Admiral Keppel

Latest 1850

(Name to)

High Street

Greenhithe

The name changed to the "Pier Hotel" around about 1850.

A new village pier built in 1842 prompted a name change for the nearest inn, then called the "Admiral Keppel." For a few years it was called the "Admiral Keppel Pier Hotel."

Kepple was a popular naval hero who had joined the navy in 1735 at the age of 10. His acquittal from a politically inspired court-martial in 1779 gave rise of great public celebration - innkeeper's across the land painted his portrait on their signs.

But Greenhithe may have had a special link with the admiral. On 22 May 1797, at a sandbank called "The Nore" lying of the mouth of the Medway in the Thames, the man of 21 Royal Navy ships rebelled against their harsh conditions. Kent Yeomanry were called to arms, but on 15 June the ships of the mutiny began firing on each other. One by one they soon surrendered. It's thought that ring-leaders were tried at Greenhithe - Admiral Keppel presiding.

Above painting showing Admiral Augustus Keppel by Sir Joshua Reynolds. Admiral Keppel was one the Royal Navy's most active and successful commanders during the Seven Years' War and throughout the American Revolution.

The Georgian façade and it's heavy pediment replaced this century with a gable and half timbered cladding. It hides the structure contemporary with its older neighbours, possibly early 18th century.

From an unknown paper, 1850.

Very excellent and old-established Free Waterside Inn and Tavern, Greenhithe, Kent, facing the New Pier.

MR. DANIEL CRONIN has received instructions from the Devisees of the late Mr. Child to SELL by AUCTION, at Garraway’s, on Thursday, October 31, a LEASE, with possession, of the "ADMIRAL KEPPEL INN," but now better known as the "Pier Hotel," at Greenhithe, in the county of Kent. These well-known and respectable premises have been in the occupation of the present family for nearly three quarters of a century, and many hundreds of pounds have, within a short period, been expended in repairs and alterations commensurate with modem requirements. They possess every facility for the conduct and increase of the successful trade so many years attached to them, and, in addition to the old-established sources of profit, the well frequented pier and the station of the North Kent Railway are given a conspicuous impetus to the trade. A lease will be granted for a term of 31 years, at the low rent of £84 per annum. May be viewed. Particulars are in preparation, and may be had in due course at the hotel; at Garraways: at the Stingo Tavern, New-road; of Messrs. Teesdale, Symes, and Weston, 31, Fenchurch-street; and of the auctioneer, 42, Bloomsbury-square.

LICENSEE LIST

CHILD John 1832+

WHEATLEY Ralph 1840-51+ (age 49 in 1851)

From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34

Census

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