DUKE'S HEAD Pub of Crayford

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Crayford, June, 2022.

Page Updated:- Wednesday, 22 June, 2022.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1771

Duke's Head

Open 2020+

53 High Street

Crayford

01322 521953

https://whatpub.com/dukes-head

Above photo circa 1908, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. Showing the "Duke's Head" on the left, and a building that says Dartford brewery Company on the right.

Above postcard, circa 1918, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above photo, date unknown, kindly sent by Brian Brockie. Also showing the "Bear and Ragged Staff," building right.

Above photo 2006 by Dave Patten Creative Commons Licence.

Above sign, 2004.

With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

I believe the pub first gained its license in 1771, but the present building can only be dated back to 1926. The old and original pub I believe being demolished.

Gravesend Reporter, North Kent and South Essex Advertiser, Saturday 7 September 1867.

Violation of the Licensing Act at Crayford.

William Arkwright, landlord of the "Duke's Head," Crayford, was charged on the information of Sergeant Moynaham, with keeping open his house for the sale of liquor at 12:40 on a night of Sunday, August 11th. It appeared that defendant had an engagement with one of his customers to deliver a pint of beer every evening at his house. On the night in question when the beer was taken there was no one at home to receive it, and the can of beer was consequently taken back and placed on the counter, and when his customer came home he went to defendant, knocked at the door and the can and it's contents was handed to him. The beer was paid for once a week. Mr. Gibson appeared for the defendant. The bench considered that there had been a violation of the Act, but said as the defendant had used the means, though unsuccessfully, to deliver the beer within the specified time, it was a mitigating circumstance in his favour. A nominal fine of 5s. only and costs would therefore be inflicted.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Chris Hunter, 15 June 2017.

Hundreds roar in to pay respects to Crayford legend Ollie Jennings.

Hundreds of mourners including motorcycle club members from around the world turned out to say farewell to much-loved biker Ollie Jennings.

Crayford came to a standstill on Friday as a cavalcade of bikers accompanied Mr Jennings’ hearse through the town for “Ollie’s Last Ride”.

Bikers flooded into Crayford for the funeral of Ollie Jennings.

It went from the "Duke’s Head" to a service at Kemnal Park, Chislehurst, and back for a burial service at St Paulinus Church.

Mr Jennings died aged 25 in a crash on the A228 Peninsula Way, near Hoo, last month, leaving family and friends devastated.

But his funeral was testament to his popularity in Crayford and further afield, with motorbike clubs travelling from as far as Australia to pay their respects.

Clubs in attendance included the Chosen Few from Belgium, No Name from Denmark, the Coffin Cheaters from Australia and Norway, as well as Hells Angels, Vikings, Road Rats, Iron Horses, Red Devils, F.U.B MC, Renegade MC and Mr Jennings’ own club Commitatus MC.

Mr Jennings’ family said they were heartbroken over their loss, and Ollie – a son, brother, uncle, cousin, grandson, friend, and boyfriend – would be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

His mum Pam, step-dad Jim, and sister Emma, thanked family and friends for their support, and added: “The volume of people on Friday spoke for the man himself, Mummy’s big little soldier.”

They gave special mention to Red Scaffolding, LARRY’S YC, Master Tattooers, Flaming Art, GB Tattoo, Bexley Rugby Club, and Invicta Boxing for cards, messages, flowers, letters, love and support; and furthermore thanked everyone for allowing the family privacy at an exceptionally sad time.

As well as all the bike clubs in attendance, there was further help from the National Chopper Club Kent, which provided outriders for “Ollie’s Last Ride” and the Coffin Cheaters MC, which paid for Ollie’s memorial stone.

Mr Jennings’ family were able to host many mourners at their own pub, the "Duke’s Head," but thanked The "One Bell," "Crayford Arms," The "Bear and Ragged Staff," and "Penny Farthing" for accommodating others and helping to celebrate Ollie’s life.

A moving service included readings and poems from Ollie’s family, the “Viking Prayer” and music including Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hey Brother by Avicii, The Sound of Silence by Disturbed, and Highway to Hell by AC/DC.

Posting on Facebook on Friday Renegade MC wrote: “Today we say goodbye to Ollie of Commitatus MC, taken too soon but he left an impression on many lives.

“He was well liked and respected by this club, energy of the youth with the heart of the old school, he will be sorely missed. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and his brothers worldwide.

“We’ll see you in Valhalla my friend!”

LICENSEE LIST

CARMAN Henry 1828+