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Ashford Road
Hollingbourne
01622 880985
https://www.vintageinn.co.uk/theparkgateinnhollingbourne
https://whatpub.com/park-gate
Above photo, circa 1903, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above postcard, circa 1907, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above postcard, postmarked 1912, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above photo, circa 1913, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.
Sadly, I've no idea who the driver may have been but his car was a
Little Briton, 10 or 12HP, which would have been built at the Stewart
Street Works, Wolverhampton circa 1912. |
Above photo, circa 1958, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above photo, circa 1959, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.
As far as I have been able to determine, the pub was owned by the Leeds
Castle estate until the 1950s and either operated as a free house, or
was leased to one of the local breweries, who ran it as one of their
tenanted tied houses. From 1926 to her death in 1974, Leeds Castle was
the home of Olive, Lady Baillie and it was probably during her tenure
that the Park Gate was sold by the estate. At the time this photograph
was taken, the pub was evidently a Fremlin's house. |
Above photo 2014. |
Above photo 2019. |
Above Google image, circa 2025. |
Above sign, October 1991.
Above with thanks from Brian Curtis
www.innsignsociety.com. |
The inn is named after the gate that once led into Leeds Castle Park in
the mid nineteenth century. Leeds Castle has been home to royalty, lords and
ladies for over a thousand years. Park Gate was a small hamlet at that time
and was served by the inn that has a 16th century building at its core.
I have also seen this addressed as Broomfield. I am also aware of a pub
dating back to 1776 that had the name the "Swan"
and an address of Park Gate, and although I have no proof of this yet, I
think the two could be one and the same.
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Kentish Gazette 27 February 1801.
A few days since died in the parish of Leeds, Mr James Martin Lane, landlord of the
"Park Gate" public house.
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South Eastern Gazette 3 May 1836.
HOLINGBOURNE UNION.
The Guardians of the above Union will be prepared, at their meeting, at
"Park Gate", on Tuesday, the 12th day of May instant, to receive Tenders
for the Supply of the Union with the following articles......
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From the Southeastern Gazette, 10 July 1866.
Thomas Potter, 20, labourer, was charged with stealing a spud and a hoe,
value 6s., the property of Thomas Jackson, at Hollingbourne, on the 6th
April. Mr. Worsley prosecuted; prisoner was undefended. Prosecutor is a
licensed victualler, and the prisoner lives near him. In April last the
tools were missed, and it was discovered that the prisoner had sold them
to Mr. Else, a miller. The hoe was found in prisoner’s house. Prisoner,
in defence, said he had bought the spud; the hoe he said he had dug up
in a hop garden where he was working.
Guilty.
There were two other charges against the prisoner, to one of which he
pleaded guilty, and the remaining case was not proceeded with. He was
sentenced to three months’ hard labour.
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The Maidstone Telegraph, 15 August 1868.
Park Gate Inn, Leeds.
Thomas Jackson, proprietor, begs most respectfully to thank his
friends and the public in general for their past favours during the
short time he has held the above inn, and trusts, by strict
attention and moderate charges, to merit a continuance of the same.
T. J. also begs to state that he has made great improvements, and
has every convenience for the accommodation of private families. The
neighbourhood is well known for its pleasant walks, being adjacent
to the beautiful seat of C. W. Martin, Esq., M.P.
Parties visiting the above inn will find every convenience for
cricket, every requisite being kept for their accommodation.
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Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser 06 December 1869.
BEARSTED PETTY SESSIONS THIS DAY (MONDAY).
ALLEGED BEERHOUSE OFFENCE.
Thomas Jackson, landlord of the "Park Gate Inn," Hollingbourne, was
summoned for selling beer during prohibited hours on Sunday, the 7th of
November. The defendant's house was visited by Police-constable Wyborn
on the above day, when he found the door fastened. Admittance was
demanded, and the constable then found two men in the taproom with pots
containing beer before them. One said he had come to bring the landlord
some celery, and the other, named Turner, said he had had some
refreshment because he had taken lodgings in the house. Having taken
their names, and apprised the landlord of it, he saw Turner going
towards Leeds park to his house. A witness named Ellen Hughes was
called, and stated that Turner had been lodging at her father's house,
the "Old England," but left on the Saturday previous. Mr. Goodwin, who
defended, argued that Turner was a lodger, and that the other man Godden
went there as a friend of Turner. Numerous witnesses were called in
support of this view of the case. The Bench stated there was no doubt
about the matter, and dismissed the case. |
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Dover Express 24 September 1926.
KENT MOTOR FATALITY.
Late on Saturday night, near the "Park Gate Inn," on the Ashford road,
Hollingbourne, an elderly man named Latter, who is said to have been
hop-picking in the district, was knocked down by Ernest Mitchell, of
Little Milgate, Thurnham, who was riding a motor cycle combination.
Latter sustained severe head injuries, including, it is thought, a
fractured skull. As the driver of the motor cycle was also badly injured
both men were conveyed to the West Kent General Hospital, where Latter
died a little while after admission.
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From the
https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Jess Sharp, 13 November 2019.
The Park Gate Inn pub in Hollingbourne, near Maidstone reopens after major refurbishment.
A popular village pub has reopened after a huge refurbishment.
The Park Gate Inn, situated in Ashford Road, Hollingbourne, near
Maidstone, has recently started welcoming back customers following an
extensive remodel.
The pub located right next to Leeds Castle has had a rustic overhaul and
has a new extensive menu.
Visitors will be able to enjoy the venue all year round with an outdoor
dining area for the summer months and cozy fireplaces for the colder
seasons.
There is even a dog friendly area inside the pub for punters to bring
their pets for a pint.
Stuart Buzza, landlord of The Park Gate Inn, said: "We wanted the new
look to provide guests with a cosy pub where they can enjoy dinner, have
a few drinks after their busy day or simply to relax with their
four-legged friends and read the Sunday paper.
“The Park Gate Inn has been part of the Hollingbourne community for many
years and the building itself is full of local history. Many of its
period features are still present, with exposed beams and three open
fireplaces creating a warm inviting interior and we hope that added
features such as the new cosy snug area will also be loved by all of our
guests, both regulars and first-timers.”
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From the
https://www.msn.com/en-gb Story by Anthony France, 8 June 2025.
Man shot by police as bomb squad swoop on Kent village pub.
Kent Police said it attended an address in Hollingbourne, near
Maidstone, to make an arrest over an outstanding warrant at
approximately 7.15pm.
A force spokesman added: “While at the scene, a firearm was discharged
by a police officer.
“A man sustained injuries believed to be life-changing and was taken to
a London hospital where he remains receiving treatment.
“Shortly afterwards the IOPC declared an independent investigation,
which Kent Police is supporting.
“This was not related to any terrorism offences.”
According to reports, it involved the British Army’s Explosive Ordnance
Disposal team, counter-terrorism officers and the National Crime Agency.
Forensics teams and armoured police vehicles were all spotted scouring
the area on Tuesday morning.
A section of the A20 remains closed in both directions following the
serious incident.
Kent Police were approached for comment
But the Independent Office for Police Conduct said: “We have begun an
independent investigation after a man was shot and seriously injured by
Kent Police, who were responding to an incident on Monday, July 7.
“We were notified by the force after the incident in Hollingbourne,
which occurred shortly before 9pm, and declared an independent
investigation a short time later.
“The man is receiving treatment in hospital for his injuries which are
thought to be life changing.
“We have sent investigators to the scene and the police post incident
procedure to begin gathering evidence.
“Our investigation is in the very early stages.”
Kent County Council said on X, formerly Twitter: “A20 Ashford Road is
closed in both directions between Penfold Hill and Chegworth Road for a
Kent Police-led incident.
“Expect delays in the surrounding areas. Allow extra time for your
journey.”
Lisa Smith, also 43, from Slough, was shot dead outside The "Three
Horseshoes" pub in Kent on Valentine’s Day some 30 miles away on February
14.
Police found her husband Edward Smith, who also used the surname
Stockings, in the River Thames in Rainham, Essex, on March 7.
His car was found abandoned near the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at
Dartford in the hours after the shooting, and investigators believe he
entered the water there.
A full inquest into Mrs Smith’s death will be held in September. |
LICENSEE LIST
LANE James Martin to Feb/1801 dec'd
FARMER Fanny Mrs 1841-61+ (widow and grocer age 70 in 1861 )
SKINNER Charlotte 1861+ (age 75 in 1861)
JACKSON Thomas 1866-69+
SKINNER John 1881+ (age 59 in 1881)
SKINNER Charlotte 1903+
BELL Frederick 1938+
BUZZA Stuart 2019+
https://pubwiki.co.uk/ParkGateInn.shtml
Census
From the Kelly's Directory 1903
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