Morning Advertiser 18 February 1850.

DESTRUCTION OF THE LOBSTER TAVERN, AT GRAVESEND, BY FIRE.

The old "Lobster Tavern," on the Bankside, about half a mile below Gravesend, a rural and favourite retreat of those who love green lanes and a pure air, tempered with a sea breeze, was on Saturday totally destroyed by fire. It had "bided the pelting of the pitiless storm" for nearly a century, and was venerable in its antiquity. The fire was first perceived issuing from the western angle of the building, and in a short time spread with a rapidity which wrapt the pile at all points in a sheet of flame of intense power but short duration. Like most of the snug old taverns of former times, the "Lobster" was composed principally of wood, and hence its rapid reduction to ashes by the action of fire. The flames extended to, and communicated with some cattle-sheds, which were rapidly reduced to ruins. An extensive coal-shed, also composed of wood, caught fire, but was saved from destruction by the timely arrival of the town and Customs-house engines. The military from the Fort were also quickly on the spot. The tavern, which was the property of Mr. Plane, brewer, of the town, was recently taken possession of by Mr. Penriden, of London, and, with its furniture, was insured.