DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Rochester, November, 2023.

Page Updated:- Wednesday, 29 November, 2023.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1828-

Nag's Head

Open 2022+

292 High Street (St Margaret's Bank 1847)

Rochester

01634 843150

https://whatpub.com/nags-head

Nags Head 1978

Above photo 1978, from www.Flickr.com by Ben Levick.

Nags Head 2013

Photos taken on 28 February, 2013 from http://www.flickr.com by John Law.

Nags Head sign 1990Nags Head sign 1990

Above sign left and right, 1990.

Nags Head sign 1996Nags Head sign 2010

Above sign left, November 1996, sign right June 2010.

With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

 

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.

Local knowledge, further pictures, and licensee information would be appreciated.

All emails are answered.

 

From the Maidstone Gazette and West Kent Courier, 15 May, 1827.

DEATH.

May 5, on St. Margaret's Bank, Rochester, Mr. T. Hider, formerly landlord of the "Nag's Head."

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 17 September 1839.

(ANOTHER ACCOUNT).

On Monday last Madame Panormo had announced a concert to take place at the "Sun Inn." However, the awfully sudden death of her husband, which took place that day, deprived the inhabitants of the performance. It appeared that the gentleman's death took place in one of the rooms where he was lodging, which was on St. Margaret's Bank, Rochester, and that he had been in excellent spirits throughout the day. He was watching the arrival of the vans from Gravesend, as his son, who was coming from London to take part in the performances of the evening, was expected by one of them; and having caught sight of him, he exclaimed, "here he is," when he instantly fell down dead. A coroner’s inquest was held on Wednesday, at the "Nag's Head, before R. Hinde, Esq., touching the death of the deceased, when the jury, after a patient investigation, returned a verdict of "Died in a fit of apoplexy."

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 30 August 1842.

On Saturday an inquest was held at the "Nag’s Head," Rochester, before J. Lewis, Esq., coroner, on the body of John Sindon, an apprentice to Mr. Aldridge, Brompton, who was drowned on the same morning whilst bathing near Gillingham. In about five hours he was picked up by a sapper of Brompton.

Verdict, "Accidentally drowned whilst bathing."

 

Kentish Gazette, 2 January 1844.

The Rival Coroners. A Double Inquest.

On Friday morning last a man named Patrick Knowlan, a private in the 3rd buffs, was discovered lying dead close beneath the platform of a wharf at the bottom of Holborn-lane, Chatham. It would appear that deceased had mistaken his way and fallen from the wharf which is used for landing coals from the river, a depth of about eight feet, upon the muddy beach below, which was then strewn with refuse coal. There was a large and severe wound upon the left temple, and a piece of coal was sticking in the left cheek close below the eye. The whole left side of the face was much contused. He had evidently, from the state of his clothes, been covered with water, which overflows this spot at the period of spring-tides. Although nothing certain is known, it is generally supposed that he took Holborn-lane for the West-lane which leads to the barracks, and that walking forward in the darkness he fell from the wharf.

Mr. Lewis, the coroner for the city of Rochester, claims jurisdiction over all bodies found in the water at this spot, and as the unfortunate man had evidently been immersed, he thought this a proper case for the exercise of his office, and accordingly summoned a jury to sit upon the body at 10 o'clock on Friday morning; but on his going to view the deceased he found that it was at the "King’s Arms," Chatham, in the hands of Bines, the Chatham constable, as the representative of Mr. Hinde, one of the coroners for the eastern division of the county of Kent, who refused to give up the key of the room, but allowed Mr. Lewis and his jury to view the body. They then returned to the "Nag’s Head," Rochester, and having heard the evidence of John Shepherd, a fisherman, who deposed that a carter going on to the beach for coals at half-past seven on Friday morning found the body as already described, the jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

Mr. Himle, the county coroner, held another inquest upon the deceased at the "King’s Arms," and after taking the evidence of William Wittingham, the carter, who found the body, and Frederick Collins, a corporal of the 3rd buffs, who stated that he saw the deceased on the evening preceding his death, and he was then sober, the jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." Each of the coroners issued a warrant for the interment of the body. The disputed jurisdiction, it is believed, will now be submitted to the decision of a higher court, in order to settle what is here considered a "vexata questio." (Overrun problem.)

 

Dover Chronicles 20 June 1846.

Smashers.

On Saturday last, George Johnston, 26, and John Steadfast, 26, was brought up in custody of Watson, one of the constables for Chatham, charged with having, on the 9th inst., tendered and endeavoured to put a off a counterfeit half-sovereign to Mrs. Bathurst, of the "Nag's Head," St. Margaret's bank. They had received a good half-sovereign and change, and "rang the changes."

Remanded.

 

Dover Chronicles 22 May 1847.

May 11, Mary, second daughter of Mr. John Batheread, of the "Nags Head Tavern," St. Margarets bank, Rochester, in her 17th year.

 

Kentish Gazette, Tuesday 25 May 1847.

DEATH.

Bathurst. May 11, Mary, second daughter of Mr. John Bathurst, of the "Nag's Head," Rochester, aged 16.

 

South Eastern Gazette, 3 January, 1860.

Friday:- (Before the Rev. G. Davies, and J. Hulks, Esq.)

Frederick Scott and John Roberts, two soldiers were charged with burglariously entering the premises of Mr. Hogben, greengrocer, High Street, Chatham, and stealing there from two apples, and a pound of butter. Prosecutor said he was awakened at about 2 o'clock on the morning of the 27th by hearing a noise down stairs, and on hastening down, saw the prisoners at the foot of the stairs. One of them had prosecutors gun in his hands, and the other held a light. He could swear to the prisoner Roberts being one of the men, but was not quite so sure as to the other. It was the prisoner Roberts who had the gun in his hand.

Prosecutor called out that he would shoot them, on which Roberts, said "I will shoot you." They then both ran away, making their escape out of the sitting room window, through which they had entered. On examining the premises he found that the wire blind of the window was broken, and window open. The shutters had been fastened the previous evening. The only things missed were two apples and a pound of butter. Prosecutor heard a third burglar in the sitting-room.

Inspector Checkland said on receiving information of the burglary he examined the sitting-room, and on the floor found the iron heel of a military boot, which correspond with some marks made on the wire blinds of the window.

The next day witness took both prisoners into custody as they were walking in Church Street. They both denied all knowledge of the burglary and wished to be taken to prosecutors house.

Levitt, 20, a city policeman, said he saw the two prisoners and another soldier together at the "Nags Head" public house, the landlord of which called him in to turn them out. They afterwards went into the "Five Bells" public house.

The prisoners were committed for trial.

 

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk 9 June 2008.

Man stabbed outside Rochester pub.

Police are appealing for help after the stabbing of a 29-year old man outside a Rochester pub.

The attack took place at 10.30pm on Sunday at the "Nags Head" in St Margaret’s Banks, High Street, Rochester.

The alleged victim suffered a wound to his back after being assaulted.

He was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital by ambulance for treatment.

His injury is not life threatening and he is expected to be discharged from hospital today.

Police cordoned off the area to allow Crime Scene Investigators to scour the scene for forensic evidence.

Enquiries are ongoing and local neighbourhood officers have been notified of the incident.

PC Richard Albert from Medway Police, said: "We are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has any information that may help us with this investigation.

Can you help? Call PC Albert at Medway police station on 01634 792530 or Kent CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.

 

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Nicola Jordan, 8 August 2022.

The Nag's Head in Rochester used for Only Fools and Horses photoshoot is up for sale.

A pub well-known for its live music which has been popular with students for decades is up for sale.

The Nag's Head, a Grade II listed 18th century hostelry, sits prominently on St Margaret's Banks in Rochester High Street.

Nag's Head 2020

Up for sale – the Nag's Head, Rochester.

The current owners, who have been been behind the bar for 18 years, are retiring to northern Cyprus. The previous tenants, including the landlady Angie whose portrait is painted on the pub's sign, were there for 25 years.

Situated near student halls and the University for the Creative Arts, past customers are rumoured to have included controversial artist Tracey Emin who studied there when it was Medway College of Design.

Three years ago it was used for a scene by Del Boy and Rodney lookalikes for an Only Fools and Horses photoshoot. It was transformed into the watering hole of the same name frequented by the duo in the smash-hit comedy TV series.

Nag's Head inside 2022

The bar area is popular with students.

Photographer Gino Cinganelli brought together a cast of familiar faces – including Uncle Albert, Boycie and Trigger – for the pictures, which also saw the tower blocks of Byrant Street, Chatham, become Nelson Mandela House, in Del's Peckham playground.

The free-of-tie leasehold for the brewery-owned property is on the market for £89,500.

Entrance to the public bar is from the High Street. There's a juke box, TV and seating for 20 people.

Nag's Head Del Boy 2022

"Del Boy" and his trusty Robin Reliant outside The Nag's Head, Rochester.

A second bar at the back accommodates about 30 and leads to a pool table area with extra seating.

The chilled barrel and bottle store is in the cellar, which it is believed was once used as a cell for a former police station.

The private owners' accommodation is on the first floor, and comprises a lounge, newly-fitted kitchen and a double bedroom with en-suite bathroom. On the second floor, there are two further bedrooms and a bathroom.

A separate entrance leads to a guest double bedroom and bathroom, ideal for letting out.

Nag's Head inside 2022

The popular live music pub is on the market.

It is on the market with estate agents Sidney Phillips, who said: "The Nag's Head is a great opportunity for either a first-time buyer or an experienced operator to take on a well-established and well-regarded business and further increase trade levels with a more hands-on approach or by bringing the food offering back in-house.

"The business is operated as a wet-led local pub serving the needs of the surrounding residents as well as those walking into the town centre from Chatham and beyond, and is well known for its live music and quiz nights."

For further information, call Sidney Phillips on 01892 725900.

 

LICENSEE LIST

HIDER Thomas 1824-May/27 dec'd Pigot's Directory 1828-29

BATHHURST John 1832-47+ Pigot's Directory 1832-34

LUCHFORD James 1858+

BENSTER John William 1861-71+ (age 34 in 1871Census)

HOMEWOOD James Thomas 1874+

BRITTAIN George 1881+ (age 50 in 1881Census)

HOMEWOOD James Thomas 1882+

SPICE Alfred 1891+ (age 71 in 1891Census)

DALLEY William 1901-03+ (age 38 in 1901Census) Kelly's 1903

HOLDER Frederick William 1911-22+ (age 38 in 1911Census)

ROCK William T 1930+

MURRAY Edith Florence Mrs 1938+

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

 

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

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

Kelly's 1903From the Kelly's Directory 1903

CensusCensus

 

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

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