11 Dunbar Avenue

Beckenham

https://whatpub.com/elmer-lodge

Above photo, 1959. Kindly sent by Ian Muir of the Beckenham History Society, who says this was then the "Manor House Club."

Above photo, date unknown by Darkstar.

Above sign, April 1993. With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

Above photo, date unknown.

In 1789 William Eden, an eminent diplomatist and politician, was created 1st Lord Auckland. In 1807 his family took over the Eden farm estate, where he raised his children, and where he entertained prominent guests namely Pitt the Younger, Gunday, The Old Wilberforce and Lord Taymouth.

Records of that time describe the estate as open parkland, covering the area almost down to Elmers End and Croydon Road, containing superb grassland and shrubbery with many large oak and elm trees - some of which remain today. The main house was described as "a large white building, in the classic style, supported by massive columns." Although this was demolished years ago many original features can be seen here in the Lodge House - in particular an impressive stairway leading to the managers quarters, which has been given a conservation order to preserve its splendour.

Over the years Elmer Lodge has had several different owners and uses, at one point it was owned by the famous Magistrate Edward Adams. At another time it was a brothel. Just before the first world war, Elmer Lodge was turned into a boys school. In recent years it has enjoyed the status of Liberal Club and Manor House Gentleman's Club.

There is no evidence that Sir Anthony Eden ever lived in Elmer Lodge, but the name of the area records its role in the ancestry of the former Prime Minister.

Now Greek Orthodox Church. It started off as the "Elmer Lodge" in 1800s, then Craven College School, then a club the the "Elmer Lodge Pub."

Above photo 2015.

Above sign 2015.

LICENSEE LIST

http://www.closedpubs.co.uk/elmerlodge.html