and one who, in letting his farms, has acted on the principle of "live and let live," this additional proof of his regard for the welfare of his tenants, will add another link to the chain which should always connect landlord and tenant. On the day above-mentioned, the tenants of the estate dined together at the "Star Hotel" H. Morris, Esq., agent to the Aylesford estate, in the chair.

 

Kentish Gazette, 21 May 1850.

Fatal Accident.

An inquest was held on Wednesday last, at the West Kent infirmary before F. F. Dally, Esq., on the body of John Shoobridge, aged 40 years. William Capon, ostler to Mr. Shirley, of the "Star Tap," stated that deceased was also in Mr. Shirley's employ as labourer.

On Tuesday, the 7th May, between 10 and 11 o'clock in the morning, I saw deceased go up a ladder in the yard, to a granary where corn and potatoes were kept. Shortly after I saw the ladder lying on the ground, but not seeing deceased, I called "Flower Pot," a name by which deceased went, several times very loud but received no answer. I then went into a stable near the ladder, and found deceased lying there and very sick, I asked him if be had hurt himself, and deceased said he thought he had broken some of his ribs. Witness immediately fetched some brandy and gave him, which seemed to revive him, and he got up and said he seemed a little better.

Dr. Plomley was then sent for, who recommended his being taken to the infirmary, which was done. Deceased said the ladder had slipped. The morning was very wet, which, in witness’ opinion would have caused the ladder to have slipped. Mr. John Edward Elam, house surgeon to the infirmary, stated the deceased was brought there on the 7th inst. He gradually sank after that, and died about 8 o’clock on Tuesday morning.

Verdict " accidental death.”

 

Kentish Gazette, 17 September 1850.

On Saturday night week, between ten and eleven, a young man named Thomas Abnett, an occasional waiter at the "Star Hotel," Maidstone, was returning from Chatham, when he was stopped by five men, who threw him down and robbed him of his bundle, his cap, and fifteen shillings.

 

South Eastern Gazette, 8 November 1853. Maidstone

Friday. (Before H. W. Joy, Esq., and C. Ellis, Esq.)

The newly-elected Town-councillors were this morning duly sworn into office.

John Dale, waiter, was charged with felony:— Wm. Shirley, who keeps the "Star Tap," stated that on Sunday night he locked up his premises at about half-past ten o’clock. There was then a gun standing in the corner of his living-room. The gun produced was the same, which he had had for the last twenty years. His son came down about half-past six o’clock the next morning, and found one of the windows partly open. He missed the gun, which was in a case, on Tuesday. The window opened by a slide into the Star-yard, and as the fastenings were worn it was not made secure. Had known the prisoner many years. He (prisoner) was often about the house and knew where the gun was kept.

By prisoner:— You had cleaned the gun many times.

Prosecutor’s son stated that he came down stairs on Monday morning at about twenty minutes to seven o’clock, and found the window of the room in which the gun was kept partly open.

William Bridgland, landlord of the "Red Lion," stated that the prisoner came into his house at about four o’clock on Monday morning, and called for some coffee. Witness saw a gun behind the settle, and took it up and examined it. About an hour afterwards prisoner asked him if he had a charge of powder and shot to give him. Witness said he had none, and prisoner then said he must stop till the shops were open. Witness understood him that he was going out shooting. He afterwards asked witness to take care of it, with a small packet which he said contained silver, for a few minutes. Witness took the gun into the bar, and on Wednesday gave it to police-constable Russell.

Police-constable Russell deposed to receiving information of the gun being missing on Tuesday evening, and on Wednesday morning obtained it from the last witness. Afterwards took the prisoner into custody and told him the charge, when he said it was his property and he had got it to clean.

By prisoner:— You did not say the gun belonged to Mr. Shirley.

The prisoner said he took the gun on Sunday afternoon to clean, as he had often done before, and was going to Rochester on Monday, intending to return it when he came back. He took it into the "Red Lion" and asked the landlord to take charge of it while he went to book two places on the omnibus, and told him to take care of it as it was a valuable one, and belonged to Mr. Shirley. This latter assertion Bridgland denied.

The prisoner was remanded till Tuesday (to-day).

 

From the South Eastern Gazette, 22 January 1856.

Maidstone catch club.

The ordinary fortnightly concert of the society was held at the "Star Hotel" Assembly Room, on Thursday evening last, when the large room was filled by the members and country friends. The singers were Miss Ross, and her father, the well-known comic vocalist, whose songs have nearly split the sides of half London with laughter. The young lady acquitted herself creditably; but the attraction of the evening was the mimic and burlesque presentments of low life for which Mr. Ross is distinguished, and which were as successful in Maidstone as elsewhere. The music was good, and afforded entire satisfaction.

 

South Eastern Gazette, Tuesday 08 April 1856.

Royal Star Hotel. High Street, Maidstone.

Mr. W. R. Pine, having taken the "Royal Star Hotel," thanks to inform the nobility, gentry, and inhabitants of Maidstone, and the neighbourhood, that he has made considerable alterations and improvements, and trusts, by strict attention to the wishes of those who may honour him with their patronage is, to secure that support which it will always be is endeavour to serve.

 

Maidstone Telegraph, Saturday 8 February 1868.

LEEDS—Rifle Volunteer Ball.

A ball in connection with the members of the 31 at (Leeds Castle) Rifle Volunteers, took place at the "Star Hotel," Maidstone, on Wednesday evening last, when upwards of 130 attended, amongst whom were C. W. Martin. Esq M.P., Col. Scott, Major and Mrs. Laurie, Lieut Blackett, Ensign Roper, Sergeant Roper, Captain Hollingworth, Lieut Monckton, Ensign Haynes, Ensign Franklyn, and several officers of the Artillery garrison. The Woolwioh Artillery Band was engaged for the occasion, and the refreshments supplied by the host, Mr. Hubbard.

 

Local knowledge, further pictures, and licensee information would be appreciated.

I will be adding the historical information when I find or are sent it, but this project is a very big one, and I do not know when or where the information will come from.

All emails are answered.

 

LICENSEE LIST

HOLLINGWORTH John 1769-Dec/78

COMBER Richard Dec/1778+

OLIVER John Mar/1781+

KENSLEY Stephen to 19/Apr/1791

Last pub licensee had SPRATT William 19/Apr/1791-1811+

SCOONS William 1826-32+ Pigot's Directory 1828-29Pigot's Directory 1832-34

SCOONS John 1840+

FOWLER R Mr 1842+

MURUSS Edward 1851-55+ (age 44 in 1851Census)

PINE William Rose Apr/1856-62+ (age 45 in 1861Census)

HUBBARD Stephen 1862+

KEELEY Joseph 1874-91+ (age 49 in 1891Census)

https://pubwiki.co.uk/Star.shtml

 

Pigot's Directory 1828-29From the Pigot's Directory 1828-29

Pigot's Directory 1832-34From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34

CensusCensus

 

If anyone should have any further information, or indeed any pictures or photographs of the above licensed premises, please email:-

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