DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Erith, December, 2021.

Page Updated:- Wednesday, 15 December, 2021.
PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton & Jim Packer

Earliest 1842

 Pier Hotel

Latest 1902

Pier Road

Erith

Pier Hotel 1865

Above photo, circa 1865.

 

Informed gather by Jim Packer author of the "Lost Pubs of Bexley."

The Guardians of the Wheatley Estate had a 400ft pier constructed in 1842 so that the pleasure steamers that were plying the Thames at that time could call additionally at Erith.

The hotel was constructed in 1843 (though only a fraction of the size originally envisaged) and a full licence was granted immediately to George Warriner at the annual Sessions on 30 September 1843. Andrew Maclure, a seedsman who had a nursery at North End, laid out the pleasure gardens and arboretum the following year.

The directories of 1859 onwards describe it as the "Pier Hotel and Yacht Club House." The 1861 Census records Andrew as the Hotelkeeper whilst his younger brother John was running the "Pier Hotel Tap."

The resort of Erith upon Thames was short-lived: the aboretum and flowers were said not to be of a high standard. Beadle Brothers had started their extensive coal business with the arrival of the railway in 1849 and, to cap it all, Crossness Sewage Works opened on 4th April 1865 discharging 70 million gallons of untreated effluent at high tide. The pier, hotel and gardens were all sold at auction in 1865 and later Frederick James Wain, who was the last landlord, took over. Wain also became a wine and spirit merchant trading from 7 Pier Road and many stoneware jars with his name impressed survive.

In 1898 Messrs Watneys were proposing to erect commodious new premises at the bottom of Friday Hill. At this time the Licensing Bench was keen to see an overall reduction in licensed premises and refused permission for the new house. Subsequent years saw the putting forward of some licences one year, even two for one year, but the Bench thought them unsuitable and unequitable. Eventually Watneys bought out the "Pier Hotel" licence from Wain and the owner of the premises, Messrs Wm Cory and Sons Ltd. They successfully offered it at the September 1901 Brewster Sessions in surrender, in favour of the proposed "Nordenfeldt Tavern," the building of which was completed and the final order for transfer of the licence was issued on 14th August 1902.

 

Morning Advertiser, Friday 11 May 1855.

To Excursion and Dinner Parties.

"Erith Pier Hotel," and Gardens.

This delightful retreat, on the banks of the river, with its ornamental gardens, 12 acres in extent, is again open, for the reception of daily visitors, dinner parties, and the like. One Hundred can dine in the coffee room of the hotel, and any number under One Thousand in the banquet room in the garden. All parties liberally treated by applying to Mr. Maclure, "Pier Hotel," Erith, Kent.

 

Kentish Chronicle, Saturday 8 October 1864.

DREADFUL EXPLOSION OF GUNPOWDER AT ERITH.

Click for full account.

A public meeting was held on Monday evening at the "Pier Hotel," Erith, for the purpose of taking into consideration the serious amount of damage done to the property in the district, and to adopt such resolutions as might be considered necessary with reference thereto. The Rev. Archdeacon Smith, vicar of the parish, was called to the chair, and was supported by the Rev. J. G. Wood, M.A.; Captain M'Killop, R.N.; Captain Morell, R.N.; Dr. Hatton, and the churchwardens. A resolution was put and carried, to the effect "That the disaster which has recently occurred in the neighbourhood proves clearly the impropriety of large quantities of gun powder and explosive matter being allowed to be manufactured or stored in the vicinity of populous places, and that communications be made to the Home Office and to the local magistrates, pointing out the danger attending the establishment of gunpowder magazines and warehouses in such places, and urging the discontinuation of existing licenses, and the refusal to grant new licences for the came purpose in future.”

A committee was formed with instructions to consider the mode of carrying powder in barges, and proper representations would be made to government on the subject. It was next decided to adjourn the meeting until after the inquest, in order to obtain some idea of the amount of claims for compensation. Votes of thanks were unanimously accorded to the military and the medical gentlemen who so promptly attended the sufferers. A vote of thanks to the rev. chairman concluded the proceedings.

 

From the Gravesend Reporter, North Kent and South Essex Advertiser, Saturday 23 September, 1871.

ERITH.

A meeting was held at the “Pier Hotel” on Wednesday evening, Dr. Ridge and subsequently by Mr. Moberley, in the chair, to take steps for forming a new workman’s club for Erith. Another meeting is shortly to be held.

 

LICENSEE LIST

WARRINER George 1843-July/45

WARRINER Henry July/1845+

MACLURE Andrew 1855-61+ (age 52 in 1861Census)

MACLURE John 1861+ (and 44 in 1861Census) ("Pier Hotel Tap.")

WAIN Frederick James 1865+

NORMAN William 1867 (also yacht club house)

WAIN Frederick James 1882-96+

SINCLAIR Donald 1901+ (age 51 in 1901Census) (Manager of Pier Tap at 2 Pier Road in 1891)

WAIN Frederick James 1903+ Kelly's 1903

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

 

CensusCensus

Kelly's 1903From the Kelly's Directory 1903

 

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