DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Monday, 06 March, 2023.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1967-

Spinning Wheel

Latest 1974+

 Barham

Spinning Wheel 1964

Above photo taken from a brochure circa 1964. Kindly sent by John Randall. Full brochure shown below.

The Spinning Wheel, Barham, Nr. Canterbury.

We hope that this booklet will convey the old-world charm of the Spinning Wheel, and the lovely holidays it can provide for those of discrimination, preferring an informal and friendly atmosphere. And this is why we say the Spinning Wheel is a country-house and does not compete with hotels.

We cater for those especially preferring an interesting change from the ordinary sea-side holiday, who may like to walk in a country lane, or wonder at the beauties of God’s bounty in the bluebell woods, or simply to sit in the Gardens. Who may like to take an attractive packed luncheon and go for a day’s touring among the many interesting beauty spots with which we are surrounded, and in the quiet of the evening return to a well-cooked dinner.

And for this style of relaxation-holiday, the Spinning Wheel is ideally situated in largish gardens, amidst beautiful surrounding countryside, within easy reach of the sea and historical towns. The blue bell woods of Denton and the Water-chain hills are within easy walking distance, also the historical villages of Barham, Patrixboume, Bishopsbourne and many other hamlets with their old-world charm.

We are within easy reach of the sea at either Folkestone and Dover, and Canterbury is approx. only 6 miles.

Buses pass every half hour, and will stop at our garden gate upon request.

Our grounds extend to the main London-Canterbury-Dover Road, main Bus Route.

Visitors can be sure of a liberal table and excellent cuisine, well cooked and daintily served. We guarantee the quality will be of the best obtainable and prepared under hygienic conditions, being under the personal supervision of the Proprietors.

The Bedrooms are well furnished and have beautiful views overlooking woodlands and downs; and are fitted H. & C. water basins; electric fires; reading lamps; and have interior sprung mattresses to all beds.

Only Two Floors, Ground and First Floor.

A Special Feature is made of a generous supply of our own produced foods. (Good Food and Plenty of it).

The Spinning Wheel is open all the year, but it is especially beautiful in the Springtime and the Autumn.

Accommodation is limited to approximately 35 guests.

The Spinning Wheel is most easily reached by taking a train from Victoria Station, London.....to Canterbury East Station .... then either by taxi or bus No. 15 or 16 (but not bus No. 17)......and request to be put down at The Spinning Wheel.

(Taxis are always available at the Station).

Note to Private Car Owners: take the main Dover Road from Canterbury, do not branch at the R.A.C. box, approx. 3 miles out, but keep straight on the Dover Road. The Spinning Wheel is not situated in the village of Barham, but upon the main Dover Road, on Pages Downs, with their wonderful air and views.

The Proprietors provide a free car park in all good faith, but they do not accept any liability for either visitors’ cars or the contents of same. This applies to all classes of vehicles parked in the said car park.

The Proprietors will not hold themselves responsible for any property of visitors, either left within the Private Hotel or within the grounds, unless such property be deposited in the personal care of the Proprietors and a receipt taken for same. Vide Act of Parliament 26, 27, Viet. Cap. 41, Sec. 1

 

FAMOUS AND DELIGHTFUL DRIVES By CAR or BUS.

Bus No. 15 or 16 runs into Canterbury every half hour passing THE SPINNING' WHEEL

Harbledown. Church and Hospital of St. Nicholas, and' the Black Princess Well. About 2 miles from Canterbury. Take either the 15 or 16 bus to Canterbury, then Harbledown bus.

Fordwich from Canterbury through STURRY, about 3 miles from Canterbury.

Patrixbourne and Bekesbourne, through Bifrons Park. About 5 miles. Take bus to Bridge and then walk. Lovely old-world villages with cut trees.

Chartham, by way of Thanington, returning by Cricket Ground and Chartham Downs.

Chilham, by way of Thanington and Chartham and valley of the Stour, about 6 miles. Or on to Wye through Godmersham, about 12 miles.

Whitstable and Seasalter, through Blean Forest, about 7 miles. From Canterbury take Whitstable bus.

Herne Bay, through Sturry and Blean Forest, about 8 miles, or on through Reculver, about 9 miles from Canterbury.

Wingham, through Canterbury and Littleboume, Ickham and Wickhambreaux, about 7 miles from Canterbury. Bus to Canterbury, then Wingham bus.

Barfreston, famous Norman Church—2 miles.

Sandwich and Richborough, through Littleboume, Wingham, and Ash. From Canterbury about 12 miles.

Dover, from The Spinning Wheel, take the 15 bus to Dover from the garden gate, through Kearsney, about 8 miles.

Walmer Castle, through Dover to Walmer. Take the Dover bus from the garden gate, then change to the Walmer bus, about 16 miles.

DAY TRIPS to FRANCE without Passports.

Folkestone, take No. 16 bus from the garden gate, via Denton, passing through Hawkinge. Outside Denton is the Tappington Hall, home of the Legends of Ingoldsby. About 10 miles.

Margate, through Grove Ferry, passing through Birchington with wonderful silver sands, about 16 miles from Canterbury.

Ramsgate, through Sturry and Minster, about 16 miles from Canterbury, take the Ramsgate bus.

For Boating visit the Hythe Canal, bus to FOLKESTONE then on to HYTHE.

Early Morning Tea This can be offered at 8 a.m. (extra charge).

 

Reservations

When a reservation has been made to the entire satisfaction of visitors, a deposit on A/c. should be sent to secure booking ; this will de deducted from the account.

Accounts

Visitors’ accounts are presented for payment weekly, and are payable in cash; cheques cannot be accepted unless presented 5 days before leaving.

Absence

No allowance can be made for absence or absence from meals, upon request a sandwich meal can be packed, excepting afternoon tea.

Wines

The Spinning Wheel is not licensed, but visitors may order their own wines, and they can always be obtained at short notice.

Sport

The Hotel is within easy reach of the Golf Club at Canterbury, situated upon the Wingham Road, it is also within easy reach of the cricket ground at Canterbury where County matches are played and Cricket Festivals held during the season.

Sailing at Dover or Folkestone and Boating on Hythe Canal. Riding stables are at Barham (approx. 10 mins.).

Dogs can be accommodated if previous notification has been given.
 

LONDON TO DOVER COACH SERVICE during SUMMER STOPS Five Minutes from the SPINNING WHEEL

Christmas Holiday At Christmas-time we cater for those seeking a quiet and restful holiday .... Warmth, Comfort and good food are assured. (No arranged Programme).

Terms upon request.

Annexe-Wing Large Garden-Cottage Annexe (ground floor only)

Visitors preferring lower priced rooms will find our annexe wing garden cottage very suitable, situated a few steps from the front door of the main building in the garden ; rooms well furnished ; interior sprung mattresses ; h. and c. water basins, electric fires (separate bathroom) (with toilet).

 

The Spinning wheel

Is a Charming Old-World Country House, set upon the sweeping Barham Downs, in the heart of Old Kent and the historical “Ingoldsby Legend Country.”

Visitors are requested to advise their time of arrival at the hotel, and it is in their own interest to arrive before 9 p.m. while the staff are still on duty; no arrivals can be accepted after 10.30 p.m.

IF YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH THE SERVICE WE HAVE TO OFFER, PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS.

Our Gift Shop stocks home-made jams, chocolates, fudges, clotted cream and cream cheese. Also there are many different types of local hand-crafts for sale, including woodwork and pottery.

Many various types of vegetables, fresh from our gardens are for sale, and guests may like to take some of these home with them.

This is what Mr. McMinnies of Signpost said after his last visit to us:

WEDDING PRESENTS FROM THE SPINNING WHEEL, BARHAM.

This half timbered house and garden, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Burne-Jones, a couple with hearts of gold. Its highly polished woodwork and furniture delight those who admire good work. It also sells the most edible home-made sweets and wood-craft in the form of attractive model village pumps with electric light, model coaches and jewel boxes which when opened blossom out into tunes. I mentioned to the owner how much I admired the craftsmanship of these things and he insisted on presenting me with one which I am glad to say my wife thoroughly approved. As a result I have now bought two for wedding presents. The small size costs 25/-to 30/-, the large one about 50/-. They make an unusual and charming gift for the young in heart.

 

We hope that this booklet will convey the old-world charm of the Spinning Wheel, and the lovely holidays it can provide for those of discrimination, preferring an informal and friendly atmosphere. And this is why we say the Spinning Wheel is a country house and does not compete with hotels.

Spinning Wheel 1964

We cater for those especially preferring an interesting change from the ordinary sea-side holiday, who may like to walk in a country lane, or wonder at the beauties of God’s bounty in the bluebell woods, or simply to sit in the Gardens. Who may like to take an attractive packed luncheon and go for a day’s touring among the many interesting beauty spots with which we are surrounded, and in the quiet of the evening return to a well-cooked dinner.

Spinning Wheel logo

And for this style of relaxation-holiday, the Spinning Wheel is ideally situated in largish gardens, amidst beautiful surrounding countryside, within easy reach of the sea and historical towns. The blue-bell woods of Denton and the Water-chain hills are within easy walking distance, also the historical villages of Barham, Patrixboume, Bishopsbourne and many other hamlets with their old-world charm.

Spinning Wheel 1964

This is what Mr. Ashley Courtenay has said about the Spinning Wheel....

"Many a motorist travelling on the Canterbury-Dover road must have been attracted by the colourful, well-kept grounds and the diamond-paned windows of this Tudor-style house, some parts of which date back to 1592. Step in for a meal, or stay for a night, if you are content with simplicity, shining cleanliness, a cottagy bedroom and the best of country fare.

"This is no ‘mushroom’ affair. Mr. and Mrs. V. Jones saw the scenic and strategic advantages some twenty years ago, and today many a holiday maker has reason to bless them. Nothing is too much trouble for Mr. and Mrs. Jones and their daughter and son, Pat and Joe. Motorists en route to the Continent will be catered for, and when the Jones family are not around the hotel looking after their guests, they are in top gear in the kitchens personally preparing all foods, cooking fudges and chocolates, or making cream in the proper Devonshire fashion—scalded. And because they think of everybody and everything they prepare special dishes for strict vegetarians, and have some ground floor bedrooms for those who cannot manage stairs. No wonder the Spinning Wheel weaves such a spell on us travellers. Early reservations recommended.

TERMS: Winter and Spring, 7 to 8 gns. and 8½ gns. weekly (excluding Easter). Summer, 8½ to 12½ gns. weekly. Daily charges for dinner, bed and breakfast (with packed lunch or lunch in Hotel), 25/6 to 35/-, according to season. Bed and Breakfast, 21/6 to 25/- daily.

FREE CAR PARKS

Christmas at the Spinning Wheel is a Restful Carefree Break For those Who Enjoy the Countryside. Charges Upon Request.

Recommended by Signpost and The British Travel and Holidays Association.

Ideally situated near bluebell woods and Downs, within easy reach of sea and surrounding towns rich in historical interest; all modem comforts, together with generous supply of market garden and farm produce. Foods are home made. We are within easy reach of the sea at either Folkestone and Dover, and Canterbury is approx. only 6 miles.

Spinning Wheel 1964

Above photo from the brochure 1964.

THE GARDEN

The Lych-gate of mellowed York stone, lily pool, rose bordered paths and delightful terrace make an attractive scene which will be much appreciated by town dwellers.

Spinnuing Wheel brochure 1964

A charming Old-World Country House, set upon the sweeping Barham Downs, in the heart of old Kent and the historical "Ingoldsby Country."

Spinning Wheel inside 1964

Quaint brick fireplaces, beams, beautifully carved oak panels, choice furniture and attractive displays of rustic pottery, make a combination of comfort and old-world charm.

THE INTERIOR

With its quaint brick fireplaces, its beams, beautifully carved oak panels, choice furniture and attractive displays of rustic pottery, make a combination of comfort and old-world charm.

Spinning Wheel lounge 1964

Brochure kindly sent by John Randall.

Spinning Wheel advert 1956

Above advert from the British Railways Holiday Guide Book 1956. Kindly sent by Neil Friday.

 

Barham map 1970

Above map 1970. The highlighted area is just above Arter's garage.

Spinning Wheel matchbox 1974

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

Spinning Wheel location 2014

Above Google image, May 2014. I believe the Spinning Wheel was situated somewhere within the grounds of Cedar House.

 

At first I believed that at either end of this incarnation the house was the "Halfway House," but Peter Casling tells me otherwise. He says:- "It's marked as a hotel on old OS maps, and there was a garage nearby. Our family stayed there for a week's summer holiday sometime around 1971 when I was about ten years old. It was, I recall, a 1930s-ish large roadside hotel in an old 'country house' style as the matchbox on your website suggests, and was no doubt very attractive in it's day. We stayed in 'chalets' (for want of a better term) in the grounds of the hotel. They were awful - shabby, and spiders and webs everywhere! The hotel was shabby too, inside and out, what were probably nicely-kept gardens were now overgrown. The hotel seemed to be badly run and not exactly full up either - poor food too, and one night they even ran out of potatoes so substituted them with potato crisps! It also seemed to have a resident "old gent" like Fawlty's "Major"! The hotel appeared to be being run by an Asian gentleman who clearly had no idea (as a child, even I could see that), and I'm led to believe the hotel closed down a few years later before being demolished."

 

Road traffic regulation act 1967.

The Trunk Road (Dover Road, Barham) (Prohibition of Driving) (No. 1) Order 1976.

The Secretary of State for the environment has made an order under section 1 of the Road Traffic Regulation act 1967, as amended by Part IX of the Transport Act 1968 on the London-Canterbury-Dover Trunk Road (A2).

The effect of the order, which comes into operation on 23rd May 1976 is to close the gap in the central reservation of the trunk road opposite the "Spinning Wheel Hotel," at Barham in the District of Canterbury in the county of Kent.

Any person aggrieved by the order and desiring to question the validity thereof, or of any provisions contained therein, on the grounds that it is not within the powers of the above Acts or on the ground that any requirement of those Acts, or of regulations made there under, has not been complied with in relation to the order made within 6 weeks from 18th May 1976 apply to the High Court for the suspension of quashing of the Order or any provision contained therein.

A copy of the order may be inspected during office hours at the offices of the Canterbury City Council at Old Dover Road, Canterbury, or obtained by application to the offices of the departments regional controller (Roads and Transportation) "Edinburgh", 74 Epsom Road, Guildford, Surrey, quoting the reference DSR 5062/41/7/TR 34 /08.

R. J. Harman, a Senior Executive Officer in the Department of the Environment.

 

The above closure of the gap meant that it would be very difficult to get to the hotel from the Dover end, without having to travel a good few miles up the carriageway to turn.

 

From an email received 20 March 2019.

In 1961 commencing from 18th of March, my wife and I stayed for two nights at “The Spinning Wheel” Barham as part of our honeymoon. The impressive “Old World Hotel” was sited facing the old Dover Road. Clearly the former residence of a person of some status, set well back from the road, with a well crafted thatched roof, Tudor style face brickwork and chimneys. The front garden was immaculate with fine lawns and topiary shrubs.

The owner was referred to us as “The Burne-Jones family” by a table waitress.

Wikipedia reveals them as an internationally known pre-Raphaelite group of artists and poets. Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones was a 1st Baronet. I feel certain this building was never a public house.

The Asian gentleman referred to, placed logs on a large open fire and was probably a domestic servant. Somewhere we have retained a small brochure published by the hotel containing one or two photos. The Local Authorities or Press may have archives concerning planning consent for the development relating to Cedar House?

During our stay, a Mr Burne-Jones was apparently resident, and we were told, made cosmetics in an outhouse! Eccentric?......Who knows!

On 20th March we struggled down the Dover Road through deep snow to the bus stop, carrying our cases to catch the bus to Canterbury. The lady in the village shop turned to her assistant and exclaimed, “Oh dear, here’s another poor young couple from the Spinning Wheel”!

I attach a copy of the relevant receipt retained by my wife for 58 years (note the sum total in Guineas)!

Spinning Wheel receipt

We hope the above will be of interest to you and look forward to any observations or comments you may have.

Yours sincerely,

John and Audrey Randall,

Worthing,

Sussex.

 

Further research says that parts of the building could be traced to 1592, and that the building became the subject of a limited company in 1964.

 

LICENSEE LIST

BURNE-JONES family 1961-64+

 

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

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