NEW INN Pub of Gravesend

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Gravesend, September, 2024.

Page Updated:- Sunday, 29 September, 2024.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1780

New Inn

2012 (Name from)Closed Jan 2016

1 Milton Road (King Street )

Gravesend

https://whatpub.com/new-inn

Above engraving circa 1840, kindly submitted by Jason Kemsley.

Above picture circa 1900. A four-horse cart of A. & H. Hardy, the Northfleet carriers, ready for an outing from the "New Inn," Milton Road. Rigdens were the Faversham brewers. The "New Inn" with the shops adjoining was originally the home of the Holker family where in April 1734 Dr Holker entertained the Prince and Princess of Orange (daughter of George II) after their marriage, when they were weatherbound on their return to Holland.

Above photo, circa 1913. Kindly supplied by John Hopperton.

Above photo, 1989.

Above photo 2008 by David Anstiss Creative Commons Licence.

Above photos 17 July 2014, kindly supplied by Roy Moore.

Above photo, 2024.

Above sign left, August 1974. Sign right, August 1986.

With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

Above sign left 2013, sign right 2014, kindly supplied by Roy Moore.

Above photo date unknown.

A "New Inn" can be traced back on this site to 1780, even thought the sign says 1840. However, that may have been a different "New Inn." But in 2012 it changed name to both the "Coyote Ugly" and also "Bar 1." I have no idea which order, but with names like that it's no wonder it changed back to the "New Inn" again.

The "New Inn was the family home of Dr. Holker, who accommodated the Prince and Princess of Orange in 1734.

They had to shelter there because the weather was not fit for sailing. In 1780 the inn was sold and renamed the "New Inn," perhaps because the licensee was from the "New Tavern."

The "New Inn," which was previously a coaching inn, had a large garden at the rear, with a bowling green. Pigot's Directory of 1832 also says it was the Excise Office.

In 1869-70 the pub was part of a consortium who were advertising their goods of selling tea in response to grocers' selling beer and wine. (Click for further details.) The premises was acting as the Principle Agent and Depot.

Information kindly supplied by John Lord says the following:- "Behind the inn in Queen Street are the Turner's livery stables, who offered char-à-banc drives daily.

The new Inn was the family home of Dr. Holker, who accommodated the Prince and Princess of Orange in 1734.

They had to shelter there because the weather was not fit for sailing. In 1780 the inn was sold and renamed the "New Inn," perhaps because the licensee was from the "New Tavern.""

I have just been informed by Ian Goodrick, that the pub was closed in January 2016 and is now operating as a "Vape Shop."

Kentish Gazette, 2 May, 1806.

TO BE LET. THE NEW INN, Gravesend.

Appraisement about £600.

Inquire of Mr. Henslow, Rochester; or Mr. Brett, Gravesend.

Kentish Gazette, 6 June, 1806.

NEW INN, GRAVESEND, Directly in Front of the London Road.

MARY HEARD and SON, MANY YEARS OF THE "ROSE INN," CANTERBURY, HAVING taken and entered upon that spacious and pleasantly situated House and Premises, respectfully inform the Gentlemen Travellers, their Friends and the Public, they are making such alterations and improvements as they hope will render their accommodations agreeable and commodious; and trust, by an unremitting attention and moderate charges, to receive and merit a continuance of their support and patronage.

Good and well aired Beds.

An extensive pleasure garden and bowling-green adjoin the house. Large yard convenient stabling, &c.

June 6, 1806.

Kentish Gazette 3 August 1819.

On Thursday last, a grand match at bowling was played on the bowling green at the "New Inn" Gravesend, between 10 Gentlemen of the Gravesend Bowling Club, and 10 Gentlemen of the Blackheath Bowling Club; when, after a great deal of art and skill on both sides, it was decided in favour of the Gravesend Club.

Kentish Gazette, 25 July 1820.

On Wednesday last, a grand match at bowling was played on the Bowling Green, at the "New Inn," Gravesend, between twelve gentlemen of the Milton next Sittingbourne club, and twelve gentlemen of the Gravesend club, which after much good play on both sides, was decided in favour of the Gravesend club.

South Eastern Gazette, Tuesday 7 June 1831.

Tolls to Let.

Notice is hereby given that the Tolls payable at the Toll Gates on the Turnpike Road, leaving from Dartford to Strood in the county of Kent, called John's Hole Gate and Chalk Gate will be let by auction, to the best bidder for the term of one year, from the 11th day of July next at the house of Mr. John Heard, called the "New Inn" at Milton next Gravesend, in the said County, on Wednesday the 6th day of July next between the hours of 12 and 1 o'clock in the afternoon in the manner directed by the several statutes in that behalf. The Tolls arising at the respective Gates, will be let separately and will be put up at such sums as the Trustee shall think fit.

The highest bidders will be required to pay at the time of the letting one half of the first month's rent in advance; and to give security with two sufficient and responsible sureties (to be approved by the Trustees) for the payment of the remainder of the first month's rent on or before the day of taking possession, and the residue of the yearly rent by monthly instalments in advance.

Twopenny and Essell, Clerks to the Trustees. Rochester, June 2, 1831.

From the Kentish Gazette, 20 December 1842.

A short time since, on taking down an old range, at the "New Inn tap," Gravesend, for the purpose of placing a new one, it was found necessary to enlarge the place, when, on removing some brick-work at the back part, a cast iron plate measuring 3 feet by 2 feet 6 inches, was discovered, on which is represented a man in armour on horseback, at full speed.

On the left hand corner the date 1649, and on the top the words "Ld Fairfax, COVNQYIOR." It is a fine impression and in excellent preservation. Thomas Lord Fairfax, general of the parliamentary arm in the civil wars, was the eldest son of Ferdinando Lord Fairfax, and born at Denton, in Yorkshire, 1611. He commenced his military career under Lord Vare in Holland; and when the differences broke out into hostilities between the king and parliament, he took a decided part in favour of the latter, being, as well as his father, a zealous Presbyterian. He had a principal command in the north, where he and his father were defeated in several engagements, particular at Adderton Moor, in June, 1643. Afterwards Sir Thomas had better fortune, and distinguished himself so greatly at the battle of Marston Moor, that in the new modelling the army he was nominated general, in the room of the Earl of Essex. In 1645 he defeated the King’s forces at Naseby, after which he marched into the west, where he subdued a number of places. In 1648 he succeeded to the title on the death of his father, and the same year took Colchester, after a brave resistance by Sir George Lisle and Sir Charles Lucas, whom his lordship, after a surrender, basely caused to be shot. He died in 1671.

From the Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser, Tuesday 4 April 1848.

Kent.

Valuable freehold Enclosures of Arable, Meadow, Orchard and Fruit Plantation, Public House, Beer Shop, Building Ground, Cottages, &c. situated in the parish of Higham, Shorne, Chalk, Meopham, Southfleet, Ryarsh and Ash.

Messrs. Hoggarts, Norton and Oakley, have received instructions to offer for sale, at the "New Inn," Gravesend, on Wednesday, 31st May, at 1 for 2 precisely, in lots.

The following desirable freehold properties, ......

Two parcels of the most productive Arable and Orchard land, opposite to the "Crown Inn," at Shorne; a parcel of Woodlands, situated below the Ridgeway, at Shorne; ......

The "Plough" public house, Culverstone green, Meopham, together with Orchard and Hop Land.

The "Green Man" beer shop, in Hodsoll Street, Ash. ......

Kentish Gazette, 25 May 1852.

Gravesend. Forgery.

On Tuesday, about a quarter past ten o'clock, the "boots" at the "New Inn" presented a cheque for £15 at the bank of Messrs. Hills and Son, High-street, for which he obtained the cash. The cheque purposed to be drawn by Mr. William Hills, of Harmer-Street, a member of the family, but not of the firm. Shortly after the cheque was cashed it was discovered to be a forgery, when the "boots" was immediately sought for, and his statement, which has not been for a moment doubted, was that a gentleman, who appeared to be staying at the hotel, accosted him in the lobby, and requested him to go to Hills' bank and get gold for the cheque. He did so, and gave the cash to that person on his return. The railway station and steam-boats were watched, but without success, and it is presumed that the delinquent managed to get off by the half-past ten o'clock boat, and before there was time to discover the forgery.

Burials St Peter & St Paul, Milton next Gravesend. 1846-1864.

5 Sep 1848 Arthur Slater, New Inn Tap aged 2 months.

8 Jun 1851 Frances Slater, New Inn Tap aged 73. 1851 census lists address as 1 Queen St living with her son, a Tapster, & his family the "Ordnance Arms".

12 Jun 1851 Mary Ann Heard, New Inn Milton Road aged 65.

24 Dec 1851 Arthur Slater, New Inn Tap aged 1.

South Eastern Gazette, 7 February, 1860.

DEATH.

On the 2nd inst., Mr. Charles Hickmott, in the 70th year of his age, for many years at the "New Inn," Gravesend. Deceased was an old and respected inhabitant of Farningham, Kent.

Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser, 3 September 1870.

Thomas Smith, landlord of the "New Inn," was charged upon summons with keeping open house beyond the regulated time, on the night of Sunday, 21st August.

P. C. Wood stated that at 11.30 on the night of Sunday, 21st August, he saw two soldiers leave defendants house, defendant said that the soldiers were relations of his wife, and were there as his guests. The house was cleared of customers at 11 o'clock.

Case dismissed.

Gravesend Reporter, North Kent and South Essex Advertiser, Saturday 24 March 1877.

Wanted. A general servant. Apply at the "New Inn" yard, Queen Street.

From http://www.kentonline.co.uk 28 January 2016.

Gravesend pub New Inn closed down for after-hours drinking and evidence of illegal drugs.

A pub which traded after hours and may have been used for drug-taking has been closed down after ignoring warnings to comply with its licence terms.

The New Inn in Milton Road, Gravesend, was first found to be breaching several conditions in March last year.

Police and local authority licensing officers gave advice and the designated premises supervisor agreed to close the pub until all breaches had been rectified.

The pub was reopened shortly after but during a follow-up visit in July, licensing officers found that the pub continued to regularly breach its licence, including trading beyond their licensed hours and having insufficient door staff.

As part of a routine drugs test, there was also suggestion that cocaine may have been used on the site.

Police requested a review of the New Inn's licence due to concerns around the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the prevention of public nuisance.

A review hearing was held at Gravesham Borough Council in December and the pub had its hours reduced considerably. In addition, the designated premise supervisor was changed.

However, within days a licensing officer visited the pub and found further breaches of its licence, as well as inaccurate records of the door staff’s working hours.

A full licensing check was conducted and a further eight breaches were found. There was also further suggestion that cocaine had been used in the toilets.

After a decision was made to carry out a further review, the pub's licence holder surrendered their licence.

An application to transfer the licence was not made within the 28-day limit and the pub remains closed.

PC Clare Cossar, licensing officer from the north division licensing team, said: "I am pleased the licence holder took the decision to surrender their licence.

"Licensing officers made several attempts to address issues raised by the community with the pub’s management and designated premise supervisor before taking any formal action.

"Unfortunately the first review of the licence did not achieve a marked improvement and as a result we were forced to take further action.

"I hope this result reminds other licence holders of their responsibilities to actively promote the licensing objectives and, more importantly, that the police will take action against any other premise found to be behaving outside of the law."

Above photo kindly taken and sent by Ian Goodrick, November 2016.

Above photo May 2020, by Christoph Bull.

Closed in February 2016 after a number of breaches of conditions, and as of November 2017 was operating as a Vape selling establishment.

From the https://forum.charltonlife.com accessed 8 July 2019.

The New Inn in Gravesend used to be maybe not scariest but certainly the dirtiest. it got closed down earlier this year due to drugs and after hour drinking.

This was a review of the place on a website: "Voted worst pub in the SE.

Absolutely disgusting pub. Met colleagues for a sales meeting and had the misfortune of popping in here.

Dirty is not the word. Has to be the worst pub in the UK.

The very fat scruffy bloke working behind the bar had a baby on the shelf behind the bar itself - I kid you not.

The beer was f**king awful. The glassware worse.

Shit and piss everywhere.

Gypsies urinating in corner of pub.

One foul mouthful of 'beer' and we couldn't wait to get out."

"Filthy pub, floor, toilets, tables everything in sight dirty, even the staff in filthy unwashed clothes and no teeth with disgusting breath reaching over the public side of the bar.

Horrible flat pint of Fosters, barmaid said it was CARLSBERG as its all they cold get from Bookers and its the only one the tap fitted - thought passing off was illegal, if I had wanted Carlsberg I would have asked for it.

Outside of the pub is a state, signage fell down, windows smashed. Still, on our tour of all the pubs we thought we'd give it a try.

Stale smell of animal faeces / urine.

Filthy dirty mop and bucket behind bar with marker pen inscription reading "dog".

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Alex Langridge, 26 May 2022.

Firefighters tackle blaze at former New Inn pub in Queen Street, Gravesend.

A former pub has collapsed into the street after a "massive" fire broke out.

Queen Street remains closed this morning after the blaze at the old New Inn in Gravesend, on the junction with Milton Road, yesterday afternoon.

The front of the building has collapsed into the street.

Crews were still at the scene last night but operations had been scaled back.

Jack Kamenou, owner of the Reliance Fish Restaurant in Queen Street, said: "It is massive. The whole roof has completely collapsed inwards. It is bad.

"They are still there and all the road has been shut off. We have no customers."

He believed the former pub, which then opened as a vape shop and was most recently New Amsterdam – the CBD Specialist, (that would be a substance found in Cannabis, not the Central Business District) has been empty for a while.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called at 1.04pm to reports of a fire at a commercial premises in Queen Street, Gravesend.

"Nine fire engines and a height vehicle have been sent to the scene. Crews wearing breathing apparatus are working to extinguish the flames.

"The cause is not yet known. Officers from Kent Police are in attendance to assist with traffic management."

The building has collapsed.

The former New Inn pub in Gravesend from above. Picture: High Profile Aerial.

Last night, people were asked to avoid the area and those living in roads including Queen Street, Milton Road and Parrock Street are still being asked to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution.

The fire service added: "Operations have been scaled back and firefighting now reduced to turning over and damping down.

"Due to the nature of the fire and the fumes and dust still coming up from the site."

Mandy Yates was trying to get a bus to Darent Valley Hospital but had to get off after roads were closed.

She said: "I was here when there were flames coming out of the roof. The road was blocked with cars and buses.

"Nothing was going anywhere. It's devastating, it's such an old building.

Smoke was billowing out the roof. Picture: Mandy Yates.

"The fire has devoured the roof. It's a bit frightening, it's so sad."

Nigel Matton, who lives in St Andrew's Court in Queen Street, said: "I smelt smoke in my flat and heard sirens and the whole place was covered in smoke." He said he believed the building was more than 200 years old.

He said: "I looked out of the window and couldn't see anything other than smoke. It was billowing out of the roof."

His partner Mandy Loveridge said she smelt smoke and thought Nigel was putting out a cigarette in an ash tray.

She said: "Ten minutes later the whole flat was a smoky." She then saw the roof of the old pub come down.

Milton Road was closed from just after Edwin Street to the bus barrier at King Street.

Part of the old pub has collapsed and there is understood to be damage to other buildings.

The flames are out but firefighters were continuing to douse the building with water, and move tiles to check for other hotspots at around 3pm.

Mr R Nasseri, who is the owner of the Universal Food Centre in Milton Road a few doors away from the old pub, said: "The fire pushed through to the other building. We had to leave.

"We don't know if the electricity has been cut off. We have a lot of fresh meat, frozen meat and fruit and veg in there, and that will be lost.

The roof has been destroyed. Picture: Mandy Yates.

"The building is insured by the landlord but not our products."

He believes he may have lost anything up to £150,000 of stock. "It's my whole life," he said.

As of 4pm, the incident had been reduced to seven fire engines and a height vehicle as crews make steady progress to extinguish flames and cut away any hotspots.

By 8.30pm, this had been scaled back to six engines and the fire service said it would likely be reduced further in the next couple of hours.

Queen Street will remain closed overnight whilst firefighters hold a watching brief to make sure the fire does not reignite and to keep the scene safe.

No casualties have been reported and the cause is yet to be determined by an investigation will be carried out.

Above photo kindly taken and sent by Dark-side. May 2022.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Alex Langridge, 30 May 2022.

Fire in Queen Street, Gravesend, believed to be electrical fault.

A major blaze which destroyed a listed building is believed to have been started by an electrical fault.

The former New Inn pub in Gravesend caught fire last Thursday and very little of the building remains.

Firefighters were at the scene in Milton Road, at the junction of Queen Street, for around 24 hours after flames broke out at around 1pm.

At its peak, nine fire engines were in attendance along with a height vehicle.

By 4pm, that number had been reduced to seven engines and the height vehicle, with crews continuing to fight the flames and cut away any hot spots.

By 8.30pm, it had been scaled back to six crews who were turning over and damping down as an investigation was launched into the cause.

Due to the nature of the fire, and the fumes and dust still coming up from the site, people living in the nearby area including Queen Street, Milton Road and Parrock Street were still being asked to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution.

Firefighters remained on the scene holding a watching brief overnight to make sure the fire didn't reignite, and to keep the scene safe.

By Friday morning, people were being told they could open their windows again but crews were still monitoring the remains and carrying out their investigation into how it started.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service operations did not fully stop until just before 12.30pm on Friday.

Very little of the building remains.

Today, a spokesman for the service said: "It is believed the fire started due to an electrical fault."

Kent Highways has said Milton Road – one of the main routes into town – will stay shut until 5pm on June 2.

Affected roads by the closure are Harmer Street, Milton Street, Ordnance Road, Edwin Street, Berkley Road, West Crescent Road and The Grove.

The remains of the old New Inn in Queen Street. Photo by Ray Petri.

The remains of the old New Inn in Queen Street. Photo by Ray Petri.

Pender Pharmacy, which was in the unit next door to the pub, has also seen its building severely damaged and staff are temporarily fielding calls at Gravesend Medical Centre.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Alex Langridge, 2 June 2022.

History of former New Inn pub in Queen Street and Milton Road in Gravesend which was destroyed by fire.

A piece of a town's history went up in smoke when a massive blaze took hold and devastated the listed building.

The fire a week ago today in Queen Street, Gravesend, saw the former New Inn pub destroyed.

At its height, firefighters in nine fire engines and a height vehicle were tackling the flames as huge plumes of smoke billowed into the sky.

By the evening, this had been been scaled back to six engines and firefighting reduced to turning over and damping down.

Operations were finally completed at around 1.30pm on Friday – almost 24 hours later.

The fire is believed to have started due to an electrical fault and, thankfully, no one was hurt.

The blaze has all but wiped out one of the town's oldest buildings, which prompted us to take a look back at the origins of the town centre landmark with the help of local historian Christoph Bull.

The former pub was originally in Fort Gardens but when the area became an artillery base in the 1780s it moved.

The building it took over – on the junction of Milton Road and Queen Street – was originally home to a man called Dr Holker and had a bowling green behind it.

In April 1734, The Prince of Orange – a title bestowed on Prince William IV – stayed in the house for what was meant to be only two days but was extended after the weather took a turn for the worse, and he was unable to travel.

By 1791, the New Inn had moved into the western portion of the building and took up around a fifth of the row of shops.

That said, a print from 1835 shows that at one point it occupied all of the house and was one of many hotels catering to a vast number of visitors.

Christoph said the pub also provided sanctuary for an over-worked police officer.

"When Gravesend ran its own police force between 1836 and 1942 the police constable used to have a dire time. They would go 12 hours without a break but he had an agreement with the pub.

"He would go there to have a sit down while on his shift and a beer, and he would overlook if the place was open longer than it should be."

The historian thinks the building would have dated back to the 17th century.

He added: "We do not exactly know when [it was built] but it was one of the oldest buildings. The town does not have that many very old buildings any more."

According to Tom Baine’s book "A Pub On Every Corner", the New Inn closed in 2010 after more than 200 years.

It was replaced by the "Coyote Ugly" which closed in 2011 and then became "Bar One" in 2012 for five months until it became multiple vape shops.

The demise of the historic premises has been branded a "devastating" loss to the town and many hope it will be rebuilt to mirror its former glory.

Nick Brown, Gravesham Borough Council’s director for environment, said work would continue to decide what happens next.

He said: “We watched with dismay the fire that caused so much damage in the town centre on Thursday and would like to thank Kent Fire and Rescue Service for their efforts to save the buildings involved."

He said council officers had been at the scene throughout that day, and met again on site last Friday with colleagues from building control "to fully assess the extent of the damage to the old New Inn building and neighbouring properties".

He continued: “Given the building’s listed status, there are legal considerations that need to be followed in respect of any potential urgent works in the interests of health and safety or for the preservation of the building.

“We have been in contact with representatives of the owner since Thursday afternoon to ensure they are fully aware of what needs to happen now, and we will continue to provide them with advice and assistance in the coming months.”

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Alex Langridge, 28 June 2022.

Work starts to clear Milton Road, Gravesend after pub collapsed during blaze.

Construction work has started to clear a town centre route after a former pub collapsed.

A grab lorry was on the site in Milton Road, Gravesend yesterday removing the bulk of the material that had fallen in the street.

The route through the town centre was closed on May 26 following a fire in the former New Inn Pub on the junction with Queen Street.

The blaze devastated the property as the roof collapsed inwards and left very little of the structure standing. Scaffolding has been put up since to prevent further damage.

As a Grade II listed building, the owners have to take specific action for its preservation and restoration and the council also has responsibilities to ensure the owner does so.

Whilst Gravesham council had been advised that the material in Queen Street would be removed on Friday, June 24, a grab lorry was on site on Monday.

It is understood the owners have sought approval from Kent County Council to erect hoardings opposite to ensure the area is safe and secure so the current road closure can be lifted.

Southern Water is also completing work as a consequence of the fire, but it is not known whether this will have an impact on when the road can be opened.

Cllr Lauren Sullivan for Northfleet North said: "Just like the local businesses of Milton Road and Queen Street in particular, and the residents they serve, I am severely disappointed that despite the council's proactive approach giving clear guidance on how to proceed, the owners of The New Inn have delayed the lifting of the road closure.

"Whilst I await the outcome of the investigation being carried out by the council's planning enforcement team, I would like to make it clear that the council will not tolerate the continued delays that have been encountered.

"I urge the owners of The New Inn and their representatives to make good on their recent words so that the necessary works can be completed to allow the road closure to be lifted."

The council said in a statement that the planning enforcement team is continuing to monitor the clearance and where works have been carried out contrary to the council’s instructions and listed buildings legislation, it "will utilise its powers to hold those who have further damaged the building to account".

Scaffolding has been put up to prevent further collapse. Picture: Jack Kamenou.

Attempts have been made to contact the owners of The New Inn.

Last week, businesses said they fear bankruptcy as the road closure was extended until Wednesday, July 6.

The council has advised companies to contact their own insurance company regarding any damage to their property or interruption of their activities.

If they need further advice or support are encouraged to get in touch with the town centre manager Graham Long and senior economic development officer, Keith Grimley on 01474 337000.

LICENSEE LIST

HEARD Mary 1806+