RAILWAY TAVERN Pub of Bexley

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Bexley, August, 2025.

Page Updated:- Tuesday, 05 August, 2025.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1903-

(Name from)

Railway Tavern

Open 2020+

38 High Street

Bexley

01322 522779

https://railwaytavernpub.co.uk/

https://whatpub.com/railway-tavern

Above photo 1897. Also showing the "White Swan," right.

Above photo, 1900, showing a parade in honour for the return of General Phipps Hornby VC, married to Anna Jay, daughter of Mr. Jay, of Blendon Hall, Bexley, They had been married since 31st January 1895, and he had been serving in the second Boar War.

Above photo, circa 1900.

Above postcard, 1906.

Above postcard circa 1907, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

The pub (extreme right) was a Dartford Brewery Company tied house. The dray was parked outside the company's 17, High Street premises.

Above postcard, 1910, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo, 1950.

Above photo, 1958.

Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo 2006 by Dave Patten Creative Commons Licence.

Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo, circa 2023.

Above sign, 2015, kindly sent by Roger Pester.

The building itself can be traced back to as early as 1681, but didn't get its license till 1743 when it operated under the name of the "Tower of London." Over time the "of London" part of its title was lost and it was referred to simply as the "Tower." The railway station opening in 1866 and I am led to believe the pub was referred to as the "Tower Inn and Railway Tavern" for a few years, before the Tower bit was finally dropped, probably between 1881 and 1903 when it finally became the "Railway Tavern."

In 1897 the "Railway Tavern" was the headquarters for the Bexley Cricket and Cycling Clubs A.O.F.

LICENSEE LIST

MACALISTER Alexander 1903+

From 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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