DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Chatham, November, 2023.

Page Updated:- Thursday, 30 November, 2023.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1864-

Old Ash Tree

Open 2020+

139 Chatham Hill / 136 Rainham Road

Chatham

01634 850766

https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/old-ash-tree

https://whatpub.com/old-ash-tree

Old Ash Tree 2013

Above photo 2013.

Old Ash Tree 2016

Above photo 2016.

 

The Licensing Records of 1872 stated the premises held a Beer License only.

The former "Old Ash Tree" in Chatham has been abbreviated to Oats, circa 1987, a name by which the locals have known it for some years.

Today (2016) the premises is operating as one of the Flaming Grill chain of pubs.

 

South Eastern Gazette,10 January, 1860.

THURSDAY-SECOND COURT.

(Before J. 'Espinasse, Esq., Chairman).

A Thief Swallowing several Gold Coins.

Joseph Edwards and George Turner were indicted for having stolen £4 10s., and a handkerchief, on the 9th December, at Chatham, the property of Geo. Mace. Mr. F. J. Smith was for the prosecution.

Caroline Mace, wife of the prosecutor, said that on the 9th inst. she was in the shop in the evening, about 9 o’clock, having £4 10s. in the corner of a handkerchief in her pocket. The money consisted of three half-sovereigns and three sovereigns. The prisoner Edwards came into the shop, and asked to look at a comforter, which was hanging at the top of the window. While getting it down, she felt Edwards put his hand against her pocket. He did not purchase the comforter, but told her to lay it out, and said he would return in a few minutes with the money. After prisoner had gone she missed her money; she then gave information to the police.

Eliza Mace, daughter of last witness, saw Turner a short distance from the shop, and when Edwards left he joined him.

John Stronley, landlord of the "Old Ash Tree," Chatham-hill, said the prisoners called at his house on the evening of the day in question; they said they had come from London.

Superintendent Everist, K.C.C., saw the prisoners in the High-street, Chatham, on the above evening, about a quarter to 9. About a quarter of an hour afterwards he received information of the robbery, and went in search of the prisoners towards Rainham. He overtook them near that place, and charged them with robbing a female in a shop at Chatham, which they denied. Witness then took hold of Edwards, and, believing he had something in his mouth, touched his cheek, when he heard something rattle. He then put his finger in Edwards’s mouth, and felt a coin under his tongue; but he was obliged to withdraw his finger, in consequence of the prisoner biting it; and prisoner must have swallowed all the coins he had in his mouth. Witness, with the assistance of police-constable Hoare, succeeded in taking both prisoners into custody.

P.C. Shonk had the prisoner under his care at the station, and on the 13th December £4 10s. made its appearance. Edwards asked witness at the station whether it would be better for him to plead guilty.

Prosecutor said he gave three sovereigns and three half-sovereigns to his wife; one of the half-sovereigns was marked, and he now identified it. Prosecutor had observed the prisoners watching him before the theft was committed.

Both prisoners were found guilty.

Edwards was sentenced to two years’ hard labour, and Turner to one year’s hard labour and to be once privately whipped.

 

The Stage, Thursday 11 November 1976.

Kentish is where the hops really come from. That fact alone makes the County pubs Country! And pubs are big business on the showbiz front today. You can forget the idea that down here that all the pubs are oak-beamed and full of yokels moving at a snail's pace.

Entertainment is IN at the INNS take my word. No, don't take my word just listen to the people I've been talking to in an in-depth round up.

....

The "Old Ash Tree." Bang on the A2 (the old Roman Road) is enjoying tremendous success most nights and can offer patrons a varied programme including country and western artists, full-scale banjos, groups and the like.

Last week it was the centre for Truman's search for a band talent show, with successful entrants going on to the Lyceum.

One of the winning outfits was a Johnny Carroll Showband which has played the "Old Ash Tree" often and with great success.

Johnny told me. "Pubs are full of atmosphere, - the sort of atmosphere you once got in the theatre. We're back where it all began, let's face it."

....

I think I will - and pop out for a ginger ale.

Jimmy Hodge Jnr.

 

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Megan Carr, 30 January 2020.

Brexit Day celebrations in Kent.

After three long years of Brexit, the UK will finally be leaving the European Union tomorrow.

While it's not the outcome everyone wanted, for some it is an occasion worth celebrating. So, whether you rooted leave from the start or are just happy it's all over, here's where you can mark the historic day.

Ska fans can skank to their favourite tunes at The Old Ash Tree's Brexit Ska Party.

The pub in Rainham Road, Gillingham, will be blasting tunes from DJ Liquidator Sounds who will be playing ska, reggae and rocksteady classics on vinyl.

The fun kicks off at 8pm, and entry is free.

Old Ash Tree 2019

The Old Ash Tree, Rainham Road, Gillingham. Picture: Google Streetview.

 

LICENSEE LIST

WEBB John 1871+ (age 25 in 1871Census)

DRIVER Henry 1872+ Licensing Records 1872

WICKHAM John 1881+ (also agricultural Labourer age 45 in 1881Census)

OBEE Thomas F 1891+ (age 36 in 1891Census)

PILCHER Frederick R 1938+

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

 

Licensing Records 1872Licensing Records 1872

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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