DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Maidstone, May, 2023.

Page Updated Maidstone:- Wednesday, 10 May, 2023.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1867-

Dragoon

Closed 19 Jan 2023

40 (39) Sandling Road (King Street 1893Kent and Sussex Courier)

Maidstone

01622 752620

https://www.dragoonmaidstone.co.uk/

https://whatpub.com/dragoon

Dragoon 2010

Above photo 2010 by Oast House Archives Creative Commons Licence.

Dragoon 2022

Above photo 2022.

Dragoon sign

Above sign date unknown.

With thanks from Roger Pester www.innsignsociety.com

Dragoon sign 1991

Above sign left, 1964, sign right, May 1991,

With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

Dragoon sign 1993Dragoon sign 2010

Above sign left, November 1993, sign right 2010.

Dragoon match box

Above matchbox, date unknown, kindly sent by Debi Birkin.

 

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.)

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 has been demolished.

 

I will be adding the historical information when I find or are sent it, but this project is a very big one, and I do not know when or where the information will come from.

All emails are answered.

 

The Thanet Advertiser, 22nd November 1879.

Robbery By A Soldier.

At the Maidstone Petty sessions on Saturday, before the Mayor (W. Day, Esq.), in the chair, C. Ellis, D. S. White, and G. Edmett, Esqrs., and Dr. Monkton. Thomas Pearce, a private in the 50th Regiment, was charged with stealing a rabbit, value 1s., the property of Thomas Biscoe. The prosecutor, who is the landlord of the "Dragoon" beer house, King Street, stated that on Wednesday night he had three rabbits hanging up in his bar, and at about 10 the prisoner came into his house, and was served with some beer. He had occasion to leave the bar for a few minutes, and on returning he found that the prisoner had left and one of the rabbits was missing. He at once went in search of the prisoner, and overtook him a short distance from his house with a rabbit in his hand. On seeing him the prisoner threw down the rabbit and ran away.

On the following morning he went to the barracks and picked the prisoner out from a body of 20 soldiers. The accused expressed his sorrow for what had occurred, and said he was drunk at the time.

He was committed for 1 months' hard labour.

 

From the https://www.shepherdneame.co.uk 20th January 2016.

MUM FULFILLS LIFELONG DREAM BY TAKING ON LOCAL PUB.

A Maidstone mum has fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming licensee of her local pub, The Dragoon.

Clare Parslow, 56, officially took over the Shepherd Neame pub in Sandling Road on Tuesday, January 19.

Clare, who grew up in Maidstone and attended South Borough Girls School in the town, has worked in pubs for more than 20 years, after starting out behind the bar at the "Dragoon."

She said:- The "Dragoon" was the first pub I ever worked in, so it holds a lot of memories for me. Bar work was great while my children were growing up as it was flexible, and I loved the social element of it, particularly meeting new people. I had always dreamed of running my own pub, and now my children are older, aged between 17 and 36, I thought it was the right time to do something for myself. When I heard the "Dragoon" was available, it seemed the perfect opportunity.

Geoffrey & Clare Parslow 2016

The Dragoon Maidstone - Geoffrey and Clare Parslow.

The pub, which dates back to the 1900s, boasts Maidstone’s only bar billiards table. It is open from 10am to 11pm every day, and offers a selection of light snacks.

Clare said:- It was quite daunting, as although I have worked in pubs for years I have never run one before, but Shepherd Neame provided lots of help and I took courses on areas such as cellar management and health and safety before moving in. My husband Geoffrey has been a huge support, and I have also been made to feel really welcome by the customers, which is lovely. It is amazing to finally be my own boss after all these years.

Shepherd Neame’s director of retail and tenanted operations Nigel Bunting said:- The "Dragoon" is a great community local and we wish Clare every success in her new role.

For more information visit the pub's website or phone 01622 752620.

 

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By David Gazet, 27 March 2017.

Kayleigh Caesar, who was found dead at the Dragoon pub in Maidstone, had received abuse on Facebook.

A young care nurse who took her life on Christmas Eve had been receiving threatening Facebook messages, an inquest heard.

The hearing into Kayleigh Caesar’s death was told how the 28-year-old was found hanged in her room at the "Dragoon" pub in Sandling Road, Maidstone.

Ms Caesar had mental health problems and had also suffered two recent bereavements. In 2012 she lost her baby Oliver and last year a close family friend, Paul Robinson.

Kayleigh Caesar

Kayleigh Caesar was found dead on Christmas Eve.

The court heard how in August last year Mr Robinson was assaulted in the "Dragoon" and died two months later. No one was prosecuted in connection to the incident.

Giving evidence DS Daniel Barker said Ms Caesar had helped police with their investigation and she told officers she had been receiving malicious messages from people connected to the case which she found upsetting.

Though she did not consider her life was at risk, she was told to keep her phone on her and that CCTV should be improved at the pub.

There were no signs of third party involvement and notes were found in her room.

A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was suspension and tests revealed she had been drinking and had taken cocaine on the day of her death.

The coroner was told how Ms Caesar struggled with depression and drink and had previously attempted to take her own life.

Giving a verdict of suicide, assistant coroner Katrina Hepburn said she was satisfied Ms Caesar intended to cause her death.

Ms Caesar’s mum, Clare Parslow, said: “We miss Kayleigh every day of our lives and it is not any easier but in life you have to go on no matter what.

Clare Parslow 2017

“It is unbelievable how many people truly loved that girl and how many hearts are broken because she couldn’t carry on.”

If you would like confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans free on 116 123.

 

From the https://www.thesun.co.uk/news By Kathryn Cain, 27 Mar 2017.

TAUNTED TO DEATH?

Young nurse found hanged in her bedroom on Christmas Eve received barrage of threatening Facebook messages before death.

Clare Caesar

A pal had died after being assaulted two months before and Kayleigh Caesar claimed she was being harassed by those involved.

A YOUNG care nurse who took her life on Christmas Eve had been receiving threatening messages on Facebook, an inquest has heard.

A hearing into Kayleigh Caesar's death was told how the 28-year-old was found hanged in her room at the "Dragoon" pub in Maidstone, Kent.

Kayleigh had mental health problems and had also suffered two recent bereavements in the run-up to her death last Christmas.

In 2012 she lost her baby Oliver and last year close family friend Paul Robinson passed away, an inquest at Maidstone Coroner's Court was told.

The court heard how in August last year Robinson was assaulted in the "Dragoon" Pub, which was run by Kayleigh's mum, and died two months later.

No one was prosecuted.

Giving evidence DS Daniel Barker said Kayleigh had helped police with their investigation and she told officers she had been receiving malicious messages from people connected to the case which she found upsetting.

Though she did not consider her life was at risk, she was told to keep her phone on her and that CCTV should be improved at the pub.

There were no signs of third-party involvement and notes were found in her room.

A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was suspension and tests revealed she had been drinking and had taken drugs on the day of her death.

The coroner was told how Kayleigh struggled with depression and drink and had previously attempted to take her own life.

Giving a verdict of suicide, assistant coroner Katrina Hepburn said she was satisfied Kayleigh intended to cause her death.

Her mum, Clare Parslow, said:- "We miss Kayleigh every day of our lives and it is not any easier but in life you have to go on no matter what.

"It is unbelievable how many people truly loved that girl and how many hearts are broken because she couldn't carry on."

She added: "Kayleigh's view of life was simple: Make people happy and help others less fortunate than yourself.

"To this end she had worked tirelessly over the years in various old people's rest homes offering comfort and help to those in need.

"But sometimes the pressures of life can be cruel and a shining star of beauty and goodness has been extinguished.

"She will be sorely missed but never forgotten by all her family and friends. Rest in peace Kayleigh."

Nephew Marcus Holness said: "You've left us all in bits Kay, I feel let down by myself I promised you it was us against everything and anyone.

"You didn't realise how much you meant to us."

Vikki Baldock said: "Going to miss her so much, feel like my heart is completely broken."

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans on (free) 116123 or 020 7734 2800.

 

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk  By Alan Smith, 2 January 2023.

Clare rings time at Maidstone's Dragoon pub.

A popular pub landlady is preparing to draw her last pint and retire to spend more time with her family.

Clare Parslow, 63, has been the licensee at The Dragoon pub in Maidstone, since 2016.

Clare Parslow 2022

Clare Parslow, last landlady of The Dragoon pub in Sandling Road, Maidstone.

Her last day will be January 19, which will be seven years to the day since she took over the watering hole in Sandling Road.

She said: "We're going to have a big party, with karaoke and lots of fun."

Mrs Parslow said that taking on a pub had been a life-long dream, and taking over The Dragoon had been particularly significant to her.

She said: "I used to work as a cleaner, and then I was a barmaid for 20 years. I used to clean The Dragoon, and it was here that I was given my first barmaid's job by the then landlords, John and Loretta Noakes. So you could say that The Dragoon was my introduction to the trade."

She said that although she had loved her time at the Dragoon, her stay had also been tinged with sadness.

Her daughter, Kayleigh Caesar, took her own life in her bedroom at the pub back in 2016. She was only 28.

Mrs Parslow said: "Just recently, a number of our regular customers have also passed away.

"It's made me reassess my life a bit. My husband's 10 years older than me and I think it's time to spend more time at home."

By home, she means their house in Calder Road, Maidstone.

But she said: "I will miss the customers though, especially the regulars like Ken Ross, who literally comes in every day!"

Geoffrey and Clare Parslow 2016

Geoffrey and Clare Parslow on the day they took over The Dragoon in 2016.

Mrs Parslow, who is of Hungarian heritage, said she would always remember the parties at the pub.

She said: "We had a fantastic one on my 60th birthday, when my sister came over from South Africa to join us and all my nieces and nephews were here."

But she said now was probably the time to quit the industry.

She said: "To be honest, business has been very, very dead.

"We've never recovered our trade since Covid. Sometimes Ken is the only customer in here."

Most of Mrs Parslow' seven children have also worked in the pub at some time, as has one of her grandsons, though her husband Geoffrey kept his own job as an architect.

The pub was also given a very favourable write-up by KentOnline's Secret Drinker who praised its Tardis-size interior and friendly welcome.

Mrs Parslow said retirement would give her more time to return to her hobbies of running and swimming and also more time to spend with one of her daughters, Casey, who has learning difficulties and lives with her.

Sadly, when the Dragoon's regulars attend her farewell party, they may also be saying farewell to the pub.

George Barnes, property director of the Shepherd Neame brewery which owns the place, said: "We can confirm that The Dragoon in Maidstone is in the process of being sold, as it no longer fits our business needs. The sale is part of an ongoing evaluation of our property portfolio to ensure that we target our resources effectively."

The buyer is Jim Mills, who two years ago bought the "Dog and Gun" pub in Boxley Road, Maidstone, after it closed.

He gained planning permission to convert it and it has since been turned into eight homes.

A pair of bungalows are being built in what was the pub garden.

 

LICENSEE LIST

BAILEY Thomas 1867+ Post Office Directory 1867

KEMSLEY A M 1869-70+

THORNTON Michael 1871+ (also master baker age 36 in 1871Census)

BISCOE Thomas 1879+

HUNT H Mrs 1882+

HUNT W J to/Sept/1893 dec'd Kent and Sussex Courier

HUNT Mary Ann (widow) Sept/1893-99+

BURGESS Joseph Archibald 1903-13+ (also quarryman age 58 in 1911Census)

BISHOP Charles Henry 1918-22+

FINCHER Leonard Arnold 1930+

PAYNE W F 1938+

Last pub licensee had VICKERS Douglas & Audrey 1982+

PARSLOW Clare Jan/2016-22

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

 

Post Office Directory 1867From the Post Office Directory 1867

 

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

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LINK to http://www.kentphotoarchive.com/