131 Pembury Road/Primrose Hill

Tonbridge

Above photo, date unknown.

Above image from Google, July 2014.

The premises was built around 1880 and was originally known as Primrose Hill. The pub was originally two separate cottages and remained so until converted to a beerhouse in the early 1890s. However, I have reference to licensee John Steele at the "Ancient Druid's" at Primrose Hill in 1871, so there would have been an earlier property here at that time.

Hadlow brewers Kenward and Court purchased the pub in 1896, and gave it the name of the "Druids Inn and later the "Ancient Druids Beerhouse." The Order of Ancient Druids used to meet at the "Bull" but it is not known what connection they may have had with this property.

In 1910 it was valued at £1,250 and was let to Jak Chalking at a rent of £18 per annum. It was described as including a Bar, a Bar Parlour and Smoke Room together with two Cellars.

Charrington's bought the property and it continued to trade until October 1971.

I am informed that part of the Charrington's bar still features in the property and the post that supported the pub sign still stands outside and can be seen in the 2014 image above, although no sign hangs there today.

LICENSEE LIST

STEELE John 1871+

CRIPPS Charles 1930-38+

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

Census