DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Tuesday, 15 October, 2024.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1768-

Dog and Bear

Open 2020+

The Square (East of Sandway Road 1851Census)

Lenham

01622 858219

https://www.dogandbearlenham.co.uk/

https://whatpub.com/dog-bear

Dog and Bear

Above postcard, date unknown.

Above photo, circa 1911. Kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Dog and Bear 1920

Above postcard, circa 1918. Kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. The well known WWI hospital in Lenham was up not in the village but up on the Downs. The building to the right of the pub with the red cross flag was the VAD hospital in Lenham.

East Kent Buffs outside the Dog and Bear 1917

Above photo, circa 1917, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. East Kent Buffs.

Dog and Bear 1921

Above photo, 1921, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. Showing the sale of a large model yacht, which was purchased by Andrew Mart Esq., of East Lenham Farm.

Dog and Bear

Above photo, date unknown.

Dog and Bear 1938

Above postcard, circa 1938, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Dog and Bear 1954

Above postcard circa 1954, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Dog and Bear 1967

Above postcard, circa 1967, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Dog and Bear 2011

Above photo 2011 by Oast House Archives Creative Commons Licence.

Dog and Bear sign 1986Dog and Bear sign 1991

Above sign left, December 1986, sign right, August 1991.

Dog and Bear sign 1994Dog and Bear sign 2011

Above sign left, January 1994, sign right 2011.

With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

Dog and Bear sign 2012Dog and Bear sign 2015

Above sign left 2012, sign right 2015.

With thanks from Roger Pester www.innsignsociety.com

Dog and Bear sign

Above sign, date unknown taken from the Lenham History Society.

 

The "Dog and Bear" sign recall the old sport of bear-baiting.

One time a Mason's tied house, but the brewery was bought out by Shepherd Neame in 1956 and the brewery was subsequently closed and demolished.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, Wednesday, 20 July to Saturday, 23 July, 1768. Price 2d

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION

All the Stock in Trade of Mr. Thomal Abbly, of Ashford; consisting of Mercery, Woollen Drapery, Linen Drapery, haberdashery and Hosiery. The Goods will be divided into two Weeks Sale. The Goods to be viewed on Thursday the 28th, and the Sale will begin on Friday the 29th, and continue Saturday the 30th of this Inst. July, in the Assembly-room at the “Saracen's Head.”

Catalogues may be had of Mr. Apsley at Ashford; the “Swan,” Charing; Cranbrook. Mr. Ingram; at the “Flying Horse,” Wye; the “Woolpack,” Chilham; “Dog and Bear,” Lenham; of Mr. Baker, Folkestone; Mr. Stokes at Hythe, Romney; Mrs. Pike, the “George” at Lydd, Tenterden; Mr. Hall; Biddenden, “Red Lyon,” Smarden; “Chequer,” Bethersden, “George;” Faversham; Mr. Walker, Elham, “Rose”; and at Thomas Roach's, Cabinet-maker, Upholder, and Appraiser, in St. George's Street, Canterbury.

N.B. Messrs, Ramsden and Creed, who have taken the Shop of the above Mr. Apsley, propose laying in an entire fresh Assortment of every Article in the Woollen and Linen Drapery, Silk Mercury, Haberdashery and Hosiery Business.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, Saturday, 13 August to Wednesday, 17 August, 1768. Price 2d

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION

Or Private Contract, on Monday the 29th Inst. August, at the “Dog and Bear,” Lenham.

A Very Good Dwelling House – Consisting of Eight Rooms and a Closet, a Stable and Loft over it, a Garden well planted with Fruit Trees, and a good Stream running by it; situated in the Parish of Harietsham, belonging to William Filmer of Lenham Town.

 

Kentish Gazette, Friday 23 November 1792.

At a meeting held at the "Dog and Bear Inn," in Lenham, in the county of Kent, on Monday the 19th day of November, 1792, pursuant to advertisement, for taking into consideration and application to Parliament for an Act for making a Turnpike Road from Maidstone to Ashford, and from thence to Hamstreet, in Orlestone, in the same County.

Nicholas Roundell Toke, Esq., in the chair.

Resolved unanimously, that it is the opinion of a meeting that a Turnpike Road from Maidstone to Ashford, and from thence to Hamstreet, in Orlestone, in this County, will be of public utility.

Resolved, that this meeting be adjourned to Monday, 31st of December next, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, to be then here holden, to receive the Report of the Committee this day appointed, and to consider of the application to Parliament.

Resolved, that the thanks of this meeting be given to the Chairman for his impartial conduct in the Chair, and his great attention to the benefits of the Meeting.

Resolved, that the above Resolutions be inserted in the Kentish Gazette and Canterbury and Maidstone Journals.

N. R. Toke, Chairman.

 

Kentish Gazette 18 June 1790.

TURNIP SEED. TO BE SOLD.

At Mr. Kemp's, Grocer, at Greenstreet;

At Mr. Wilkins's, "Dog and Bear," Lenham;

And at William Pain's, Throwley;

At One Shilling and Sixpence per Gallon.

 

Kentish Chronicles, 8 September, 1795.

Sunday se'nnight was married at Lenham, Mr George Knock, farmer and lime burner of Charing, to Miss Ann Wilkins, eldest daughter of Mr. William Wilkins, of the "Dog and Bear Inn," Lenham.

 

 

Another early mention found from the Kentish Gazette July 1769, when catalogues for an auction held at the "Saracen's Head," Canterbury could be obtained from this establishment.

Pigots directory of 1818 incorrectly called this the "Dog and Gun."

 

Kentish Gazette 26 March 1802.

Yesterday se'nnight was married at Ashford, Mr. Wilkins, late of the "Dog and Bear," Lenham, to Mrs. Elizabeth Beer, of Ashford.

 

Kentish Gazette, Friday 31 August 1810.

KENT SUMMER ASSIZES.

Maidstone, Aug. 28 The Right Hon. Lord Ellenborough, Lord Chief Justice, and Sir Archibald Macdonald, Lord Chief Baron, arrived this day at four o'clock, P.M. when the Court was opened by reading the Commission and other customary formalities. The Judges afterwards attended divine service, and the Courts adjourned until to-morrow morning; at eight o’clock; when the trials, civil and criminal will be commenced.

Civil side. Brice v. Rev. ---- Hawker.

This was an action brought by a farmer against the defendant, who is a clergyman, for an assault at the "Dog and Bear," Lenham, on 23rd October last.

Mr. Garrow stated the case on the part of the plaintiff. It appeared, that the plaintiff was tenant to the defendant, and came to pay his rent at Lenham, during the Fair, where it was not convenient for the defendant to receive it, as he was engaged at dinner with a Mr. Reynolds, but some time after the cloth was removed, and the gentlemen were well primed with wine, the plaintiff was called up and offer to pay the amount due, asking at the same time for a stamped receipt. The defendant refused to give it to him, when the farmer refused to pay the rent, and the clergyman, in a fit of anger seized him by the collar and exclaimed, "darn your blood, I will have my rent," and endeavoured to obtain his pocket book, which the farmer, however retained. Mr. Hawker then knocked him down, and almost strangled him. The plaintiff afterwards made his escape, and was obliged to obtain surgical aid; but after some time and expense, recovered from the effects of his ill-treatment.

John Alexander, a farmer, supported this statement, having seen the transaction from the street, through a window. When Mr. Hawker had got the plaintive on the ground, Mr. Reynolds, the Attorney of Folkestone, came into the room, and taking hold of Mr. Hawker, said, "Hold, hold, you are wrong." The witness saw the whole through the window, 14 feet high.

Sarah Hughes, maid at the "Dog and Bear," deposed to the same facts, and to several marks of violence about the plaintiffs person. His neck was bloody and his dress deranged.

William Brice, son of the plaintiff, stated, that his father was contained to his bed for nine days subsequent to the assault.

Mr. Hubbert attended him in his illness, and described the illness of the plaintiff as very severe. He had a large bruise in the groin. He has not yet recovered from the injury received.

Other testimony maintained the same circumstances.

Mr. Serjeant Shepherd for the defendant, stated, that the plaintiff had received many sums of money for tithes for which he had never accounted for with the defendant. Mr. Bryce came to the "Dog and Bear" to make a settlement of several matters in difference, but instead of bringing his Attorney as desired, came alone. He then observed upon the improbability of the witness seeing anything through the window. He denied that any assault had been made, as Mr. Hawker and never lifted his hand against the plaintiff, but Brice rising from his chair, slipped, and probably bruised his side as he fell again in going downstairs. He contended that this was merely a set off against the actions brought by Mr. Hawker against Brice for rent of tythes he had received.

After a few further observations on the propriety of calling Mr. Reynolds, he was put into the box, and deposed to the facts above stated. He was cross-examined by Mr. Garrow, but maintained that no assault had been committed.

Mr. Garrow replied.

Lord Ellenborough made several remarks on the discordance in the testimony, and left it to the Jury to decide upon the credibility of the evidence on both sides.

Verdict for the plaintiff. Damages £60.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 7 December 1810.

On Thursday the 6th inst. William Bettsworth, of the "Dog and Bear Inn," Lenham, was fined by George Best, esq. one of his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace in and for this county, in the mitigated penalty of 40s each, for refusing to receive four soldiers of the 85th regiment, legally billeted upon him by the constable.

 

From the Maidstone Gazette and West Kent Courier, 20 February, 1827.

Tolls to let.

Notice is hereby given, that the Tolls arising at the Toll Gates upon the Turnpike Road leading from Barrow Hill, in Ashford, to Maidstone, in the county of Kent, will be let by auction, to the best bidder.

At the house of William Betsworth, known by the sign of the "Dog and Bear," at Lenham, on Friday the 30th day of March next, at 12 o'clock at noon, in the manner directed by the Act passed in the third year of the Reign of his Majesty King George IV, for Regulating Turnpike Roads, which tolls are there let at the Sums following, viz.

Potters Corner Gate with two sidebars, at £280 per annum.

Westwell Leacon Gate and Side Bar at £205 per annum.

Chrismill Gate and Side Bar at £450 per annum.

Maidstone Gate and Side Bar at £560 per annum.

But will be put up to be let in separate Lots, at such Sums as the Trustees of the Road shall think fit; and whoever happens to be the best Bidder for each lot must at the same time (if required) pay in advance two Months of the Rent at which such Tolls shall be Let, and also gives Security, with sufficient Sureties, to the satisfaction of the Trustees for Payment of the Rent Monthly.

By Order the Trustees of the said Road.

Chas. Hoar. Clerk to the Trustees.

Maidstone, 26th February, 1827.

 

From the South Eastern Gazette, Tuesday 6 April, 1830.

MAIDSTONE AND DISTRICT TURNPIKE ROAD.

Notice is hereby given, that the next General Annual Meeting of the Trustees of the said Road is appointed to be holden at the "Dog and Bear," in Lenham, on the said Road, on Friday, the Thirteenth day of April instant, at Eleven o'clock in the Forenoon.

By Order of the Trustees,

Chas Hoar,

Clerk to the Trustees, Maidstone, April 5th, 1830.

 

Kentish Gazette, 2 July 1844.

Lenham. Accident.

On Wednesday se’nnight Mrs. Sayer, of the "Dog and Bear Inn," in company with Mrs. Thomas, and her niece, Miss Boorman, hired a conveyance to take them to Charing. They had not proceeded above ten yards when the vehicle came in contact with a gate, which, when open, extends beyond the wall, the concussion of which threw Mrs. Thomas with great violence to the ground. The horse proceeded a short distance further, and, running against a stone wall, overturned the vehicle, which was splintered in every direction, fortunately, however, without scarcely injuring Mrs. Sayer or Miss Boorman. Mrs. Thomas is severely bruised, but no bones are broken.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 24 June 1845.

DEATH.

Sayer:— June 13, at Northfleet, in his 21st year Edwin John, eldest son of Mr. John Sayer, late of the "Dog and Bear Inn," Lenham.

 

Dover Chronicles 6 November 1847.

Death.

Oct. 29, at Gravesend, in the 21st year of her age, Emma Alice, only daughter of Mr. John Sayer, of the "Dog and Bear," Lenham.

 

Kentish Gazette, 9 November 1847.

DEATH.

Sayer:- Oct. 29, at Gravesend, in her 21st year, Emma Alice, only daughter of Mr. John Sayer, of the "Dog and Bear," Lenham.

 

South Eastern Gazette, 29 May, 1860.

DEATH.

On the 6th inst., at Lenham, William E. Baker, third son of Mr. S. Baker, of the "Dog and Bear Inn," of consumption, aged 28.

 

From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 12 June 1860. Price 1d.

LENHAM. INCENDIARISM.

We recently had occasion to notice a fire on the premises of Mr. Gooding, in this town, as to the origin of which no clue could be contained. But very few days after that occurrence a fire was discovered to have broken out at the "Dog and Bear Inn," under circumstances which left no doubt that it was the work of an incendiary. This led to the formation of a Patrol Society, by a number of inhabitants, and the town was nightly watched.

On Wednesday night, however, a third attempt was made to cause a conflagration, from a miscreant having set fire to a heap of faggots adjoining a wooden building used as a warehouse by Mr. Lurcock, and contiguous to other property. Fortunately the fire was quickly discovered, and plenty of assistance arriving, the flames were happily extinguished before any great amount of damage had been done. We can only hope that the villain by whom these attempts have been perpetrated whoever he may be, will speedily be detected and brought to justice.

 

South Eastern Gazette, 7 August, 1860.

LENHAM. Narrow Escape.

While some men were last week engaged in drawing out some felled wood for Mr. Baker, of the "Dog and Bear Inn," the chains round a large oak tree snapped, and it rolled over a man. A slight curve in the tree, however, saved him, and he only received some not very serious bruises.

 

Maidstone Telegraph, Rochester and Chatham Gazette, Saturday 11th August 1860.

Lenham. Narrow Escape.

While some men were last week engaged in drawing out some felled wood for Mr. Baker, of the "Dog and Bear Inn," the chains rolled around a large oak tree snapped, and it rolled over a man. A slight curve in the tree, however, saved him, and he only received some not very serious bruises.

 

Maidstone Telegraph, Saturday 12 May 1866.

Alfred Thompson, Thomas Davis, Henry Skinner and William Moon, was charged with being drunk and guilty of violent behaviour, at Lenham.

P.C. Martin deposed that on Good Friday last he saw skinner standing in front of the "Dog and Bear." Davis, who was also there, was in the act of pulling his coat off. Thompson then came out of the public house, when Skinner went up to him and they began to fight. Skinner through his cap up, and said he would fight the best man in Lenham.

George Snoad, labourer, was called in defence of Thompson, and alleged that Skinner put his hands in Thompson's face, and wanted him to fight. Thompson would not, and went into the "Dog and Bear."

The Bench acquitted Thompson, and fiend each of the other defendants 40s. and 8s. costs; in default, 2 months' hard labour.

The Chairman, in passing sentence, said that the severity of the punishment was due to the violation of the day. Instead of Good Friday being kept as a day of solemnity, it was turned into one of drunkenness and debauchery.

Skinner paid the money, and Davies and Moon were committed in default.

 

Maidstone Telegraph, Saturday 6 October 1866.

Felony at Lenham.

Ellen Norris, was brought up in custody charged with robbing her master's till, Mr Brenchley, landlord of the "Dog and Bear Inn" Lenham on 2nd October.

William Edward Brenchley deposed that he kept the "Old Dog and Bear Inn," Lenham. The prisoner had been in his service during the last year as cook. In consequence of having missed some money from his till he marked three florins, one half crown, dour sixpences , and several shillings, which he placed in the till on the morning of the 2nd. He left the bar about 12:30 to go to dinner, and left the till locked with the key in it. He then locked the bar door but did not take the key out. He afterwards sent another servants named Lizzie Eason to the bar to wash the glasses and clear up. On returning to the bar a little after 1, he found a two shilling piece and a sixpence missing. He then marked another sixpence and placed it in the till, which left 11s. 6d. altogether in silver in the till. He was out nearly the whole of the afternoon and returned about 6:45, and on again looking into the till he found 5s 6d missing. He then went for Heathfield, who returned with him and asked the prisoner to produce what money she had. She then took from her pocket the two florins produced which he had marked. He marked the money with a nail close to the eye of the Queen's head. Prisoner was cook and assisted the barmaid Eason.

P.C. Heathfield deposed to going into the above house where he saw the prisoner and told her that her master had missed some money from the till and suspected her of stealing, and she replied that "she hasn't taken any money." He then asked her to produce what she had and she put her hand in her pocket and took out the money produced.

Louisa Bennett Brenchley, wife of prosecutor, confirmed the fact of the marked money being placed in the till.

Prisoner in reply to the charge said:- Last Sunday week my mother gave me a two shilling piece at her hop house where she was hopping at Leeds, and she left the same money at home at her house at Lenham, and yesterday morning before I went to dress about 3 o'clock I went to her home and took another two shilling piece, and that was all the money I had accept a half-penny, and my father gave me a shilling, and my mistress gave me 6d. on Monday morning and I bought two yards and a half of print, for which I gave 1s. 6d.

Committed to the quarter sessions.

 

Maidstone Telegraph, Saturday 6 October 1866.

The Till Robbery at Lenham.

Thursday. Before A. Randall Esq.

Lizzie Eason, barmaid, to Mr. Brenchley, landlord of the "Dog and Bear," Lenham, was brought up in custody charged with stealing one flooring and a six pence.

The evidence was the same as against the prisoner Norris, brought up on the previous day, arising out of the same robbery.

The only additional witness was the Eliza Butler, who deposed:- I am the wife of Richard Butler, Draper, Lenham. I know the prisoner Lizzie Eason, she came to my shop on Tuesday afternoon. She was served by our assistant, Miss Hicks, who gave me a coin, but I cannot say whether it was a sixpence or a shilling. I put it in the till. I gave the prisoner the change, and I believe I gave her a sixpence and a penny, but I'm not sure.

P.C. Heathfield deposed that he went to the shop of Mr. Butler, draper, and from information he received he took charge of the sixpence now produced. The sixpence was in the till with other monies. He then went to Mr. Lurcock's, draper, and examined the till in a shop, and they're found the florin produced. He afterwards took the prisoner into custody on a charge of robbing the till of Mr. Brenchley.

Committed to the quarter sessions, but bail allowed.

 

From the https://www.bbc.co.uk, 14 June 2014.

Lenham villagers buy public defibrillator heart machine.

A Kent social club has been fundraising to buy a defibrillator for use by all villagers.

Lenham Social Club decided to buy the machine used to treat cardiac arrests after one of its members died at an event.

The defibrillator will be installed on the outside of the "Dog and bear" pub in the village.

A medical training company is holding an event to show as many people as possible how to operate the machine.

Medi-1 has also said it would make up any shortfall from the fundraising to enable the club to buy the equipment.

The defibrillator costs about £1,300, and the villagers have so far raised about £1,000.

 

LICENSEE LIST

WILKINS William 1795+

BETSWORTH William 1810-28+ (Pigot's Directory 1828-29 "Dog and Gun" sic.)

SAYER John 1832+ Pigot's Directory 1832-34

COLLINS John 1841+ (age 40 in 1841Census)

RUSSELL Joseph 1851+ (listed as land & property age 85? in 1851Census)

HAMPSHIRE John 1851 (age 27 in 1851Census Dog and Bear tap)

HARISON Henry M 1851-55+ (age 27 in 1851Census)

Last pub licensee had HOLTON Wanley pre 1857

BAKER Sampson 1858-61+ (also excise officer age 51 in 1861Census) ("Old Dog and Bear")

BRENCHLEY William Edward 1866+

POTTER John to Nov/1871 Maidstone and Kentish Journal

RUSSELL Edwin Nov/1871+ Maidstone and Kentish Journal

WOOLETT Thomas Alfie 1871-82+ (age 71 in 1881Census) ("Old Dog and Bear")

BAKER Evelyn 1891+ (age 36 in 1891Census)

COOTE Dick 1901+ (age 24 in 1901Census)

https://pubwiki.co.uk/DogBear.shtml

 

Pigot's Directory 1828-29From the Pigot's Directory 1828-29

Pigot's Directory 1832-34From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34

CensusCensus

Maidstone and Kentish JournalMaidstone and Kentish Journal

 

If anyone should have any further information, or indeed any pictures or photographs of the above licensed premises, please email:-

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