DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Tonbridge, October, 2024.

Page Updated:- Monday, 28 October, 2024.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1625-

Rose and Crown

Open 2020+

125 High Street

Tonbridge

01732 357966

http://www.roseandcrowntonbridge.co.uk/

https://whatpub.com/rose-crown-hotel

Rose and Crown 1908

Above photo, circa 1908.

By kind permission http://tonbridgecollectables.com/index.php

Rose and Crown

Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo, date unknown.

Rose and Crown

Above photo, date unknown.

Rose and Crown

Above photo, date unknown, taken by T. A Fileman.

Rose and Crown 1963

Above photo, 13 October, 1963.

Kindly supplied by http://www.tonbridgehistory.org.uk/

Rose and Crown 1990

Above photo, April 1990, kindly sent by Philip Dymott.

Rose and Crown 2012

Above photo 2012 by Nigel Chadwick Creative Commons Licence.

 

One of Kent's more imposing hotels is the "Rose and Crown". It was a post house during the eighteenth century, and a busy coaching inn by 1835, being ideally situated on the main road to Tunbridge Wells and Hastings. Known as an inn in 1625, the "Rose and Crown" once entertained Princess Victoria and the Duchess of Kent.

The Tonbridge Volunteers started in 1859. In 1860 they had their armoury in the "Rose and Crown" yard, from which they removed in 1870 to the "Angel," and in 1884 to their present headquarters. Military history in Tonbridge culminated in the fact that at the present time three separate corps flourish, representing respectively the counties of Kent, Middlesex, and Sussex.

Queen Victoria, stopped at the "Rose and Crown" in 1883 to change horses on her way to London with Queen Adelaide, and on April 17th, 1835, a steam carriage belonging to Mr Ogle, of London, came with passengers to the "Rose and Crown," and stopped until Monday, the 20th, and then started for Mereworth, and on its return from Mereworth it made eight miles in twenty minutes.

The Coat of Arms depicted on the building are those of the Duke and Duchess of Kent, the parents of Queen Victoria. On the balcony over the entrance the Masters of the Sninners Company comes out every year, on the morning of the last Wednesday in July, to receive the cheers of the boys of Tonbridge School. (Not sure if this still happens today. 2024. Paul Skelton.)

The building was Grade II listed on 8 May 1950.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 24 October 1848.

TUNBRIDGE. Coroner's Inquest.

An inquest was held at the "Rose and Crown tap" on Saturday week, before J. N. Dudlow, Esq., on the body of Phoebe Maria Skinner, who was found in the mill pond near Tunbridge, on Friday morning, the 13th instant. No clue to the cause of the fatal occurrence could be obtained, and the jury, alter a strict investigation, returned a verdict of "Found drowned, but how, or by what menus, the deceased got into the water, there is no evidence to show."

 

Kentish Gazette, 29 May 1849.

To Brewers, Innkeepers, Butchers, and Capitalists.

VALUABLE FREEHOLD PROPERTY, IN THE HIGH STREET OF THE TOWN OF TONBRIDGE, TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, BY MESSRS. CHARLTON AND SON, AT the "Rose and Crown Hotel," TONBRIDGE, on WEDNESDAY, the 20th day of June, 1849, at Three for Four o'clock in the Afternoon, in Four Lots.

Lot 1:— All that valuable FREEHOLD INN or PUBLIC HOUSE, called the "Red Lion," with convenient stabling and appurtenances, in a commanding and desirable situation in the High Street, in the occupation of Mr. William Mitchell, where a lucrative business has been conducted for several years.

Lot 2:— A MESSUAGE, TENEMENT, and SHOP, in the High Street, adjoining the last Lot, with out-buildings, stabling, and garden ground, in the occupation of Mr. John Woolley.

Lot 3:— A FREEHOLD MESSUAGE, with Butcher's Shop, Slaughter-house, and Stabling, in a prominent situation, adjoining the "Lion Inn," with considerable frontage to the High Street and Church Street, in the occupation of Mr. Edward Richardson.

Lot 4:— A COTTAGE and SHOP, in Church Street, in the occupation of Mr. Roche; and a BUILDING adjoining, used by the tenant of the "Lion."

May be viewed by permission of the respective Tenants. Printed particulars and conditions to be had 15 days prior to the sale, at the "Kentish Hotel," Tonbridge Wells; "Bull Inn," Maidstone; at the Office of the Auctioneers.

 

Kentish Gazette, 5 June 1849.

TONBRIDGE. Sudden Death.

On Monday evening last, Charles Sutton, an assistant of Mr. John Summers, butcher, of this town, aged 35 years, was found dead in his bed. An inquest was held at the "Rose and Crown Hotel," on Wednesday last, before J. N. Dudlow, Esq.. coroner.

Verdict, "Died of Epilepsy."

 

Kentish Gazette, 16 April 1850.

TONBRIDGE. Coroner's Inquest.

On Friday, the 5th instant, an inquest was holden on the body of Sarah Slatter, wife of Edward Slatter, before J. N. Dudlow, Esq., coroner, at the "Rose and Crown Tap," Tonbridge. The deceased has been missing since the 3rd of February, she having lived very unhappily with her husband.

Verdict:— Found drowned, but how or by what means the deceased came to the river there is no evidence to prove.

The coroner at the request of the jury called Mr. Slatter into the room, and told him that the jury were quite unanimous in declaring their opinion, that the cause of her leaving home was in consequence of his ill-treatment.

 

South Eastern Gazette, 4 September, 1860.

INSOLVENT DEBTORS to be heard at the Sessions House, Maidstone, before the Judge of the County Court of Kent, on Wednesday, the Nineteenth day of September, 1860, at Eleven o’clock in the forenoon precisely.

WILLIAM PARKER, formerly of the "Rose and Crown Hotel," Tonbridge, Kent, in co-partnership with William Parker, senior, under the style or firm of Parker and Son (during part of the time keeping the "Angel Inn," Tonbridge), hotel keepers and wine merchants, during part of the time carrying on the refreshment rooms at Tonbridge and Ashford stations on my own account; then of same places, in co-partnership with William Parker, senior, and William Parker, under the style or firm of Parker, Son, and Parker, so far as regards the "Angel Inn;" then of the "Angel Inn," Tonbridge, Kent, in co-partnership with Sarah Parker, under the style or firm of William and Sarah Parker, licensed victuallers and wine merchants; then of the "Rose and Crown Hotel" and of the "Angel Inn," Tonbridge, Kent, in co-partnership with Sarah Parker as aforesaid, hotel keepers and wine merchants; then and late of Tonbridge, Kent, assistant to Mrs. Sarah Parker, of the "Rose and Crown Hotel" and "Angel Inn," Tonbridge, Kent.

CHARLES MORGAN,

Insolvents' Attorney, Maidstone.

 

South Eastern Gazette, 23 October, 1860.

Maidstone Insolvent Court.

This court was held on Wednesday last, before J. ’Espinasse, Esq,. Judge.

William Parker, late of the "Rose and Crown Hotel" and "Angel Inn," Tunbridge, came up for adjourned hearing, supported by Mr. Dowse, barrister. Mr. Bowell, solicitor again appeared to oppose, but after some explanations from Mr. S. Alleyne, solicitor, he withdrew his oppositions and the insolvent received his discharge.

 

Kent Times, 31 May 1862.

CROWN HOTEL AND POSTING HOUSE, AND OTHER PROPERTY, TONBRIDGE, KENT.

Messrs. Warlters & Lovejoy.

Are instructed to Sell by Auction, at Garrnway’s, Change Alley, London, on Monday, the 30th day of Jan, 1862, at Twelve o'clock, in Four Lots, the following rateable Freehold Properties.

LOT 1.:- The Long-established and well-known FAMILY & COMMERCIAL HOTEL AND POSTING HOUSE. called the "Rose and Crown," facing the Town Hall, in the High Street, Tonbridge, with its extensive Stabling. Lock-up Coach House, Garden, Tap, &c., occupying nearly half an acre in the centre of the town, having a frontage to Church Street, and an outlet into Swan Lane, and possessing admirable facilities for carrying on a very extensive wholesale and retail wine and spirit business. The premises are in the occupation of Mrs. Sarah Parker, a highly respectable and respectable tenant and a flourishing business has been carried on therein by members of the same family for upwards of half a century past.

Lot 2:- The Valuable Freehold Dwelling House, Garden, &c., adjoining Northward in the High Street.

Lot 3:- The Valuable Freehold Premises occupied by an on Lease to the London and County Bank, situated adjoining the last lot in the High Street.

Lot 4:- A very valuable piece of Freehold Accommodation LAND, containing about 8 1/2 acres situated near the Railway Station at Tonbridge, and adjoining the road leading to Barden, and having an extensive building frontage to such road, at present let to a substantial tenant.

The Property may be viewed by leave of the respective tenants, and Particulars obtained at the "Rose and Crown," Tonbridge, of G. Stenning, Esq., solicitor, Tonbridge, at Garraway’s, and of the Auctioneer 55, Chancery Lane, London, W. C.

 

Maidstone Telegraph, Saturday 10 September 1870.

The new local board.

We have been informed that a private meeting of the promoters of the Local Government Act for this town was held at the "Rose and Crown Hotel," on Friday evening last, when it was resolved to recommend 28 names to the ratepayers of which number 18 are required to constitute the Local Board for the Tonbridge District. The requisite notices have already been issued by Mr. Joseph Snelling, the summoning officer, and we understand that the nomination will take place on the 14th inst.

 

From the Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser, 24 September, 1870.

ADJOURNED LICENSING DAY.

The Petty Sessions were held on Tuesday before C. Powell, Esq., (in the Chair), A. Pott, Esq., Major Scones, Sir David Solomons, Bart., M.P. and J. G. Talbot, Esq., M.P.

Mr. Rogers applied for a license to be granted to Mr. Pawley, of the "Rose and Crown Hotel," which was granted.

 

From the Kent and Sussex Courier, Friday 9 January 1874.

TONBRIDGE PETTY SESSIONS.

Tuesday, Jan 6. Before Thomson Hankey, Esq. (in the chair), C. Powell, Esq., and Lord Hardinge.

Application for extension of time.

On the application of Mr. Jones, manager to Mrs. Pawley, of the "Rose and Crown Hotel," an extension of time was granted until one o'clock on the morning of the 14th inst., on the occasion of a party to be given there by Dr. Welldon, the head-master of the Grammar School.

An extension of time was also granted to Mr. George Swift, of the "Crown Inn," Cowden, on the 22nd inst., the occasion of the Annual Tradesmen's Ball.

 

From the Kent and Sussex Courier, 8 May 1874.

The Stock Market.

The Clerk reported that a public meeting was held to decide upon the best steps to be taken in regard of the monthly stock market. He attended the meetings and from what he heard he thought it would be well to take counsel's opinion for the guidance of the board in the matter, and he had stated the case to Mr. Lumley, Q.C., and have received the gentleman's reply, and which it was stated that the Bourd had acted legally, and were not liable for damages for the decrease of trade in the town.

Mr. Bligh pointed out that if the market was held in the "Rose and Crown" field it would be ten times more dangerous, as persons would be passing the gateway, and cattle would knock them down.

Mr. Hooker thought the clerk had acted wisely and taking counsel's opinion, as it had been put toward that if the Board stopped the market there would be certain liabilities incurred.

After a very long discussion, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Hancock, seconded by Mr. Hooper, that the subject should be dropped, and that the other business should be preceded with.

 

Kent & Sussex Courier 20 November 1874.

Extensions of time were granted to Mrs Pawley of the "Rose and Crown," Tonbridge.

 

From the Kent and Sussex Courier, 7 February, 1908

Supt. Styles in his annual report to the licensing justices, said the licensees had generally conducted their houses in a satisfactory manner, with the following exceptions: .... Robert E. Daish, "Rose and Crown," Tonbridge, serving a constable on duty; ....

 

TONBRIDGE. Poor Law Conference.

The adjourned meeting of the authorities of Maidstone, Tenterden, Tonbridge, Bromley, and Cranbrook, for the appointment of a medical officer of health for the district formed by the combination of the above, covering an area of 200,000 acres, with a population of 96,000, was held at the "Rose and Crown," Tonbridge a few days since. The number of persons who had applied for the appointment at the preceding meeting was 82, four of whom were selected to attend the adjourned conference, the discussion at which resulted in the appointment of C O. Baylis, Esq., M. D., M. R. C. S., London and Edinburgh, and L. A. H. of Birkenhead, at a salary of £8oo per annum; to devote the whole of his time to the duties of his office. The proceedings then terminated.

 

LICENSEE LIST

PARKER William & Son 1828-51+ (age 80 in 1851Census) Pigot's Directory 1828-29Pigot's Directory 1832-34

BASS John 1841+ (age 25 in 1841Census) (Tap) (Bordyke)

SHARP Mary 1841+ (age 58 in 1841Census)

PARKER William 1860 (also "Angel")

PARKER Sarah Mrs 1862+

PAWLEY Caroline Mrs 1874+ Kent and Sussex Courier

HILLS Edward 1881+ (age 34 in 1881Census) (Tap) (Bordyke)

PAWLEY Tom 1891+

OLICER Charles Thomas 1903+ (also wine and spirit merchant)

BROWN Montague Davis to Mar/1906

ZABELLE Ernest Stanley Feb/1906+

DAISH Robert E 1908-11+ (age 46 in 1911Census) Kent and Sussex Courier

TRUST HOUSES LTD 1938+

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

 

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

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

Kent and Sussex CourierKent and Sussex Courier

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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