Above photo 1886. The Aveling and Porter works (manufacturers of steam rollers) is to the left. The approach to Rochester Bridge is in the foreground.

Above photo, 1886.

Above postcard, circa 1910. Shown second to left. Also showing "Cobham Inn."

Above postcard, circa 1910. "Cobham Inn" and "Old bridge Tavern" shown on left.

Above photo, circa 2016, by Jeffrey Le Boutillier.

Chatham News 30 May 1891.

FIRE AT STROOD.

Another fire occurred at Strood on Tuesday. At about two o'clock in the early morning, Police-sergeant Fishlock was passing "Ye Olde Bridge Tavern," in the High-street, when he noticed flames and a quantity of smoke issuing from the sitting room, situated immediately over the private bar. The officer at once aroused the inmates of the house, and summoned the assistance of other members of the police force, and the City Fire Brigade. Captain C. D. Levy, Lieutenant Dobson, Inspector Ryott, Firemen Turner, Bovingdon, Outram, Gill, Lynch, Betts, and Lee were soon upon the scene, and, having a good supply of water at command, they succeeded in subduing the flames within three-quarters of an hour of the outbreak. Unfortunately, however, the whole of the furniture and interior of the sitting room had been destroyed. The windows at the front of the house, the sign board, and furniture in other rooms, were also much damaged by smoke and water. The total damage is estimated at £150. Messrs. C. Arkcoll and Co. are the owners of the house, which was only erected some three years ago in the place of the premises which were pulled down to make room for the extension of the works of Messrs. Aveling and Porter. The property is insured in the Kent Fire Office, and Mr. A. Taylor's (the landlord) loss is covered by insurance in the Norwich Union. Superintentent Broadbridge attended at the fire, and in company with Police-sergeant Fishlock, Police-constables Barnes, Gowers, and Easdown, and River Police, Hills and Jennings, rendered great assistance to the Brigade. The origin of the fire is unknown.

Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser 03 September 1896.

Old Bridge Tavern, Strood.

The licence of the "Old Bridge Tavern," Strood, was transferred to Mr George H. Shirley, clerk to Messrs Arkoll, brewers, who are the owners. Almost immediately afterwards a Mr Dawson, represented by Mr Goldie, appeared and stated that as the previous holder had given up position to him and he was now in the house, the licence should be transferred to him. Mr W. Webb Hayward said that Mr Dawson was not the accepted tenant of the house. The Mayor said that the question could not be reopened.