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198 High Street
Chatham
Above drawing, by E. Hull, 1879. |
Above photo, circa 1920. |
Above photo 1927. |
Above photo, date unknown, by kind permission Roy Moore,
http://www.kentphotoarchive.com. |
Above sale advertisement, 1931, kindly sent by Debi Birkin. |
Above jug showing J. A. White, date unknown, kindly sent by Debi Birkin. |
Classed as a tavern in 1793. The Licensing
Records of 1872 stated the premises held a Full License and was owned by
John Tribe of High Street, Chatham.
The Medway Archives and Local Studies Centre has referenced a set of
documents, that I haven't seen yet, and is part of the Watts Charity MSS,
1579-1972.
Reference is made as follows:-
1903-1908
The "Mitre Tavern" and The "Clarence Hotel," High Street; and 3 messuages
In Boundary Road (2 docs.)
Up to and including 1881 the address was given as number 286.
I have reference to this pub from the Kentish Gazette or Canterbury
Chronicle September 1768, when the paper advertised the sale of household
furniture at Minster Abbey, on the Isle of Sheppey. It was stated that
catalogues could be obtained from this public house.
See Notes of 1768.
The Mitre had a splendid bowling green in the rear of its premises.
It is said that the Duke of Clarence (son of King George III) who later
became King William IV (1830-37) stayed here on his visits to Chatham.
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Information below taken from
https://medwaytownsheritage.wordpress.com/
The lease of the manor house and grounds held by Phineas Pett terminated in 1621, and the
estate was divided up and sold for building purposes, the old manor
house was demolished and a posting house erected on the old foundations,
later known as the Mitre Hotel, at this time with breaking up of the
Manor house grounds, what was the drive leading to the manor house
became a though road and was the first time the high street could be
followed all the way from Rochester to the foot of Chatham Hill and on
to Canterbury. Before the railway, the main coaching, posting house in Chatham was the
"Mitre Inn and Clarence Hotel," where the coach called the Blue-eyed Maid,
belonging to a Mr Simpson, left on a five hour journey to London. The Mitre kept by Mr John Tribe, a High Constable of the Court Leet of
Chatham in 1819. Mr and Mrs Dickens were on visiting terms with the landlord of this fine
old hostelry, and a young Charles Dickens, at evening parties held
there, often sang songs of the sea whilst mounted on the dining table
for a stage, at the Mitre Lord Nelson used to reside when on duty at
Chatham a room he occupied being known as “Nelsons Cabin”. 1805, Lord Nelson, on his way to join the fleet, wishing to inspect the
ships in the Dockyard stayed for the night at the Mitre Inn, contenting
himself with a little cold boiled beef and then retired for the night,
this was Nelsons last visits to these streets. Nelsons Naval career began in Chatham in 1771 when, as a young boy, he
joined HMS Raisonable as a Midshipsman. In 1793, Nelson returned to the naval service after five years on half
pay, when he was appointed Captain of the Agamemnon and joined the ship
at Chatham. Ten years later in 1805 he joined HMS Victory as Rear Admiral. The Mitre Hotel, now Primark, (British Home Stores) was also visited by
Samuel Peeps in 1667. Originally just “The Mitre” it became “The Mitre and Clarence”,
following a visit in 1827 by the Duke of Clarence, Later King William
VI. He came to inspect the dockyard in his capacity as Lord High Admiral and
was quoted as saying of the Mitre it had beautiful gardens that he
called “a surprise and delight to the stranger”. The Chatham Bowling Club now in Parmerston Road was
originally formed and
run from the Mitre. It was pulled down in 1934. |
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Kentish Gazette, Tuesday 1 May 1770.
To be sold by auction, by Mr. Francis Pyner, on Saturday the 19th day of
May, 1770, at the "Mitre Inn," at Chatham, in Kent, between 3 and 5 in
the afternoon, in separate lots.
Lot 1. A Valuable Leasehold Estate, situate opposite the "Mitre"
aforesaid, in the occupation of Mr. Lock, Upholsterer, consisting of a
substantial brick built house, and good old accustomed shop commodiously
fitted up, and a Range of Warehouses; and also a Large Piece of Ground
enclosed, adjoining the above, known by the Name of Fairfield, where Two
Fairs are nearly kept. There are six long Ranges of Stalls in the same,
with proper Stall Boards, Trestles, &c. and a Garden adjoining. There
are upwards of 65 years unexpired, at the small ground rent of £42. The
whole is esteemed worth, per Annum, £100.
Lot 2. One third part of one other leasehold Estate, consisting of Seven
substantially built Messuages, in Fair Row and High Street; and also a
Piece of Meadow Land behind the same; and likewise a Hop Ground in
Listmas Lane, now let to several Tenants at, per Annum £69. 10s. There
were 78 years and a half unexpired at Lady day last, ground Rent, per
annum, £16.
Particulars, with conditions of sale, to be had at the "George and
Bull" at Dartford; "White Hart" at Gravesend; "Angel" at Strood;
"Crown" and "Kings Head," Rochester; "Golden Lion" at Brompton,; "Star"
at Maidstone; "Green Dragon" at Rainham; "Bull" at Newington; "Rose" at
Sittingbourne; "Ship" at Faversham; "King's Head," Canterbury; at the
Place of Sale; and of the Broker, No. 37, Lombard Street, London.
N.B. To be viewed on Saturday, 12th of May, and till the sale, by
applying to the several Tenants.
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Kentish Gazette, Friday 2 October 1789.
To Innkeeper's.
To be let and entered upon immediately, that well-known Tavern and Inn,
the "Mitre," in Chatham, most desirable situated opposite the Market
Place.
The aforesaid Inn is very commodious, consisting of all the conveniences
which can be required; with a very large useful garden adjoining
thereto.
The Furniture, Stock, &c, to be taken at a fair appraisement.
For further particulars apply to Messrs. W. and E. Towpennys, Attorneys
at Law, Rochester, or of J. Simmons, Attorney-at-law, St. Margaret's
Bank, Rochester.
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Kentish Gazette, Tuesday 10 November 1789.
Mitre Inn and Tavern, opposite the Market, Chatham.
James Elliott respectfully acquaints his friends and the public, that he
has taking the above Inn, and tidied it up in the most commodious and
genteel manner for reception of company; and being well convinced the
public hostelry can only be attained by unremitted attendion to deserve
as its determining to use every exertion to give satisfaction, flatters
himself that this Tavern will be found in no respect lacking to any
other in the county, both for reception of of visitors and Gentleman
travelling, and for the accommodation of friends in Chatham, Rochester,
Strood and its neighbourhood.
A good larder, the best of wines, and Beds kept continually.
Neat post chaise to any part of England.
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Kentish Gazette, 25 September, 1792. and
From the Kentish Gazette, Friday 19 October 1792.
MITRE TAVERN, CHATHAM.
James Elliott, duly sensible of many favours he has received from a
generous public, takes this opportunity of returning his sincere thanks,
and informs them he has taken, and now fitting up in an elegant and
general manner, the "Three Kings Inn," Deal, where he hopes to meet with
a continuation of that patronage his exertions may merit, being
determined to spare no expense for the accommodation of those whose
business or pleasure may call them to Deal.
A new suit of elegant Rooms will be immediately built facing the sea,
which will command the most extensive and fine prospect on the sea
coast.
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Kentish Gazette 7 January 1800.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN,
THAT if the Bay Gelding, left at the "Mitre Inn," Chatham, on
Sunday, the 8th of December, 1799, is not taken away in fourteen
days from this date, it will be fold to pay the expenses.
JANUARY 4, 1800.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 5 October 1810.
Accidents.
One day last week, as Mr. William Tribe, assistant surgeon of the 6th
regiment foot, and son of Mr. Tribe, of the "Mitre Tavern," Chatham,
was bathing in the Cove of Cork, he got beyond his depth and was
unfortunately drowned. A letter from the Colonel announced the
melancholy catastrophe to Mr. Trite, which was much softened by the
very high testimony it contained of the excellent conduct and
character of the deceased, who is represented as being most
seriously and justly lamented by the whole regiment, and whose
talents promised to be highly valuable to his country. |
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From the Kentish Gazette, 5 October 1810.
One day last week as Mr. Wm. Tribe Assistant Surgeon of the 6th,
regt. of foot and son of Mr. Tribe of the "Mitre Tavern" Chatham was
bathing in the Cove of Cork he got beyond his depth and was
unfortunately drowned.
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Early reference in 1818.
The middle borough took in all properties east of Globe Lane and
Rome Lane, up to the boundaries of the East Borough. Its register
commenced at the east side of Globe Lane in which was situated...
along the north side of the High Street... "White Lion." With only the
"Crown and Thistle," "Mitre Tavern,"
"Navy Arms," "Brewers Arms," The
"Woolpack," "Darmouth Arms," The
"Fountain" and the "White Hart" on
the south side.
(1818)
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From the Kent Herald, 15 August 1833
Chatham
Mr. Tribe, of the "Mitre Hotel," Chatham, has expressed his attention of
starting two steam omnibuses to run between Chatham and Gravesend. It is
calculated they will travel at the rate of 16 miles per hour. We
understand a trial will take place in a few days, and they are expected
to commence running early in September.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 14 January 1834. Price 7d.
POSTING REDUCED.
Posting from Tribe's “Mitre Inn” and “Clarence Hotel,” Chatham, at One
Shilling per Mile.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 11 February 1840.
ROCHESTER.
Prince Albert and his retinue arrived in Chatham on Saturday about one
o’clock. The Prince avoided the town by passing over the road, which
greatly chagrined the Radicals. The Queen's posting-house, alias the
"Mitre Inn," was dressed up with the Royal Standard floating across the
road, and the staircase was lined with scarlet cloth. It was certainly
very annoying to the gentry who had fagged hard, and who were about to
pay Radical adoration to royalty at the Inn in question, to be thus
disappointed. The announcement of the approach of the Royal personage
was made by a discharge of artillery from the batteries. A guard of
Honour with an excellent band attended, and played martial airs. Upon the
Prince’s arriving opposite the Queen’s Colour, borne by Ensign Noble,
the whole of the Radical gentry made a sudden rush to the carriage, and
the Prince was therefore obliged to hear the Address, which, we
understand, Lord Torrington said should not be received. It was observed
that come Radical dissenters took the opportunity of throwing letters
into the carriage — no doubt praying for the abolition of church rates.
Mr Pring, of Newport Radical notoriety, read the Address to the Prince,
who briefly replied that he was obliged to them. The cavalcade in
defending Star Hill into Rochester, the horses drawing the fourth
carriage not being fit for the service, being | |