DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Saturday, 30 August, 2025.
PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1891-

 Blacksmith's Arms

Closed ????

Thorne Road

Pluckley

Blacksmith's Arms 1955

Above photo, circa 1955.
Blacksmith's Arms 2009

Above photo 2009 by David Anstiss Creative Commons Licence.
Blacksmith's Arms 2015

Above photo, 2015.

 

The "Blacksmith's Arms" in the past has also been referred to as the "Spectre Arms," "Spectre Inn" and also the "Ghost's Arms" due to the supernatural reputation it has gained locally.

 

Spectre Inn matchbox 1974

Above matchbox, circa 1974, kindly sent by John Gladish.

 

It is said that the premises manifests ghosts such as a Tudor maid, a coachmen who stares wistfully from the fire in the public lounge and a Cavalier who roams around the upstairs rooms.

I believe the pub is now unfortunately closed, but as yet do not know when.

 

Kentish Express – Saturday 6 June 1891

THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.

George Relf, a middle aged working man, of decent appearance was charged with being drunk at Pluckley on May 18th.

P.C. Potter deposed that he was sent for to go to Pluckley in consequence of a disturbance there. He met defendant in the road, who said he had been assaulted by two or three men. He was drunk, and had been pursuing a man, who got away and ran into a cottage. Defendant called Charles Sutton, landlord of a public house at Pluckley Thorn, who deposed that defendant was not drunk, although he was a little excited when brought back by the policeman.

The Bench gave defendant “the benefit of the doubt”, and dismissed the case.

 

 

LICENSEE LIST

SUTTON Charles 1891

SUTTON William Henry 1891+ (age 48 in 1891Census)

ROOTES James S 1901+ (age 56 in 1901Census)

http://www.closedpubs.co.uk/blacksmithsarms.html

 

CensusCensus

 

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

 

LINK to www.pubwiki.co.uk