AMHURST ARMS Pub of Riverhead

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Monday, 13 October, 2025.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1851-

Amhurst Arms

Latest ????

(Name to)

London Road

Riverhead

Above photo date unknown.

Above photo 1880.

Above postcard circa 1880.

Above postcard, date unknown.

Above postcard, circa 1936, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above postcard, postmarked 1932.

Above postcard, postmarked 1932. Stating:- "This old fashioned (free) hotel, is situated in the most delightful and historical part of Kent, which abounds in BEAUTIFUL RAMBLERS, CRICKET, GOLF and TENNIS, PARTIES catered for, seating for over one hundred. Lovely garden. Ballroom, Dancing, garages, 18 bedrooms, excellent cuisine. Particulars on application.

The pub was rebuilt in 1916.

Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser, 31st October 1843.

In October 1843 Benjamin Pawley transferred the licence of the Amherst Arms to Mary Ann Pawley. The newspapers referred to her as his sister! The newspapers referred to her as his sister! She was in fact his daughter who later marries Henry Barber.

South Eastern Gazette - Tuesday 1 December 1846.

December 1846 “The licence of the Amherst Arm* Inn, Riverhead, was transferred from Miss M. Pawley to Mr. Jno. Sutton”

From the Kentish Gazette, 10 November 1857.

Death.

Tendell. Nov. 2, at Riverhead, Mr. Wm. Tendell, keeper of the "Amherst Arms."

Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser, Tuesday 3 February 1863.

Sundridge.

A few evening since, Mr. Newen, of the "Amherst Arms Inn," Riverhead, and a friend were crossing the bridge over the mill stream, when they were met by a horse and van, at which the horse of Mr. Newen's friend shied, and jumping aside suddenly, got his legs entangled with the chains stretched on the side of the bridge for protection. Both horse and rider toppled over into the stream, a distance of about 5 feet, but, although the horse fell upon its rider, he escaped with a few abrasions and a thorough soaking.

From the Southeastern Gazette, 13 March 1866.

A Game of Smashers.

On Saturday, at the magistrates’ office, before Earl Amherst, William and Jane Brown, who said they were man and wife, George Jackson, and William Gransby were charged on suspicion of uttering counterfeit coin at Riverhead on the previous day. Information was given to Gibson, K.C.C., that a counterfeit florin had been offered at a beershop. He found the prisoners in bed at the “Amherst Arms Inn.” In the man Brown’s trowsers pocket he found seven counterfeit florins and three counterfeit shillings. Mr. Newing, the landlord of the inn, also found in his till a counterfeit florin of a corresponding die with those found on the prisoner Brown, and which he had taken during the day. The three men were dressed as railway labourers, and, it was supposed that they were all acting in concert. They were remanded.

From the Southeastern Gazette, 20 March 1866.

Petty sessions, Friday. (Before Earl Amherst in the chair, and M. Lambarde, Esq.)

William and Jane Brown, man and wife, George Jackson, and William Quansby were charged with having passed bad money at two places in the previous week.

It appeared that the four prisoners went into a beerhouse at Riverhead, kept by Mrs. Bowles. ("Bullfinch.") Gransby called for a quart of beer, and tendered a two-shilling piece in payment, but she at once saw it was a bad one, and it was exchanged at once for good money. Her suspicions were aroused, and she communicated with Gibson, 78 K.C.C., who found that all four prisoners were safely in bed at the “Amherst Arms Inn,” Riverhead, and it appeared that the Browns and Jackson had lodged there the previous night, and that Gransby had only joined them that day. Mr. Newing, the landlord, at once looked into his till, and he found three florin's, one of which he remembered taking from one of the prisoners, and one of those coins in the till was bad. In the prisoner Brown’s trousers pocket the constable found seven counterfeit two-shilling pieces, and three shillings of a like character, but good money only was found upon the other prisoners. The prisoners were safely placed in the Sevenoaks police station the same night, and from further inquiries it turned out that the Browns and Jackson on the Thursday evening were at a beerhouse at Sundridge, kept by Thomas Harvey, ("Victory.") and Jackson tendered a two-shilling piece in payment of beer, receiving the change. Mrs. Harvey remarked how light it was, but she was assured it was a good one, and another was offered, but she retained the first and marked it. The coin taken by Mrs. Harvey, and that found in Mr. Newing’s till were produced by Supt. Colman, and they were of the same mould as the counterfeit 2s. pieces found on Brown.

Gransby was discharged, and the other prisoners were committed for trial.

From the Southeastern Gazette, 10 April 1866.

Jane Brown, 33, William Brown, 42, miner, and George Jackson, 36, labourer, were charged with uttering counterfeit coin, at Sundridge, on the 8th March. Mr. Barrow prosecuted.

P.O. Gibson said he found the prisoners at the "Amberst Arms," on the 9th March, and found three counterfeit florins and seven counterfeit shillings in Brown's pocket. He received a counterfeit florin from Mrs. Harvey, and one from Mr. Newing (produced).

By Jane Brown—The money that was given up by the female searcher at the police station, which she had received from the prisoner Brown, was genuine.

Mrs. Harvey, of Sundridge, remembered the three prisoners coming to her house on the 8th March. They called for some ale, and Jackson handed her a florin, and she gave him the change. They all drank the beer, and left together.

Bichard Harvey said he kept the "Amherst Arms," Riverhead. On the 18th March the prisoners came to his house together. On the following day the female prisoner asked to remain the next night. . In the course of the day, he saw them joined by Gransby; and they were all drinking together. They all four returned in the evening. Gransby called for some beer, and paid with a florin, and he gave him change. He did not know whether a counterfeit florin in bis till was taken from Gransby.

Harriett Bowles said she kept the Bullfinch, Riverhead. On the 19th March she saw the prisoners and Gransby at her house. They called for some ale, and Gransby paid. They all drank together. She thought the two shilling piece was not good. He then gave her a half-crown, and she gave him the change.

George Ashdown, silversmith, said all the coins produced were counterfeit. All the florins were from the same mould.

The female prisoner said she know nothing about it.

Brown said the female prisoner was his wife. The prisoner Jackson said he “got in” with the other prisoners, and that was how he was implicated.

Supt. Colman said that Brown worked at the railway works about 18 months ago; he did not know whether the woman was his wife.

The jury found the prisoners guilty.

The Chairman sentenced the prisoners to eighteen months’ bard labour, and told the female prisoner that if she produced her marriage certificate, he would represent the case to The proper quarter, and she would be acquitted (on the ground that she had acted under the control of her husband).

From the Kent and Sussex Courier. 5 September 1873. Price 1d.

Sevenoaks Petty Sessions. Friday, August 29th. Before Earl Amherst (in the chair), Sir D. Phillips, Col. Northey, Major Luard Selby, Captain Board, M. Lambarde, C. R. C. Petley, C. A. W. Rycroft, W. Spottiswoode, and G. Leveson-Gower, Esqrs.

BREWSTER SESSIONS.

This being the annual licensing day, the publicans, beer-house keepers, and grocers who hold licenses to sell wines, of this district, appeared personally or were represented, and the whole of the licenses were renewed without comment, except the following:—

THE AMHERST ARMS, RIVER HEAD.

Mr. Richard Newing, the "Amherst Arms Inn," Riverhead. In this case the applicant had received the seven days' notice that a complaint would be preferred against him at the licensing meeting. Mr. Dennis appeared to support the renewal. Supt. Okill said that the case had been reported to the chief constable, and he was directed to lay it before the Bench, with the chief constable's remarks thereon. Mr. Dennis objected to any statement being made except on oath, because that would evade any cross-examination or the result which might arise from perjury.

The Bench having declined to receive the written statement,—P. C. Relf 245 K. C. C., stated that about one o'clock on the morning of the 21st August, as he was passing the "Amherst Arms" public-house, he saw lights and heard talking inside. He went inside, and saw a number of coachmen there, and there was ale on the table. He went to the bar and saw a female sitting sleeping, whom he woke up. In a very excited manner she asked him what he wanted there, and she called him a silly fool, and told him to get out of the house, and she then went into the tap-room and told the men that she would serve them with anything they wanted, and she would serve them until morning. She again told him to get out of the house or she would put him out. He asked her if he could see Mr. Newing, and she went into a room where he was sleeping and woke him up. He came out in a very excited manner, and having asked him what he wanted, he went to the front door and threw it open and ordered him to go out of the house or he would throw him out, and he caught hold of his sleeve and led him out, slamming the door after him. He afterwards followed witness into the street, where he used abusive language to him, and said that if it were not for his clothes he would smash him to a ‘pummy. 'In reply to Mr. Dennis, the witness said that he afterwards found out that there had been a ball at Lord Amherst's that night, and all the men in the house were stranger's to him. They offered him some ale and he refused to take it. He did not summons the men because he did not take their names and addresses, and if he had they might have sworn against him that which was not in his favour as they all appeared against him. Mr. Dennis having made some remarks, called the applicant, who stated that he had held his present licence fourteen years and had never had a complaint against him. When the constable was in the house there were only five servants in the house, and they were waiting for their masters, the horses being in the stables, who were present at Earl Amherst's ball. All the doors in the house were locked except the back door. He had never laid a hand on the constable, and the language between them was short but forcible. The Bench retired, and after a lengthened consultation, Mr. Petley, who had taken the chair on the retirement of Earl Amherst the owner of the house, said that Mr. Newing had a perfect right, if he choose to do so, to get permission to keep his house open beyond the usual hours, and that he was neglectful of what he should have done. They therefore were of opinion that there had been that misconduct that night, which entitled him to a severe reprimand, but not sufficient to withdraw the licence. They also considered that the constable had fairly and properly performed his duty.

From the Kent and Sussex Courier, 1 May 1874.

Sevenoaks Public House Cases.

Richard Newing was charged with having his house open during prohibited hours on the 4th ult.

Sergeant Watson said that on the 4th ult., about 20 minutes to 12 o'clock at night, he visited the defendant house and found six persons in the bar parlour. As soon as he got in two of them took up glasses and drank from them. One of them, name Jessie, drank from a spirit glass. Another, named Martin, said, "Who sent for you?" He asked the landlord to look at the time, and told him it was a quarter to twelve; and he answered that it wanted twenty-five minutes. Witness told him that the closing time was 11 o'clock, and that he should report him, when defendant said, "What do you come here for? Why don't you go and look after other houses? Go and look after the house over the way." He also said that he had traps out, and he should keep open as long as he liked.

In answer to the Chairman, witness said that the defendant has not been convicted before, but his licence was opposed on last licensing day on the account of his behaviour to the police.

In defence, Mr. Newing said that they were talking about the West of England, and had stopped over the time, but there was no beer drawn after 11.

The Bench find the defendant £5 and 9s costs; the licence to be endorsed.

William Martin, James Jabez Presnail, and Frank Jessie, were charged with being on the premises, and were each fined 5s. and 9s. costs.

From the Kent and Sussex Courier, 5 June 1874.

Sevenoaks Petty Sessions. Public House Cases.

Frank Jessie was fined 1s. and 26s. costs, for being in the "Amherst Arms," during prohibited hours, on the 4th of April.

From the Kent and Sussex Courier, 4 September, 1874.

Sevenoaks Petty Sessions. Licensing.

This was the annual licensing day for the district, and there was a very large attendance of publicans, &c.

The whole of the old licences were renewed with only two exceptions, those of Mr. R. Newing, "Amhurst Arms," Riverhead, which was adjourned for a month, and Mr. T. B. Muggleton, "White Hart," Brasted, which was opposed by Mr. Anderson, supervisor of Inland Revenue, on the grounds that there was no one responsible for the revenue. The husband had left the neighbourhood for some time past, and the person to whom the licence was granted should be a resident. It was adjourned for a month, and the supervisor was directed to serve a notice upon a stating that the licence will be opposed.

From the Kent and Sussex Courier, 16 October, 1874.

Sevenoaks Petty Sessions. Licensing.

Mr. Dennis, who appeared for Mr. Newing, said that Captain Bartram, Brewer, of Tonbridge, the lessee of the "Amherst Arms," Riverhead, had provided another tenants Mr. Waller, of Southborough, and the only thing would be for the bench to grant him a licence. This was done, the licence to remain in the clerk's office for 14 days, until the new tenants was actually in possession.

From The Dundee Courier & Angus (Dundee, Scotland ), Tuesday, December 13, 1898; pg .4; Issue 14185.

SHOOTING HIS SWEETHEART. THE RIVERHEAD TRAGEDY.

The Coroner's inquest on the body of Bessie Elizabeth Lawrence, who was shot and killed on the public street by her lover, George Henry Boakes, on November 12, was resumed at the "Amhurst Arms," Riverhead, last evening. It will be remembered that after shooting the girl just outside his own house Boakes shot himself in the head, inflicting injuries from which it was thought he could not recover. He was able to be present at the inquest yesterday, however, and appeared to be pretty well. He was represented by a solicitor, whose cross-examination of the witnesses was directed to show that the prisoner was not in his right mind when he committed the crime.

The jury returned a verdict of wilful murder.

Sevenoaks Chronicle and Kentish Advertiser 1 September 1899.

RIVERHEAD CARNIVAL.

Mr. Waller, of the "Amherst Arms," Riverhead, was allowed an extension license of one hour on September 25th, the occasion being the annual Riverhead Carnival.

Kent & Sussex Courier 04 November 1904.

SEVEN OAKS PETTY SESSIONS. FRIDAY. LICENSING.

Mr Waller, of the "Amherst Arms," Riverhead, was granted extensions of two hours for dances on November 2nd, 16th, and 30th. and one hour for a social gathering on the 22nd.

Kent & Sussex Courier 18 February 1916.

SEVENOAKS BREWSTER SESSIONS.

The Bench passed plans for the re-building of the "Amhurst Arms" Riverhead.

Kent & Sussex Courier, Friday 6 April 1917.

Riverhead. Amhurst Arms Hotel.

A change of tenancy is taking place at this well-known hotel, Mr. William Firman being succeeded by Mr. Alfred S. Clarke, of Deptford. The transfer of the licence was granted by the magistrates at Sevenoaks on Friday.

Sevenoaks Chronicle and Kentish Advertiser 11 July 1941.

HOME GUARD SHOOTING.

BesseIs Green Win Cup.

"G" Company of the 20th (Sevenoaks) Battalion R.W. Kent Home Guard had an interesting rifle shooting competition on Sunday, when the trophy was a cup generously presented by Mr. H. G. Hawkes, of the "Amherst Arms Hotel," Riverhead.

The shooting was at 200 yards and the Bessels Green platoon won by a comfortable margin of 19.3. Riverhead came second with an average of 18.3, Dunton Green third with 16.3 and Chipstead fourth with 15.9.

For the winners Vol. A. J. Tooth scored a possible and Vol. R. W. Ward and Cpl. F. Levett were each one short of a possible.

Sevenoaks Chronicle and Kentish Advertiser, Friday 2 March 1951.

Motorcycle Star Weds at Kemsing.

Mr. Raymond William Peacock, member of the Bromley Motor Club and winner of the O.W.L.S. Whitley trials two weeks ago, was married at St. Mary's Church, Kemsing, to Miss Doreen Pearl Scott on Tuesday.

Mr. Peacock is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. J. Peacock of Darracott, Ash, and the bride the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Scott of 13 Pilgrims Way, Kemsing.

Given away by her father, the bride wore heavy satin with embroidered tulle veil, and carried red carnations.

Attending the bride were her sister, Miss Edna Scott, Miss John Harryman and Dorothy Clark, the bride's young niece. The adults were dressed in blue crepe with embroidered veils, floral headdresses and blue net gloves, and carried bouquets of pink tulips, the child being dressed in blue net over taffeta and carrying a posy of anemones.

Mr. Len Grant was best man, and the Rev. A Lloyd officiated.

Following a reception at the "Amherst Arms Hotel," Riverhead, attended by 60 guests, Mr. and Mrs. Peacock left for a touring honeymoon, bride wearing a grey gabardine suit with grey coat and navy blue accessories.

Archway of motorcycle exhaust pipes greeted trials champion Mr. R. W. Peacock when he left Kemsing church on Saturday with his bride, Mr. D. P. Scott.

Daily Herald, Monday 24 June 1957. By Dennis Pitts.

Little Waiter Boy Who Vanished.

Customers in the restaurant always made sure that the smiling young waiter was well tipped.

None of them suspected that the lad who took their orders and cleared away the dishes was sought as missing by police all over Britain.

Thirteen-year-old Leonard Connor wasn't worried, either - not on £4 a week, plus his keep, plus about 15s. in tips.

His hands. Leonard Connor 1957

But yesterday the boy who vanished a month ago on his way to school was taken home to Lower Richmond Road, Putney.

The manageress at the "Amhurst Arms Hotel," Sevenoaks, Kent, saw his photograph in a newspaper. And read about the warts on Leonard's hands.

The boy the hotel knew as orphaned Peter Bush was called to the office.

"Show me your hands," said the manageress. Leonard knew the game was up.

"Peter Bush is not my real name," he told her.

He said last night. "I ran away from school because I did not like it. I just started going to this new school on Putney Hill and they did not seem to take any notice of me there.

"So on the way to school I thought I would run off and play truant. I did not really realise what I was doing."

What does a 13-year-old do during the month of continual anxiety to his parents?

"I went up to Central London and met another boy on Victoria station and made friends with him," said Leonard. "I slept at his house - going there after his parents had gone to bed and leaving before they got up and the boy gave me food.

"I spent most of the days in the park and tried to get a job in hotels. I went to one hotel near the park and a lady there told me about this job in Sevenoaks. She even paid my fair."

His job.

Leonard told the "Amhurst Arms Hotel" manager that he was 16. His employment cards were at his "last job." He was taken on immediately, given his own room and keep.

"I told them that I had done work in hotels. It was almost true, because my dad runs a cafe. They did not ask me any more questions.

"But - blimey! - they didn't half work me. I was often up serving meals and helping in the kitchen until past 10 o'clock at night.

His father, 44 year old Mr. Henry Connor, said at the Tea Pot cafe. "My wife was terribly worried about the boy. She is very ill because of it.

"I have not punished him. I think the sight of his mother's face was sufficient punishment. He is not in trouble with the police, but they have given him a very strong talking to.

LICENSEE LIST

PAWLEY Benjamin 1841-Oct/43 (age 40 in 1841)