188 High Street

Chatham

Above photo, date unknown.

Above sign, November 1981. Thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

I do have reference to an earlier "United Services" to this.

The pub changed name from the "Crown and Thistle" between 1880 and 1890. Although the Licensing Records of 1872 does mention a Richard Knott being licensee in the "United Services" in that year, unfortunately an address was not given, so that could be another pub with the same name.

Further research has shown it mentioned in 1869-70 when the pub was part of a consortium who were advertising their goods of selling tea in response to grocers' selling beer and wine. (Click for further details.)

This pub was also known locally as the Long Bar, presumably due to the length of its serving area inside.

Above showing a Post Card Souvenir.

Long Bar landlady, Mrs. Tompkins 1889.

Above photo showing the Supper Room 1889.

Above photo 1899, showing Professor Mansford Tatooing in the Long Bar.

Above postcard, circa 1909, showing just above the horse and cart, the sign advertising the Long Bar.

Above photo circa 1909 showing the actual bar length.

Above photo showing the inside of the pub circa 1909.

The Licensing Records of 1872 stated the premises held a Full License and was owned by the Trustees of Watts Charity, Rochester.

Up to 1874 and including the number was listed as 108.

The pub closed in 1936 and the license was transferred to the "Red Lion." It later became H. Samuels the jewellers.

LICENSEE LIST

TAYLOR J T 1869-70+

KNOTT Richard 1872-74+

WHIFFEN David 1881-82+ (age 43 in 1881)

TOMPKINS Mrs 1889+

ANSELL Laura Mrs 1903-22+

ANSELL Percy 1930+

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

From the Kelly's Directory 1903

Licensing Records 1872

Census