DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Saturday, 16 December, 2023.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1861-

Olive Branch

Closed 1990s

9 Leacon Lane

Westwell Leacon

Charing

Olive branch 1922

Above photo, circa 1922, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Olive Branch

Above postcard, circa 1930s, kindly sent by Debi Birkin.

Former Olive Branch 2009

Above Google image December 2009.

Westwell Leacon map 1896

Above map 1896.

Former Olive Branch 2014

Above Google image, June 2014.

 

The 1861 census stated that the premises was only occupied during the day.

The premised closed as a pub in the 1990s and is now (2018) operating as the Rainbow Chinese Restaurant and takeaway.

 

South Eastern Gazette, 9 September, 1862.

Licences.

This was the annual licensing day.

The following spirit licenses were granted to beer houses. For the "Black Dog," Wye, kept by William Haycock.

The "Locomotive," Beaver, kept by Edward Quested.

The "Old Flying Horse," kept by John Alan.

The "Foresters Arms," kept by Edward Marshall.

The "South Eastern Railway Tavern," kept by William Thursday.

The "Olive Branch," Westwell, kept by Thomas Highsted.

The "British Flag," on the old British school ground; prospect place, Ashford, kept by William James Terry.

The "Eight Bells," New Rents, Ashford, kept by Richard James.

The "Alma," Chilham, kept by William Miller.

Mr. Tassel, solicitor, supported the applications for the "Black Dog," the "Foresters Arms," the "British Flag," the "Olive Branch," and opposed those for the "Old Flying Horse" and the "Locomotive."

Mr. Carnell supported the applications on behalf of the "Locomotive," the "Old Flying Horse," the "South Eastern Tavern," and the "Eight Bells."

Mr. Fraser, Ashford, supported the application for the "Alma," Chillham.

 

 Probate of Estate of Thomas Isteed. 1888 (24 January)

Personal Estate: £232 11s

24 January. The Will of Thomas Isteed late of the 'Olive Branch' Inn in the Parish of Westwell in the County of Kent Innkeeper who died 14 December 1887 at Westwell was proved at the Principal Registry by Celia Isteed of the 'Olive Branch' Widow the Relict one of the Executors.

 

From the Sevenoaks Chronicle and Kentish Advertiser 13 January 1922.

CHARGE OF FALSE PRETENCES.

Samuel George Wratten dealer and greengrocer, formerly of Ospringe, was charged with obtaining by false pretences 25 chickens, 15 geese and 5 ducks from Alfred Richards, at Hawkhurst, on  November 23rd.

Prosecutor, who is a fishmonger, said he advertised some fowls for sale on 19th November, and on the 21st accused made an appointment for him to come and meet him at Robertsbridge on the following day. he saw him there and accused agreed to give him 11s. 6d. per head for 15 geese, 6s. 6d. per head for 25 chickens, and 7s. 6d. per head for 5 ducks, which he agreed to pay for when he took them away. He told witness he was a fruit merchant, and made a lot of money. He thought he was  genuine. Accused fetched the fowls the following day, when prosecutor lent him 10s., as he said he was short of hard cash. Accused paid him a cheque on Barklays Bank for £17 17s. 6d. for the fowls, including 10s., the money borrowed, and 10s. for the crates which prosecutor had provided. he would not take a receipt saying that a cheque was as good as a receipt. The cheque was cashed for him by Mr. Edwards, ironmonger, of Hawkhurst, but on being presented was returned from the Bank marked "R.D." Accused wrote to him from Ospringe stating that if the cheque was returned to send it back to him, as his account at that bank was very low, but he had since sent some cheques through. if it was returned he said he would pay him in full on the following Wednesday when he was to bring him some potatoes, but did not do so.

Alfred Edward Buck, clerk at the Southend branch of Messr. Barklays Bank, proved that accused opened an account there on 28th September last. he only made one payment of £5. The following day he withdrew £3 10s. which, with 10s. for his cheque book, left only £1 to his credit. About a dozen cheques had since been presented and returned, with the exception of one for £1 on 21st October, which cleared the account. There had been no balance since that date.

P.C. Frank Golding, of Charing, said he saw accused in Charing on 30th December. He went after him and arrested him at the "Olive Branch Inn," Westwell, and took him to Ashford Police Station.

Detective Constable Smith of Cranbrook proved receiving prisoner from Ashford Police.

Prisoner was committed for trial at the Assizes.

Superintendent Russell said there were two other warrants on similar charges against him.

The Bench fixed bail at £100 and two sureties of £100 each.

 

Kentish Express, Friday 22 October 1982.

Publican Turns to the Lathe.

David Driffill of "Olive Branch," Westwell can pull a good pint and also carve a neat line in wood, a knowledge gained from watching his father, a wood carver at work.

When two of his daughters became pregnant he wanted something special.

So daughter Julie's baby, due in January, will sleep in a four poster 6ft high cot made especially by her grandfather.

david and Gaynor Driffill 1982

"My wife Gaynor and daughter helped me with the design. I'm pleased it turned out so well, said David, pictured with Julie.

 

 

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

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.

 

LICENSEE LIST

Last pub licensee had ISTEED/HIGHSTED Leacon Thomas 1861-14/Dec/87 dec'd (also farmer age 73 in 1881Census)

FEAKINS James 1891+ (age 56 in 1891Census)

LAKER Ellen Frances 1901-11+ (age 72 in 1911Census) Kelly's 1903

DRIFFILL David 1980-82+

 

CensusCensus

Kelly's 1903From the Kelly's Directory 1903

 

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

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