LORD HILL Pub of Bexleyheath

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Bexley, October, 2025.

Page Updated:- Monday, 13 October, 2025.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1815

Lord Hill Tavern

Open 2020+

40 Watling Street (London Road)

Bexley Heath / Crayford

01322 521453

https://whatpub.com/lord-hill

Above painting, date unknown.

Above photo, 1900.

Above drawing, date unknown.

Above photo circa 1907. Please note the sign says "Ye Olde Lord Hill."

Above sign, 1984, kindly sent by Roger Pester.

Above photo 2019.

The pub was probably named after the first Viscount, Rowland Hill, one of Wellington's generals in the Peninsular War. The pub can be traced back to 1824 when an apprenticeship indenture was signed, although it says it goes back to about 1815.

The horse-drawn bus service to Woolwich departed from this stop.

In 1884 the pub was sold by the Anglo Bavarian Brewery Co to the Thomas Norfolk Brewery which later became Trumans.

Kentish Gazette, 13 May 1851.

BEXLEY. Determined Suicide by a Gentleman.

On Wednesday, an inquest on the body of a gentleman unknown, was taken before Mr. Carttar, the coroner for West Kent, at the "Lord Hill Tavern," Bexley Heath. From the evidence adduced it appeared that early on Tuesday morning, the 6th instant, the deceased was discovered lying in a pool of blood and quite dead, in a retired field on the road to Crayford; by his side was a pistol recently discharged, and on his person were found a number of bullets and a flask of powder. It is supposed that he must have placed the muzzle of the pistol in his mouth, the upper part of his head being blown away. The deceased is of military appearance, about 40, dark complexion, wearing a brown over coat, and gray trousers with stripe down the side; his boots are marked H. Christie, Esq. The inquiry was adjourned for the police to trace his relatives.

Kentish Mercury. Saturday 18 June 1853.

The Lord Hill Tavern, Bexleyheath.

R. J. Phillips, from Greenwich, having taken the above house, respectfully solicits the support of his late townsmen, and the public in general.

The cricket field of six acres, is now open for the season, and is in first right order.

Clubs, societies, beanfeast parties, &c., supplied with good dinners, and good liqueurs, at moderate charges.

Bats, balls, quotes, &c., to be had on the ground.

From the Southeastern Gazette, 9 January 1866.

Petty sessions, Jan. 6th, 1866. — (Before Sir P. H. Dyke Bart., W. H. Dyke, Esq., M.P., Wm. Arbuthnot, and Robert Bradford, Esqrs.)William Dunster, landlord of the “Lord Hill” public-house, Bexleyheath, was charged with having his house open on the night of Christmas day, at twenty-five minutes to twelve o’clock. The charge was proved by Tundgate, 91 R, and another constable.

Fined 5s., costs 9s.

Some time after 1984 the pub changed name to the "Coach House" but by 2019 had reverted again back to the "Lord Hill."

LICENSEE LIST

RAMSDEN Joseph 1832-34+

BENSON William 1836-40+

PAIN Thomas 1850-52

PHILLIPS R J 1853+

PHILLIPS Thomas 1855-58+

SCOTT James 1861-62+ (age 56 in 1861)

DUNSTER William 1866-71+ (age 43 in 1871)

MELLORS John David 1875 (also dealer in elastic webs)

ENGLISH William W 1875+

BERRY Harry 1881+ (age 44 in 1881)

CHAMBERS George 1891+ (widow age 49 in 1891)

BIRD Bernard Claude 1901-03+ (age 36 in 1901)

BECK William 1911+ (age 59 in 1911)

BUSBRIDGE Henry 1913+

KIRBY George Kirby to 19/Feb/1919 dec'd (formerly Aerial Ballet Master)

WOLFE George 1922+

TURNER Charles C P 1930-38+

BEAN Harry ???? dec'd

PROVINS Fred to 1951 dec'd

PROVINS Gladys 1951+ (widow and daughter of Harry Bean)

HARRIS Reuben Mr % Mrs 1959+

???? Lee 2019+

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

From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34

From the Kelly's Directory 1903

Census

If anyone should have any further information, or indeed any pictures or photographs of the above licensed premises, please email:-

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