Bush, Blackbird and Thrush

Open 2020+

194 Bush Road

East Peckham

01622 871349

http://www.peckhambush.com/

https://whatpub.com/bush-blackbird-thrush

Above postcard, 1913. Kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. In the livery of Isherwood, Foster & Stacey's Lower Brewery, Maidstone. I suppose, arguably, this listing should be for the Bush and then name to the current Bush, Blackbird & Thrush. Clearly, as per the sign, the pub was just the Bush in the years before WW1. As far as I know, it was still called the Bush when IF&S was taken over by Fremlin's in 1929.

Above photo, circa 1951, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. Showing the pub as a tied house, within the estate of Fremlin's Maidstone Brewery.

Above photo, 1959.

Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo 2010 by Oast House Archive Creative Commons Licence.

Above photo 2013 by Malc McDonald Creative Commons Licence.

Above signs, date unknown, kindly sent by Roger Pester.

Above sign left, April 1993, sign right 2002.

With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

Above sign left 2012, sign right 2022.

With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

The "Bush, Blackbird and Thrush", no-one seems to know exactly how the name came about. Bush, one might deduce, is from the old Roman sign for an inn, but where do the birds come in?

The Pigot's Directory of 1828 identified this as simply the "Bush," and all the census reports referred to it as this until the 1881 census when it was called the full name we see today of "Bush, Blackbird and Thrush."

Throughout the ages the pub has been referred to as just the "Bush."

From the Maidstone Journal, 23 November 1802.

By John Borman.

At the house of John Sands, known by the sign of the "Bush," in East Peckham, in the county of Kent, on Friday December 3, 1802, between the hours of three and five o'clock (unless previously disposed of by Private Contract,) of which due notice will be given) the following Freehold Estates.

Lot 1:- A very valuable Freehold Estate, situate near the "Bush," in the parish of East Peckham aforesaid, comprising a Farm House, barn, oasthouse, and other useful outbuildings; and 16 acres of exceeding rich arable, meadow, pasture and hop ground, in the occupation of Mr. Henry Barton, the proprietor, of whom immediate possession may be had if required.

Lot 2:- Two good Cottages with gardens to each of them, adjoining the last lot, in the occupation of John Dutnall, and ----- Chapman, as tenants from year to year.

For further particulars apply to the Auctioneer; or at Mr. Lingard's office, Tunbridge.

South Eastern Gazette, 15 May, 1860.

This being a special day for the transfer of licenses, the following were granted the "Bush Inn," East Peckham, from George Bishop to Robert Russell.

South Eastern Gazette, 11 September, 1860.

Petty Sessions, Sept. 3. Before J. Savage, Esq., chairman, Lord Falmouth, the Hon. and Rev. Sir F. J. Stapleton, Bart., Col. Fletcher, W. Lee, Esq., M.P., R. Tassell, J. W. Stratford, and M. H. Dalison, Esqrs., and Capt. Cheere, R.N.)

Application for a spirit license was made by Fanny Walter, of the "Fountain," East Peckham. It was supported by Mr. Langham, of Uckfield, and opposed by Mr. Hoar, of Maidstone on behalf of Messrs. Brenchley and Co. It came out in examination that the occupier of the "Bush" was charged 6s, per barrel more for his beer, because it was a brewer’s house. The application was refused, as were also three other similar applications.

Maidstone Telegraph, 9 August 1862.

PECKHAM, EAST.

A match of cricket will be played at this place on Monday next, between eleven gentlemen of the Yalding Club and eleven gentlemen of East Peckham. From the names which appear in the list of players we have no doubt there will be some very good play. Mr. Russell of the "Bush, Blackbird, and Thrush" will cater for the clubs on this occasion.

LICENSEE LIST

SANDS John 1802+

MAY Lawrence 1828+