Above photo, circa 1860 showing licensee Thomas and Mary Ann Wells outside.

Above photo, 1949, kindly sent by Malcolm Ayling.

Above photo, date unknown, kindly sent by Malcolm Ayling.

Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo showing a squirrel being served in 1940.

Above photo taken from the Daily Mirror, 8th March 1940.

Above card circa 1950, kindly sent by Malcolm Ayling.

John Francis. Licensee 1802 - November 1854.

John was a member of the Francis dynasty who owned and lived at The Poplars, now known as The Cottage, Watts Cross, from the 17th century until the 1960’s. The house also served as a shop, and was at one time, the only grocers’ in Hildenborough; closing in 1881.

In July 1787, Thomas Francis (believed to be John’s father) paid 5s. 4d for a licence to sell coffee, tea, and chocolate; and two years later, another licence for 2s. 6d, to sell tobacco and snuff.

Apparently, Francis Road, Hildenborough, is named after the family.

John Francis was born on the 10th December 1765 in Tonbridge.

On the 9th October 1791, aged 25 years, he married 22 years old Sarah Rawlinson (Sarah had already given birth to their first son, Thomas, on the 20th March that year). They had a further five sons and eight daughters, although there is evidence some of the girls may have died in infancy.

John took over the lease of the "New Cock Inn" in 1802 following the death of Thomas Chapman in 1796 and after his wife, Ann, took over the pub.

Another early mention of John as a licensee was found in the Register of Alehouse Keepers for Tonbridge for 1806 (although the register doesn’t specifically link him to the pub).

John would go on to buy the establishment in October 1807 for £200.

It would seem John was also possibly a farmer; a newspaper advertisement on the 23rd August 1811, noted the disposal of A LEASE of a Farm, with further particulars from Mr. Francis, Upper Cock, Tonbridge Road.

Sarah died in circa 1821; she was around 52 years old (maybe extensive childbirth and raising a family finally took its toll).

By circa 1840, John was not only the publican at the "New Cock Inn," but also farming again, 20 acres, at Marden’s Farm, Hildenborough (now The Old House), for which he paid a Vicarial Tithe (payment to the Vicar to support the parish church) of 12s. 6d per year.

Interestingly, the 1841 Census records his occupation as a Farmer with no mention of also being a publican. Nevertheless, his Will, written on the 9th December 1849, notes his profession as both Inn Keeper and Farmer.

Ten years later, according to the 1851 Census, John was just noted as a Publican; and certainly, his Death Certificate in 1854 recorded his profession only as an Inn Keeper. We may surmise John gave up farming in circa 1850, aged around 85 years!

John died from Old Age on the 29th November 1854, aged 88 years, at the Upper Cock.

John was the landlord of the New Cock Inn for 52 years.

Thomas Wells. Licensee November 1854 - April 1880.

Born on the 19th March 1824 at Leigh, Thomas was baptised on the 2nd May, presumably at St Mary’s church, Leigh. At the age of 17 years, Thomas was recorded as an Agricultural Labourer living with his mother, Charlotte, and five siblings, at Leigh Priory. His father had died on the 26th June 1840.

On the 14th November 1849, aged 25 years, Thomas married Mary Ann Francis (John Francis’s granddaughter - see above) at St Peter and St Paul church, Tonbridge.

Mary Ann was born on the 2nd May 1825 at Hildenborough, possibly at the "New Cock Inn."

The 1851 Census shows Thomas still an Agricultural Labourer living at Hildenborough, but now with an 11 month old son, also named Thomas (as was usual to name the first born son after the father).

Thomas took over as licensee of the "New Cock Inn" on the death of John Francis on the 29th November 1854.

It would seem Thomas didn’t get off to a very good start as a publican.

He was charged in June 1855, together with Samuel Stephens, of embezzling and feloniously receiving a quantity of hay, the property of Colonel Austen.

The hay was found in the pub’s stables; probably destined as feed or bedding for their cock horses. They admitted the offence and were sent for trial; the outcome - conviction or acquittal - couldn’t be found.

Eleven years later in July 1866, Thomas pleaded guilty to having his house open for the sale of beer on Sunday, the 10th inst., before the hour of half-past 12 o’clock.

He was fined 5s. and 9s. costs.

Above photo showing Thomas and Mary-Ann Wells, date unknown.

Thomas and Mary Ann had seven sons (two of which, Joseph and Henry, were twins) and five daughters between 1849 and 1867.

Thomas died on the 3rd April 1880, aged 56 years, and was buried at St John the Evangelist churchyard, Hildenborough.

He’d run the New Cock Inn for just over 25 years.

Mary Ann Wells. Licensee April 1880 - February 1882.

Mary Ann took over the New Cock Inn after Thomas died; the 1881 Census noting her occupation as Inn Keeper, living with seven of her children (some likely to be helping her run the pub).

Like Thomas, Mary Ann got off to a shaky start when in June 1880 she was called as a witness to the theft of a milk pan, value 6d, which she’d bought, in all innocence, from one William Saunders.

The prisoner, William Saunders, who stole the pan from his employer, pleaded guilty and was fined 30s.

It’s unknown if Mary Ann was allowed to keep the milk pan or not.

Mary Ann left the New Cock Inn in February 1882.

The 1891 Census tells us she was living at Park Road, Hildenborough, with one of her twin sons, Joseph, a Cricket Ball Maker (Hildenborough was renowned for cricket ball making at that time).

The 1901 Census then records her living alone at No. 8 Bordyke, Tonbridge.

Mary Ann died on the 29th March 1905, at Halstead, aged 79 years.

She was buried alongside her husband, Thomas, at St John the Evangelist churchyard.

Silas Hills. Licensee February 1882 - April 1889.

Silas was born on the 23rd October 1852 in Sevenoaks Weald, the sixth son to Jane and Edmund Hills, an agricultural labourer. His mother died in 1854 and his father remarried in 1856.

It’s interesting that both the 1861 and 1871 Census record Silas as living with his uncle and aunt, William and Ann Jenner, firstly at the Riverhill House Lodge, where his uncle was recorded as a Bailiff, and then at the "Chequers Inn," Sevenoaks Weald, where his uncle was now noted as the Licensed Victualler.

His uncle died on the 18th April 1876; his aunt taking over as the Landlady of the "Chequers Inn."

On the 28th May 1879, Silas married Harriet Neville Membury (nee Booker) at Sevenoaks Weald. Harriet had married Henry Membury in June 1872, but he’d died in the Summer of 1877, leaving poor Harriet alone with a three year old daughter, Edith.

Silas gave his profession on their Marriage Certificate as Licensed Victualler Manager, presumably at the "Chequers Inn".

In June 1879, a few weeks after he married Harriet, the licence for the "Chequers Inn" was transferred to Silas.

Now it was his turn to look after his 62 years old widowed aunt; who’d probably raised him and been like a mother to him since childhood.

The 1881 Census then confirms Silas as the Licensed Victualler at The Chequers Inn, living with his wife, his step daughter, aunt, and now his own 11 months old daughter, Florence.

His aunt died on the 8th November 1881, probably at The Chequers Inn; this was almost certainly a really sad day for Silas.

He left The Chequers Inn a few months later in February 1882 and the family moved to Hildenborough to take over the New Cock Inn.

You would’ve thought that being associated with the licensing trade for much of his life, Silas would have known better than to serve an on duty policeman. But no, on the 15th May 1882, it was alleged Silas did just that, and was summoned for supplying beer to a constable on duty.

Whilst one witness said:- "He saw the constable at the inn and he had a glass of ale," fortunately for Silas, another witness said "He did not see the landlord serve him with anything." Other evidence, having been given, the Bench dismissed the case - lucky Silas.

Harriet died in the Autumn of 1885, aged 34 years, in London whilst staying with her sister Isabel. However, by 1888 Silas had found love again and married 27 years old Sarah Ann Tree on the 25th December 1888 at St John the Evangelist church, Hildenborough. Silas now gave his profession as a Publican.

Whilst at the pub, Silas had his own tankard from which he sampled his beer.

It was sold by Ibbett Mosely Auctions, 135 years later, on the 16th September 2020.

Described in the catalogue as Lot 118:

A Victorian pewter quart beer tankard, adapted as a jug, engraved "S. Hills, New Cock Inn, Hildenborough”, together with two further tankards, two copper plates, and a silver plated hot water pot.

Highlighted in the photo; but unknown for how much it was sold and to whom.

They left the New Cock Inn in April 1889 and moved to Collier Street, Yalding, where Silas took over The "White Hart Inn" public house.

The 1891 Census shows Silas as the Licensed Victualler, living at the pub with his wife, his three daughters by Harriet, and a daughter and son by Sarah Ann.

It’s unknown why, but in 1892, now 40 years old, Silas left The White Hart Inn and moved to the St John’s area of Woking, Surrey, working as a Gardener, and living at Rosetta Cottage, Church Road.

The family stayed there until 1903.

The 1911 Census records Silas and his family then living at Holley Cottage, St John’s, Woking, and he is now working as a General Labourer - Building.

From 1918 to 1920, Silas and Sarah Ann lived at Brackenhurst Garage, Byfleet, and thereafter at The Lodge, Feltonfleet, Walton on Thames.

The 1921 Census tells us Silas and Sarah Ann were still living at The Lodge (with their daughter Ruby and one year old grandson, Frederick). Silas was back working as a Gardener, now employed by A Jeffery.

Silas died in late 1928, aged 76 years, probably at The Lodge.

Between 1880 and 1903, he’d had thirteen children, three by Harriet and then ten by Sarah Ann (although four had died by 1911). It’s unknown when or where Sarah Ann died.

Robert Baldock. Licensee April 1889 - May 1890.

It’s not been possible to identify Robert with any certainty.

A likely candidate is the son of Henry Baldock who was the licensee of The "Old Vauxhall Inn," Tonbridge, from 1882 to circa 1891. His son, Robert George Baldock, was born on the 26th April 1865 at Heathfield, Sussex. However, his connection to the New Cock Inn could not be verified.

Whoever Robert Baldock was, he took over the New Cock Inn in April 1889, and we do know a few things about his time there.

On the 13th September 1889, a Mr and Mrs Beardsworth and their son Michael, were drinking at the pub for several hours. After they’d left, a small clock belonging to Robert, was found to be missing. The police were called and the three were apprehended at Sevenoaks at a beer house where they were lodging; the clock being found after a search.

Brought before the Police Court, Mr Beardsworth and his son were remanded and his wife was discharged. Apparently, Mr Beardsworth was also wanted for a shop robbery at Sevenoaks.

Interestingly, the licence for the New Cock Inn was temporarily transferred from Robert Baldock to Alfred Kemsley in May 1890, with full transfer not being granted until July.

An extract of the notice of the licence transfer in the Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser reported New Cock Inn, lately kept by Mr Robert Baldock, was granted to Alfred Kemsley; implying Robert had already vacated the pub by May 1890.

According to the 1892 Tonbridge Electoral Register, it seems probable Robert was living alone Near Lower Cock (the Old Cock Inn).

No further information could be found about Robert.

Alfred Kemsley. Licensee May 1890 - September 1900.

Born in late 1839 at Burham, Kent, Alfred was baptised on the 8th December, probably at Saint Mary the Virgin church. His father, William, was a Labourer at Colund Farm, Burham, who by the 1851 Census had progressed to become a Farm Bailiff (someone employed by a land owner to oversee tenant farmers).

By the age of 21 years Alfred had moved to Yalding, and was employed as a Groom to Charles Gibbs, a Farmer at Fidler’s Farm.

The move to Yalding was good for Alfred, when aged 30 years, he married a local lass, 24 years old Mary Ann Gorham, on the 27th October 1869.

According to the 1871 Census, Alfred and Mary Ann had now moved to Trottiscliffe, Wrotham, with Alfred working as a Gardener at Trosley Court.

However, their move to Wrotham was fairly short lived and by 1876 they’d moved to Tunbridge Wells where their only child, Ella, was born.

By the 1881 Census, they were living at Oakfield Court Lodge, Tunbridge Wells, with Alfred noted as a Coachman.

It’s unknown if he was working for the Oakfield Court owner, Henry Warden, a Paper Manufacturer, or whether they were simply living at the Lodge.

Nine years later in May 1890, Alfred took over the New Cock Inn, aged 50 years, on a temporary licence, until July when a full licence was granted.

In May 1898 there was a serious accident outside the pub.

A man named Williams was driving a traction engine down River Hill when the brake bar broke and he fell. The wheel passed over the toes of one foot, of course completely crushing them.

His mates picked him up and conveyed him to the Upper Cock, where Mr Kemsley at once had his horse put in and drove the man to Hildenborough where he was attended to by Dr. Fraser, of Leigh.

Despite this good deed, on the 15th August 1899 Alfred was fined £1, with 10s. costs, for selling gin which was found to be adulterated with water; being seven degrees below the legal limit.

This will have concerned Alfred somewhat as his licence was due for renewal just a few weeks later; he may well lose his livelihood.

Fortunately for Alfred, at the Annual Licensing Session in September, the Bench noted as he held such a previous good character, the Bench renewed his licence.

Alfred and his family left the New Cock Inn a year later in September 1900.

They moved to 38 Little Mount Sion, Tunbridge Wells, (Down Town Fish Bar in 2021) where Alfred tried his hand at being a Greengrocer.

The 1911 Census tells us Alfred and Mary Ann had moved on again, this time to South View Cottages, Wateringbury, where his occupation was noted as a Steward to Workingmen’s Club, almost certainly at Wateringbury’s branch of the Association.

Alfred died on the 4th November 1917 at The Green, Yalding, aged 78 years, his occupation recorded as a Coachman Domestic on his Death Certificate. Alfred seems to have had a variety of jobs in his later years; Greengrocer, Club Steward, Coachman.

The 1921 Census then records Mary Ann, now 76 years old, living with her daughter Ella’s family at Chatham.

It’s probable Mary Ann lived with her daughter until 1929, when we find on the 23rd May, she was admitted to the Medway Union Workhouse, Chatham, where she died on the 31st August 1930, aged 85 years.

Mary Ann was buried at the Maidstone Road Cemetery, on the 4th September 1930.

John Markwell Campbell. Licensee September 1900 - March 1901.

John was born in circa 1859, Lambeth, London. Very little could be found about John until his son’s Birth Certificate, dated 26th May 1890, where we learn he’s a Police Sargent and he’d married Emily North.

They were living at Eastworth Road, Chertsey; quite possibly Police living accommodation adjoining the Police Station.

The 1891 Census similarly notes John as a Sargent of Police with the Surrey Police Force, they now had two daughters and a son, and the family were still living at Eastworth Road.

Other records show John was a policeman until at least 1897, when the family were living at 9 Jubilee Terrace, Dorking, now with three daughters and three sons.

It’s uncertain when he retired from the police force, but from newspaper articles, it’s been possible to track his movements from when he began his new career in the licensing trade.

Given John’s short term occupancies, it’s possible he was self-employed working for pub owners to fill temporary ad hoc landlord vacancies, or employed by a particular brewery fulfilling the same sort of role as the need arose.

The family then moved to The "Plough," Basted, Wrotham, in September 1899, where John was the Landlord for a year.

John and his family moved to Hildenborough in September 1900 when he was granted a temporary licence for the New Cock Inn; a full licence was granted in November.

The Campbells’ left the New Cock Inn after 7 months, just days before the 1901 Census (taken on the 31st March).

The 1901 Census shows them living just around the corner from the pub at Nizels Cottages. John still recorded his occupation as a Publican, perhaps awaiting his next position?

Later that year they moved to the "Phoenix Tavern," Faversham, and then to The "Smack Inn," Whitstable, in October 1904.

At some point before August 1907, John and Emily moved back to Surrey, living at 24 Grange Road, Thornton Heath. John died on the 13th August 1907, aged just 49 years, at the General Hospital, Croydon, leaving an estate of £302 9s. 9d. to Emily.

It’s not been possible to trace Emily’s movements immediately after John’s death, although four years later in 1911 she is living alone at 63 Donald Road, Croydon, and is a Grocer.

The 1921 Census records her still living at 63 Donald Road, although she is now Working from Home for her Own Account.

By the 1939 pre WWII Register, Emily was a Sub-Postmistress, living at The Post Office, Commercial Road, Paddock Wood, together with her unmarried daughter Violet; who was also employed there as a Post Office Clerk.

Emily died on the 22nd November 1945 at Paddock Wood, aged 85 years.

Nathaniel Slater. Licensee March 1901 - November 1904.

Born in Maresfield, Sussex, in early 1847, at the age of 14 years, Nathaniel was working as a Carter Boy and living with Thomas Bingham and his family at East Grinstead, (it’s unknown whether the Binghams’ were family friends or relatives).

It’s possible our Nathaniel was seriously assaulted two years later when he was 16 years old. A newspaper article in the Surrey Gazette dated 8th March 1864, reported:-

William Flaws, a farmer, at Posingford Farm, Hartfield, was summoned for assaulting Nathaniel Slater, a lad about sixteen years of age, a farm servant, on the 26th January. The Bench convicted the defendant, and fined him 10s. and costs.

By the 1871 Census, we find Nathaniel lodging with Joseph Williams at Ashdown Park, Withyam, with his occupation shown as a Milk Man.

About this time, he met and fell in love with Susannah Eglington, a Housemaid, living at Ashdown Cottage; they married on the 16th November 1872 at Hartfield. The 1881 Census shows them still living at Ashdown Park, with Nathaniel now a Labourer.

Unfortunately, the marriage failed and in June 1883 he married Catherine Blaxhall at East Grinstead.

By 1890 he and Catherine had taken over the "White Hart Inn," Crowborough, and they had a four year old son, Alfred.

They stayed at the White Hart Inn until December 1896 when they moved to the Rose and Crown, Crowborough. (East Sussex).

In March 1901 the family moved to Hildenborough and Nathaniel took over as the Landlord of the New Cock Inn.

Within months of moving in, their son, now aged 15 years, met with a serious accident when a double barrelled shot-gun accidently went off and fired into his shoulder, which was amputated below the shoulder.

The Slaters’ left the New Cock Inn in November 1904 and moved to the Horse & Groom, Warbleton, Sussex.

Catherine died in March 1906, aged 54 years, and Nathaniel died in September 1909, aged 62 years, both almost certainly at Warbleton.

Alfred Jupp. Licensee November 1904 - November 1906.

Alfred Jupp was actually born Albert Jupp on the 9th November 1871 at Meadvale, Surrey, the ninth child of Emma and Edward Jupp, an Agricultural Labourer.

On the 22nd April 1884, aged 13 years, Alfred entered Sidlow Bridge Church of England School, Horley. The school’s log records Admitted Albert Jupp from Meadvale.

However, for whatever reason, he didn’t last long there as a week later the school’s log records Taken Albert Jupp’s name off the books as he has gone to another school.

The 1891 Census shows us Alfred’s father had died and his widowed mother and four of her children were living at 1 Somerset Road, Reigate, where Alfred’s occupation is shown as a Groom / Domestic Servant.

It would seem Alfred moved to Sussex about this time where he met and married Elizabeth Welch from Chichester, in late 1898. Their daughter, Gladys, was born just a few weeks later on the 1st January 1899 at 10 Lower Market Street, Hove.

Curiously, he now uses both names; Alfred and Albert. On Gladys’s Birth Certificate, he gives his name as Alfred; whereas on Gladys’s baptism record (see below), he gives his name as Albert.

Similarly curious, Gladys was baptised on the 10th March 1899 at Saint Matthew’s church, Hackney, London, whereas her parents’ address on her baptism record was still given as 10 Market Street, Hove, Sussex.

Why was she baptised in London?

The 1901 Census then shows Alfred had moved his family back to Surrey, living at 33 Clarendon Road, Reigate, with his occupation still noted as Coachman / Groom.

With no previous publican experience, Alfred took over the New Cock Inn in November 1904.

On the 27th January 1905 the Hildenborough Parish Council held a special meeting, as required by the Licensing Act, 1904, at which they were to report on the public houses in the parish, and the manner in which they were run.

The New Cock Inn was noted as used by heavy road traffic, such as carters and carriers. They concluded it was properly conducted and they are not aware of any complaint against order or morality. It would seem Alfred got off to a good start.

The Jupps’ stayed at the New Cock Inn until November 1906.

They moved to the "Carpenters Arms," Tudeley, in February 1907, with the 1911 Census telling us he was the Publican.

However, Alfred didn’t get off to such a good start at the "Carpenters Arms," as in April 1907 he was summoned for permitting drunkenness to take place on his licenced premises on March 24th. The case was adjourned; the final outcome couldn’t be found.

Whilst the 1911 Census shows us Alfred and his family are still at the "Carpenters Arms," it’s unknown when they left.

However, records show by 1913 they’d moved to Marden, where Alfred was a Beer Retailer at the "West End Tavern."

In May 1920 Alfred was once again in trouble, being charged on two summonses with supplying liquor after prohibited hours. His excuse was his co-defendants, Frederick Reader and Harry Packman, had been working for him on his allotment and he gave them each a glass of ale thinking it would be all right. A fine of £4 would be imposed.

The 1921 Census records Alfred, now 50 years old, still the Publican of the "West End Tavern," with Elizabeth and Gladys doing Home Duties, and his son, Stanley, Assisting Father.

In August 1921 there was a very interesting article in the Sevenoaks Chronicle and Kentish Advertiser, which maybe gives us further insight into Alfred’s character. Alfred was summoned to keep the peace regarding threats to Charles Wells.

Apparently, Charles Wells, an ex-employee, went in defendant’s house and called for some beer. Defendant used bad language, threatened to kill him and followed him to his home. By all accounts there was a dispute over wages.

Alfred denied any threats and said, under oath, Charles Wells had made statements about him of a scandalising nature. Alfred was bound over in his own recognisances (undertaking) for 12 months in the sum of £10.

The Jupp family left the "West End Tavern" in the early 1930’s and by the 1939 pre WWII Register, Alfred and Elizabeth were living at Church Green, Hollingbourne, Maidstone, with Alfred now a Dealer & Fruiterer.

It’s unknown when or where Alfred and Elizabeth died.

William Josling, Licensee November 1906 - January 1908.

Born on the 4th November 1837, Minster, Isle of Thanet, William was the son of a Market Gardener. By the 1861 Census, aged 23 years, William had followed in his father’s footsteps with his occupation also noted as a Market Gardener; probably working for the family business. The 1861 Census also reiterates the family were still living in Minster.

On the 29th November 1862, William, now aged 25 years, married 24 years old Sarah Ann Johnson at Ramsgate.

The 1871 Census then shows the Josling family living at 21 Chatham Street, Ramsgate, where they have two children, and William noted as a Dairy Man (worker or owner of a dairy farm).

By 1881 however, William had expanded his business and was now a Cow keeper of 8 Cows Employing 1 Boy (possibly his 16 years old son, Edward) and the proprietor of the Lorne Dairy, Lorne Road, Ramsgate.

Sadly, just a year later, Sarah Ann died in April 1882, aged only 44 years.

William then had a complete change of direction with the 1891 Census telling us he was now living at 10 Vale Square, Ramsgate, and had a 36 years old housekeeper, Emily H Emmerson (nee Hawkins).

His occupation was recorded as a Contractor of Brewers and was Neither employer nor employed.

In modern brewing terminology a Contract Brewer is someone who creates a beer recipe and contracts with a brewer for its production and sales.

What beer recipe did William create?

Was it a success?

This must have spurred William on as in 1895, when he was 58 years old, he took over the "Chatham Arms" at Kings Street, Ramsgate, and by 1899 he’d moved to the "Royal Oak" public house at Upstreet, Chislet.

The 1901 Census confirms William and Emily are still at the "Royal Oak," with his occupation noted as Licensed Victualler.

Interestingly, Emily was now noted as William’s Wife, but it’s unlikely they were married; his Probate record in 1908 still refers to her as Emily Hannah Emmerson (wife or widow of George Thomas Emmerson). It would appear Emily had lost all contact with her husband and they’d never divorced.

In November 1906 William, and presumably Emily, moved to the New Cock Inn, where he died on the 22nd January 1908 aged 70 years. He was buried at St John the Evangelist churchyard on the 27th January 1908.

By the 1911 Census, Emily had moved to Bilsington, near Ashford, where she was Assisting Business, with Cassell Finn, at the "White Horse Inn" public house.

Her relationship to Cassell Finn was noted as Partner (was it business, personal, or both? - we’ll never know).

However, by June 1921, Emily (now using the surname Josling) was lodging with Mr and Mrs Burgess at The Corne, Snave (a very small hamlet on Romney Marsh).

Mr Burgess was a Shepherd (Romney Marsh is renowned for its breed of sheep - The Romney).

It’s uncertain when Emily died, but an Emily H Josling is recorded as dying in the Autumn of 1929, aged 75 years (which ties up with our Emily’s birth - 1854) at Bridge, near Canterbury.

William Powell Berry. Licensee January 1908 - June 1912.

William was born in April 1854 at Ampney Crucis, Gloucestershire, and baptised there on the 7th May. During his teenage years, William was brought up in the family run public house; The Black Horse, Castle Street, Cirencester. (Gloucestershire.)

In the Autumn of 1879, William married 23 years old Eliza Faulks at Cheltenham.

By the 1881 Census they’d moved to Hildenborough living at Trench Cottage, Coldharbour Lane, where William was a Bailiff of Farm and they had a month old daughter, Alice.

Sadly, Eliza died in the Summer of 1887, at just 31 years old, leaving William to raise 6 years old Alice alone.

In the event, William was not alone for too long as on the 27th December 1888, he married 29 years old Helena Perkins at St Mary the Virgin church, Great Dunmow, Essex.

The 1891 Census tells us William, Helena and Alice were still living at Trench Cottage and he remained a Farm Bailiff.

An entry in Kelly’s 1899 Directory records, more specifically, that William was Farm Bailiff to Rev. F. A. Stewart-Savile, at Hollanden; a local Clergyman buried in St John the Evangelist churchyard, with a stained glass window dedicated to him in the church.

The 1901 Census notes William as still being a Farm Bailiff.

William took over the New Cock Inn in January 1908; possibly having lost his job as a Farm Bailiff when the Rev. Stewart-Savile died in November 1907.

In November 1909, Helena found herself caught up in the possible prosecution of one Herbert Hunter who was charged with fraudulently stealing the sum of 12s. 2½d. The prisoner was employed by a butcher to take meat round to customers, and collect any money he could. Helena Berry, of the New Cock Inn, said the prisoner used to call and take orders. When she received the meat, she paid the prisoner, but the 12s. 2½d had not been handed over to his employer.

Hunter was bound over to come up for judgement if called upon, the Bench hoped it would be a lesson to him.

The 1911 Census notes William as Landlord of the Inn, living with Helena and their seven year old daughter, Ellener. William’s daughter, Alice (by his first wife, Eliza), was now married with two children and was living at Homesvale Cottages, Knockholt.

Then, for a second time in his life, William was left alone.

Helena died suddenly in early October 1911, aged 52 years, leaving William to raise his second daughter by himself. An inquest heard Helena had taken a fall and was found quite unconscious and convulsed.

She remained unconscious and died the following evening. On examination, a doctor found eleven bruises about the body and attributed death to acute meningitis. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Helena was buried on the 11th October at St Mary the Virgin churchyard, Great Dunmow (where she’d married William).

But once again William found love and married 35 years old Florence Empson on the 8th June 1912 at St Barnabas Church, Rotherhithe.

Florence was living at 95 Plough Road where she was an Attendant - Invalid Lady, possibly looking after her employer’s wife, Emmeline Wood (Emmeline was also born in Ampney Crucis, the same as William; was she a Berry family friend?).

Later that month, William and his family left the New Cock Inn and moved to the "Plough Inn," Ivy Hatch, Ightham, where he died on the 1st October 1914, aged 60 years.

In the Autumn of 1915, Florence married William Jacobs, a Foreman of Stone Quarry. The 1921 Census tells us they were living at Dolls (or possibly Doles) Cottage, Ivy Hatch, Ightham.

They were still living there in 1939, according to the pre WWII Register, and by 1960 Florence was living at 5 Pilgrims Way Cottages, Kemsing, where she died on the 3rd May.

William Jeffery. Licensee June 1912 - January 1913.

William spent almost his entire life at Edenbridge, being born there in 1850 to Alice and James Jeffery, a Farm Labourer.

The 1861 Census shows the Jeffery family living at the High Street, with the 1871 Census telling us William was still living at the High Street, but now lodging with Mr & Mrs Singley. His occupation was noted as an Agricultural Labourer.

On the 29th May 1875, William married Kate Langridge at Edenbridge (probably at St Peter & St Paul church).

By the 1881 Census William and Kate had moved to Bridge Street, Edenbridge, with William still an Agricultural Labourer.

The 1891 Census then tells us the Jeffery family had moved to the Spittle Cross area of Edenbridge, they now had six sons and a six months old daughter, with William still an Agricultural Labourer.

Sadly, his wife Kate died on the 1st January 1898, aged just 43 years, at home at 3 New-Houses, Edenbridge. William was still a Labourer at this time.

William and his seven children continued to live at New-Houses with five of his sons now working and, presumably, contributing to the family’s income.

By the Summer of 1902, William had found love once more and married 43 years old Ellen Elizabeth Chapman, again probably at St Peter & St Paul church.

Records show them still living at New-Houses in 1906. Ellen must have been very committed to take on William’s seven children, now aged from 10 to 24 years old.

After over fifty years living at Edenbridge, William had finally moved out with the 1911 Census noting William and Ellen were running the "Chequers Inn," Sevenoaks Weald (the same public house that Silas Hills ran from 1879).

William took over the New Cock Inn in June 1912 but died just a few months later on the 1st January 1913 aged 62 years. He was buried at St John the Evangelist churchyard on 4th January.

Ellen Jeffery. Licensee January 1913 - June 1914.

After William’s death, Ellen took over as Landlady and remained at the New Cock Inn until June 1914.

Ellen would have willingly helped Matthew and Amy Giles when their daughter, Amy May, was brought to the pub seriously ill in August 1913.

The 1921 Census tells us Ellen was living with William’s eldest son Stephen’s family at Bough Beech, Edenbridge.

Ellen died in the Spring of 1932.

William George Hobden. Licensee June 1914 - February 1917.

William George Hobden was born on the 26th October 1889 at Great Woodcote, Surrey, the eldest child of Emma and William Hobden, a Farm Labourer. William was baptised at St Mary’s church, Beddington, on the 1st December 1889.

By the 1901 Census the Hobden family were living at The Lodge, Great Woodcote Farm, where William’s father was an Agricultural Labourer. William’s parents stayed here until late 1909 with their three sons and three daughters.

The 1911 Census then shows us the family had moved to The Bungalow, Great Woodcote Road, Purley, where William’s occupation was then noted as a Motor Engineer.

William took over the New Cock Inn in June 1914, quite possibly because records show there was a small garage attached to the public house where William could also carry on his trade as a motor engineer. The pub was advertised as: motor, shooting & fishing parties catered for, excellent garage accommodation.

On the 11th January 1917 William joined the Royal Flying Corps and left the New Cock Inn. He transferred to the newly formed RAF on the 1st April 1918. His service record showed his occupation as a Motor Engineer. It’s unclear whether William saw active service, but he was discharged on the 30th April 1920.

The 1921 Census records William was a Visitor on census night, staying with the Weare family (including his future wife Alice Olive), at 7 Sandy Lane, Beddington, Surrey. He was still recorded as a Motor Engineer.

It’s quite possible William returned to the New Cock Inn after his discharge; the 1922 Tonbridge Electoral Register records William G Hobden as a voter living at the pub (although he never returned as the licensee - see William Hobden below).

On the 26th August 1922 William married Alice at St Michael and All Angels church, South Beddington, Surrey. Again, William gave his profession as a Motor Engineer.

We then lose track of William and Alice until 1927 when they are living at 74 Manor Road, Mitcham, Surrey, and then by 1930, at 259 Ravenscroft Road, Beckenham, Kent, where he’s still recorded as a Motor Engineer.

The 1939 pre WWII Register then shows them living at 8 Ambleside Avenue, Beckenham, with William’s occupation, now somewhat more grandiose, noted as an Automobile & General Engineer (Own Account). They had two daughters; Myrtle born 1923, and Beryl born 1929.

They remained at Ambleside Avenue until 1951 when, on the 30th November, aged 62 and 56 years, they set sail for Melbourne, Australia, with their daughter Beryl. aboard the ship Largs Bay (Myrtle had emigrated to Australia in 1946 having married an Australian in the UK in 1944).

Both William and Alice died in Australia.

William died on the 5th September 1957, aged 67 years, and Alice on the 3rd July 1981, aged 86 years.

They are buried at Wodonga Cemetery, Wodonga City, Victoria.

William Hobden. Licensee February 1917 - October 1921.

Born on the 15th August 1857 at Telscombe, Sussex, William was the seventh child of Jane and James Hobden, an Agricultural Labourer. William lived with his parents until at least 1871, and in 1881 was possibly boarding at Lewes Road, Newhaven. By circa 1885, he’d moved to Beddington, Surrey.

On the 15th December 1888, he married 21 years old Emma Denman at Edenbridge parish church.

William’s marriage banns notes him as a Widower. Despite extensive research it wasn’t possible to identify his first wife with any certainty.

See William George Hobden above (William and Emma’s son) for William and Emma’s movements from 1889 to 1911.

Curiously, whilst the 1911 Census shows the family living at The Bungalow, Great Woodcote Road, there is no mention of William living there; simply a hand written note saying Head away (where was he, what was he doing?)

The Tonbridge Electoral Registers for 1914 and 1915 show William (and presumably Emma - she wasn’t eligible to vote) living at Hilden Park Road, Hildenborough. They will have joined their son, William George Hobden, at the New Cock Inn sometime between 1915 and early 1918 (sadly the Electoral Registers for 1916 and 1917 haven’t survived).

After his son joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1917, William temporarily took over the licence of the New Cock Inn in February 1917; a full transfer being granted on the 6th March.

Although William’s son was discharged from the RAF in April 1920, the licence never reverted to him.

The 1921 Census still notes William as the Publican at the New Cock. Later that year on the 8th October, William, aged 64 years, died at the NEW COCK INN and was buried at St John the Evangelist churchyard on the 11th October.

Emma Hobden. Licensee October 1921 - August 1922.

Emma Hobden (nee Denman) was born in 1867 in Edenbridge. In 1871 the Denman family were living at House Lane, and then, according to the 1881 Census, Emma was a General Servant Domestic to Joseph Ellis, a Professor of Music and Organist. She lived in Edenbridge until she married William.

See William Hobden above for Emma’s marriage in December 1888 and thereafter until her husband’s death.

After William died, Emma took over the running of the New Cock Inn, with the licence formally transferred to her on the 6th December 1921.

Emma left the New Cock Inn on the 29th August 1922. In 1930 and 1931 Emma was living at 29 Onslow Gardens, Wallington, Surrey, with her two youngest children, Elsie and Ernest.

Emma died on the 11th February 1953, aged 86 years. She was buried alongside her husband, William, at St John the Evangelist churchyard.

James Turnbull. Licensee August 1922 - August 1932.

The reader may wonder whether the right James Turnbull has been identified given his profession(s) and his age when he took over the New Cock Inn. The evidence lies with the 1911 Census and the 1930 Tonbridge Electoral Register; this was the only family that could be found matching these records.

James was born on the 29th January 1865 at New Monkland, Lanarkshire, Scotland, and baptised on the 19th February at the Free High Church, Airdrie, Lanarkshire. His parents were Elizabeth and John Turnbull, a Colliery Engine Keeper.

The 1871 Census, when James was 6 years old, shows the family living at 17 Callon Street, New Monkland, and James had two sisters and a brother.

By the 1881 Census, James, now aged 16 years, was working as an Iron Mine Fireman and the Turnbull family had moved to Egremont, Cumberland; living at 4 Smithy Row.

On the 23rd November 1889, James married Elizabeth Cowen at St John’s church, Newcastle upon Tyne.

After they married, they moved to Whickham, Durham; living at Hexham Road, and James was now a Steam Engine Worker.

The 1901 Census then tells us James and Elizabeth had moved much further south to Erith, Kent, where James was now employed as an Engine Fitter and they had four daughters (although their eldest daughter, Janet, died in the autumn of 1906, aged 15 years). The family were living at 22 Alford Road.

By the 1911 Census, the family were still at Erith, but now living at 2 Queens Road. At the age of 46 years, James seems to have had a small change of occupation and was now a Gun Fitter, probably at the huge Vickers Ltd plant at Erith.

In 1921, the Census records the family living at 19 Plumstead Common Road, Plumstead, with James still a Gun Fitter; now confirmed as working at Vickers.

It’s unknown why, and with no previous experience, James, now 58 years old, took over the licence of the New Cock Inn in August 1922 and lived there with his wife, Elizabeth, and their daughters, Elizabeth and Mary.

In July 1929, James complained to the Council about his neighbours, the owners of the Riverhill Garage, who he claimed were a nuisance, their customers parked outside the pub and used its conveniences. The Council concluded this was a storm in a tea cup and the Clerk was instructed to write saying the Council could not do anything.

James and Elizabeth left the New cock Inn in August 1932 and we lose track of them until the 1939 pre WWII Register when they’d moved to Belvedere, Kent, living at 13 Brigstock Road. James gave his occupation as a Gun Inspector (Retired).

They remained at Brigstock Road where Elizabeth died on the 20th April 1940, aged 70 years.

Although still living at Brigstock Road, James died on the 2nd July 1941, aged 76 years, at The Grange, St Johns, Woking, Surrey. It’s unknown why James died so far from his home (no obvious property, or family connection, could be found).

Lawrence Mark Wade. Licensee August 1932 - February 1946.

Born on the 3rd March 1881 at Leatherhead, Surrey, Lawrence was the only son of Harriett and Henry Wade, the proprietor of a Butcher’s shop in the High Street. Sadly, his father died in 1888 when Lawrence was just seven years old.

By the 1891 Census, Harriett, Lawrence, and his 7 years old sister, Emma, had moved to 1 Limes Cottages, St John’s Road, Leatherhead; Harriett was noted as Living on her own means.

We learn from the 1901 Census the family were still living at Limes Cottages, with Lawrence, now 20 years old, employed as a Solicitors Clerk. In 1907, interestingly, he was renting a first floor furnished bedroom from his mother, at 5s. 6d. per week - very strange. His rent increased to 6s. per week in 1908.

In the Autumn of 1908, he married Grace Mary Finch, and by 1911 they’d moved to Surrey House, 31 Church Street, Leatherhead, where Lawrence was the Club Steward at The Liberal Club.

We lose track of Lawrence and Grace until the 1921 Census when they were living at Fairview, Oakhill Road, Ashtead, Surrey; now with two daughters and a son.

Lawrence gave his occupation as a Bookkeeper employed by the London County Council (Mental Hospital Service).

At some point after 1921, although it’s not known exactly when, the family moved to Tunbridge Wells where Lawrence took over the "Black Horse" public house in Camden Road.

However, in August 1932 the Wade family moved on to Hildenborough, and Lawrence became the publican at the New Cock Inn.

In 1934 we see Lawrence expanding his business interests and opened an antique shop at No. 7 Tolgate Buildings, Hadlow Road, Tonbridge.

Lawrence would similarly sell bric-a-brac from the New Cock Inn.

Here’s just a few of the very many, and varied, items he advertised for sale at the pub:

15 December 1933 ~ BASSETT-LOWKE Railway and accessories, two engines, good condition: £3; cost £12.

19 June 1942 ~ LAWN MOWERS - Ransome’s 10in Automation 90/-; Green’s 12in 100/- new condition.

21 September 1945 ~ RILEY Billiards Dining Table, 6ft 6ins x 3ft 6ins, all accessories, including Snooker Balls; £13

Strangely, the Wades’ seemed to have an affinity with squirrels.

They advertised for tame squirrels in the local paper, and an article in the Daily Mirror on the 8th March 1940 described how one mingled with the customers. The article read:

Strangers entering the lounge bar at the New Cock Inn, Hildenborough, usually look at Mr Wade, the proprietor, turn pale, rub their eyes, and look again. Running over Mr. Wade is a squirrel. Regulars know the squirrel as an old friend who doesn’t refuse a sup of beer and hides in their pockets.

Suffering from poor health, Lawrence was forced to retire from the New Cock Inn in February 1946 and died after a short illness on the 25th April 1947 aged 66 years.

After Lawrence died, Grace moved to Forge Cottage, Plaxtol, where she died on the 6th December 1954 aged 71 years.

Casper Molenkamp. Licensee February 1946 - September 1955.

Casper Frederick Faulkner Molenkamp was born at ‘Pembroke’, Kings Road, Clapham, on the 17th April 1897.

Above photo September 1912, showing John and Maria (known as Poppy) with Caspar and sister Mary.

According to the 1911 Census, we find the Molenkamp family living at 24 Kings Avenue, Clapham Park. His father, John, was recorded as a Hotel Proprietor at the Morton Hotel, Russel Square, London, although the hotel was probably owned by his father-in-law, Jonathan Faulkner.

In 1914, at the age of 17 years, Casper joined the British Expeditionary Force. His first posting, as a Private, was to East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, with the 14th London Regiment.

He was subsequently promoted to 2nd Lieutenant with the 13th East Surrey Regiment (where he served in France from March to July 1916, and then from May 1917 to February 1918).

He finally served as Lieutenant with the Chinese Labour Corps.

Casper received the Victory and British War medals.

The 1921 Census shows Casper had left the army and he’d returned to the family home at Ivydene, 38 The Avenue, Grove Park, with his occupation recorded as a Secretary. He lived there until he married 34 years old Edith Harrison at St. Augustine’s church, Grove Park, on the 15th August 1925.

The 1939 pre WWII Register tells us Casper and Edith had moved to 25 High Beeches, North Cray, Bexley, and Casper was a Full Time ARP Warden and had registered with the Officers Territorial Reserves (experienced soldiers who may be called upon in the event of war with Germany).

At the outbreak of WWII in September 1939, Casper, now 42 years old, re-enlisted as a Lieutenant, again with the East Surrey Regiment. It’s unknown if he saw active service.

However, what is known is he was dismissed the Service by sentence of a Gen. Court-Martial, 13th Sept. 1944 (what was that all about?).

This was a bad time for Casper, not only the Court-Martial, but also Casper and Edith had separated around this time and would divorce shortly thereafter.

Casper needed a new start, and moved to Hildenborough in early 1946. However, we learn he didn’t get off to a good start in Kent.

He was charged with causing unnecessary obstruction of traffic in the High-street, Tonbridge, on February 2 1946. Casper pleaded not guilty but a fine of 10s. was imposed.

Casper took over the New Cock Inn ten days later on the 12th February 1946.

It would seem in addition to becoming a publican, Casper also bred dogs (probably as a hobby).

The results of the Kent County Canine Association show in April 1946, records Casper had entered the Any Variety Puppy class; being placed 3rd with his puppy “Montbretia of Maspound”.

The dog’s breed is unknown, but probably a Great Dane - the advert above in the Kent & Sussex Courier on the 5th September 1947, notes Casper offering GREAT DANE Pups for sale at £10.

Although it’s likely the pups were sold, Casper kept the adult dogs. However, their presence at the pub didn’t prevent a robbery on the 13th April 1951. Reported in the Kent & Sussex Courier: INN ROBBERY - Although there were dogs on the premises, thieves broke into the New Cock Inn and took about £12 in cash, together with two bottles of spirits.

Things improved for Casper when, aged 52 years, he married 29 years old Jean Elizabeth Wright at the Congregational Church, Tonbridge, on the 15th January 1949.

They left the New Cock Inn in September 1955 and moved to 4 Shuttleworth Road, Battersea North, with their two young daughters, Jill and Margaret.

It’s unknown why, but the family then moved to Lancashire where Casper died on the 6th December 1964 at 2 Springfield Road, Ulverston.

Jean re-married Ronald Glyn Dandy on the 17th May 1975 at the Ulverston Parish Church.

She died on the 21st April 1992 at Furness General Hospital, Barrow-in-Furness.

Wilfred Charles Jackson. Licensee September 1955 - July 1963.

As with James Turnbull, the reader may wonder whether the right Wilfred Jackson has been identified.

Once again, the evidence lies with the Tonbridge Electoral Register for 1957 which shows a William Jackson and Dorothy M J Jackson living at the New Cock Inn. The Marriage Certificate (see below) was the only Wilfred Jackson marrying a Dorothy M J which could be found.

Wilfred was born on the 1st July 1887 at Stapenfield, Derbyshire, to Eliza and Charles Jackson. When Wilfred was only three years old, the family moved to West Wickham, Kent, where his father was a Coachman at the Court Stables.

The 1901 Census then shows us the family living at 16 Wickham Road, Beckenham. Now 14 years old, Wilfred was employed as a Telegraph Messenger. The 1911 Census then records Wilfred as a Domestic Chauffeur and still living at Wickham Road.

At the outbreak of WWI, Wilfred enlisted in the Army with the 15th Light Armoured Car Battalion.

On the 24th April 1915 he was sent to Egypt where he served until August 1919; by which point he’d been promoted to Mechanic Staff Sergeant.

Wilfred was awarded the Victory and British medals, together with the 15 Star medal.

In September 1919 he was awarded the more prestigious Meritorious Service Medal (awarded for distinguished service, or gallantry in the field, by non-commissioned officers).

The 1921 Census shows the family still at 16 Wickham Road.

Wilfred is not recorded as living at Wickham Road on census night (19th June), and he couldn’t be found elsewhere. He may have been in the Army at the time, possibly still overseas; one service record has a notated date of 26th May 1921, so his return to the UK could well have been after census night.

We lose track of Wilfred until 1933 when, on the 8th July, aged 46 years, he married 37 years old Dorothy Minnie Jessie Moore at St Michael & All Angels church, Beckenham.

Wilfred gave his profession on their Marriage Certificate as a Motor Engineer (probably a trade he’d learnt in the army). Curiously, Dorothy gave her residence as the Medway Oil Storage Co., Isle of Grain.

By the 1939 pre WWII Register they were living at 93 Pier Road, Northfleet, Kent, with Wilfred’s occupation noted as a Garage Foreman.

We lose track of Wilfred and Dorothy again until September 1955 when they took over the New Cock Inn.

Wilfred was now 68 years old.

In May 1962 the opposite report gave an account of a fatal incident outside the New Cock Inn which would have undoubtedly had a profound effect on Wilfred and Dorothy.

Wilfred and Dorothy left the New Cock Inn a year later in July 1963.

Wilfred died a year later in 1964 aged 77 years, and Dorothy died in the Autumn of 1974 aged 79 years.

Alexander Charles King. Licensee July 1963 - October 1967.

Alexander was the youngest of fourteen children (he had nine sisters and four brothers) of Mary and Frederick King, a Carpenter. His father was serving with the British Army when Alexander was born on the 8th December 1916.

He was baptised on the 3rd January 1917 at St Andrew’s church, Earlsfield, Wandsworth. The King family were living at 19 Trewint Street, Wandsworth.

The 1921 Census tells us the family were still at Trewint Street, but now with only eight of Mary and Frederick’s children living at home. Alexander’s father had left the Army by now (presumably in circa 1918) and was now employed by Tench & Co., Builders and Decorators, but still working as a Carpenter.

Very little could be found about Alexander’s early life until the 1939 pre WWII Register where we find him living at 221 Magdalen Road, Wandsworth, with his widowed mother (his father had died in 1937) and three of his siblings, Kathleen, Edith and Edward.

His occupation was noted as a Clerk - Builder Costing and he’d signed-up as an Army Signalman - Corp of Signals (probably a volunteer role at this point in anticipation of war with Germany).

Military records then show Alexander serving as a Corporal, Royal Corps of Signals, until 1946. It’s unknown whether he saw active service or whether he was UK based; in any event by 1949 he’d moved back to the family home at 221 Magdalen Road, from where he married 24 years old Pauline Mercer (nee Jackson) on the 3rd April.

Pauline had previously been married to Gordon Mercer, a Navigator, 138 Squadron, Bomber Command, who was tragically killed in action on the 9th February 1945, just seven months after he’d married Pauline.

Now 32 years old, Alexander records his profession on their Marriage Certificate as a Surveyor.

After they married, Alexander and Pauline moved to 209 High Street, Clapham, Bedfordshire, until 1956 when they moved to 161a Sandy Lane South, Wallington, Surrey.

It’s unknown why Alexander and Pauline wanted a change of direction, but in July 1963 they moved to Hildenborough, and took over the New Cock Inn.

They remained at the New Cock Inn until October 1967, when Alexander (now known as Alex - a name probably more in keeping for a publican) declared we have built up a good crowd of people here and will miss them. They moved to the "Victoria" public house, High Street, Oxshott, Surrey, staying until 1977.

We lose track of Alex and Pauline until 1981, when they were living at 4 Lowburys, Ridgeway Road, Dorking.

They lived there until Alex died on the 13th February 2001 at East Surrey Hospital, Redhill, from pneumonia and rectal carcinoma, aged 85 years. Pauline died on the 19th March 2008 at Epsom, aged 84 years.

George Colin Gray. Licensee October 1967 - April 1971.

Born on the 16th March 1934 in West Ham, London, George was the third child of Elsie and George Gray, a Civil Servant.

According to the 1939 pre WWII Register, the family had moved up north to Scalby, Yorkshire, living at 6 Newlands Park Grove.

By 1949 we find the family had moved back down south and were living at 63 Brambledown Road, Wallington, Surrey, where George (now using his middle name Colin) lived with his parents until he married 21 years old, Rosemary Dowden on the 7th June 1958 at the Holy Trinity church. George gave his occupation as a Gilder.

They lived with her parents at 33 Bandon Rise, Wallington, after their marriage and then at 199 Buckhurst Avenue, Carshalton.

In 1961 they moved to 46 Pine Ridge, Carshalton, where they would stay until October 1967, when they moved to Hildenborough to run the New Cock Inn.

They stayed at the New Cock Inn until April 1971.

They then moved back to Surrey and became the landlords of the "Harvest Home" public house at Beddington.

Apparently, Colin and Rosemary were notable for being wonderful publicans although by all accounts the "Harvest Home" was not always an easy pub to run in those years. Tensions between “the gypsies and the locals” often flared up, especially on Thursday nights.

They moved on in about 1975 and ran the "Masons’ Arms" (now the "Stonemasons Inn") at Petworth for many years.

They finally moved to the "Battle of Trafalgar" public house at Portslade, East Sussex, where George died on the 7th June 1986, aged just 52 years.

It’s possible Rosemary remarried after George’s death; records show a Rosemary A Gray married a Maurice Forrest in 1988 at Hove, East Sussex.

David Roy Albert. April 1971 - February 1983.

No definitive licensee transfer date could be found but it’s quite likely it was in conjunction with the purchase of the pub by Peter and Pat Fresia, who changed the pub’s name to the "Thirst and Last" and had ambitious plans to create a top-class restaurant.

David was born on the 3rd February 1935 in Lambeth, London, to Dorothy and Cyril Albert; a Hairdresser and L.C.C. Ambulance Driver. Little could be found about his early life.

However, a 1939 pre WWII Register entry shows a David R Albert boarding at Shaftesbury House School, Worthing, with the same date of birth.

If this is our David, he was only 4 years old when the poor boy was sent to boarding school.

The next definite record shows us David living with his parents at Braganza Street, Southwark, in 1958. On the 30th May 1959 he married 26 years old Sheila Bristow at All Saints church, East Sheen, Surrey. David gave his address as 29 Grosvenor Avenue, East Sheen, and his profession as a Pattern Cutter.

They had two boys, Christopher born 1962 and Julian born 1963.

There is some evidence David, Sheila and their two boys were living with his parents at Braganza Street until 1963.

In the mid 1960’s David’s parents moved to Sevenoaks, starting a hairdressing business and Albert Valet Services (dry cleaners) at Tubs Hill Parade (the business still exists - 2023).

His mother died at Tubs Hill on the 22nd October 1968, aged 53 years. His father remarried in March 1971 and continued his business at Tubbs Hill Parade; living above the shop.

David and Sheila took over the New Cock Inn in April 1971. However, their marriage didn’t last and they separated a few years later; divorcing in 1978.

Then David fell in love with 38 years old divorcee Valerie Hodder. Valerie had married Michael Hodder in 1961 and they had one son, Mark. Their marriage had also ended in divorce.

They married on the 26th May 1979 at the Tonbridge Register Office, both giving their address as the New Cock, London Road, Hildenborough and David now noted his occupation as a Licenced Victualler. David’s stepson, Mark Hodder, was also recorded as living at the New Cock Inn.

David and Valerie were almost certainly really nice people and excellent landlords. A press article dated 15th August 1981 in the Sevenoaks Chronicle reports a holidaymaker’s experience at the establishment.

The family left the New Cock Inn in February 1983* and once again we lose track of David until his death in Southwark on the 5th November 1997, aged 62 years. It’s unknown where Valerie lived after David died, or when she died.