COACH AND HORSES Pubs of Harbeldown

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Sunday, 09 November, 2025.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton & Rory Kehoe

Earliest 1768

Coach and Horses

Latest 1864

Church Hill

Harbledown

Former "Coach and Horses" 2018, kindly taken and sent by Rory Kehoe. Now known as the Grange.

The licensee list I have so far acquired identifies the pub trading in 1768.

According to Historic Harbledown, the "Coach and Horses" was originally on the other side of the road, a bit further up Church Hill, opposite St. Michael's Church than the "Old Coach and Horses". So, there have been two of them over time with the same name. I am hoping the licensee lists are correct for their respective buildings.

This property is now called The Grange.

Exactly when the "Coach and Horses" ceased trading and crossed over the road isn't currently known. However, it is known that what had been the original pub was purchased in 1864 by George Neame Esq and the deeds state that "All that messuage and tenement then lately used as a public house and called or known by the sign of the "Coach and Horses." So the original "Coach and Horses" had certainly closed by 1864.

In 1838 the St. Dunstan's Brewery of Flint & Kingsford's leased the "Coach and Horses" from the Lord of the Manor of Hall Court and it seems likely that they were responsible for the closure of the original pub (probably sometime in the 1840s/50s) and the transfer of the name/licence to a new building on the site of what had been the "Earl Grey." Whether James Shaxby (baker/shopkeeper/beer retailer) of the "Earl Grey" stayed on in the early years of the newly-located "Old Coach and Horses" isn't yet known.

Kentish Gazette 9 October 1787.

CANTERBURY, Oct. 9.

On Saturday afternoon about five o'clock, as Mr. Curling, master of the "Three Horse Shoes," public-house, at Hernehill, was returning home in his cart from this city, just beyond the milestone on the Harbledown road, the horse took fright and ran away, and he endeavouring to catch hold of the reins, fell from the cart, and the wheel went over his body, by which he was so much bruised that he was carried to the "Coach and Horses" at Harbledown, where, in less than two hours, he expired in great agonies.

From the Kentish Gazette or Canterbury Chronicle, Wednesday, 16 October, to Saturday, 22 October, 1768. Price 2d.

To be sold to the highest Bidder, on Saturday the Fifth of November next, at Mr. Gibbons's the “Coach and Horses” at Harbledown near Canterbury, beginning at two o'Clock in the Afternoon.

A strong Timber'd Smock Windmill, built with Oak, fit for the Flour Trade, with two pairs of Stones, and a Boiling-Mill; or it may be turned to Seed Work, or any Thing of that Kind.

For further Particulars enquire at the Place where it now stands, or of Mr. Richard Goodchild, at Harbledown near Canterbury.

Kentish Gazette 8 May 1801.

Wednesday last died Mr. John Page, landlord of the "Coach and Horses" public house, Harbledown.

From the Kentish Gazette, 8 June 1810.

DEATH.

June 6, at Harbledown, 66, Mrs. Lydia Page, landlady of the "Coach and Horses" public-house, for 30 years.

From the Kentish Gazette, 8 June 1810.

DEATH.

June 5, Mrs. Lydia Page, one of the sisters of St. John's Hospital, Harbledown, and formerly landlady of the "Coach and Horses" public house, at that place.

From the Kentish Gazette, 9 November 1810.

MARRIAGE.

Same day, and at the same church, Mr. George Page, landlord of the "Coach and Horses" public house, at Harbledown, to Miss Mary Diamond, of Canterbury.

From the Kentish Gazette 25 December 1838.

Yesterday eighty Sunday-school, children of the parish of Harbledown, were bountifully regaled with roast beef and plum pudding, at Mr. Pilcher's, at the "Coach and Horses Inn," the gift of Colonel Webb and the Hon. and Rev. W. Eden. The village church bells rang a merry peal during the festive repast. We hope the munificence of these kind-hearted gentlemen will meet with imitators in every rural parish in the county.

From the Kentish Gazette, 25 June 1839.

TO BE SOLD,

A Handsome Bright Bay Pony, Six Years old, stands 13 hands high, warranted sound, and quiet to ride or drive.

Apply to Mr. T. Pilcher, "Coach and Horses Inn," Harbledown.

Kent Herald, 28 August 1845.

Coroner's Inquest.

An inquest was held yesterday at the "Coach and Horses," Harbledown, before T. T. Delasaux, Esq., coroner for Kent, on view of the body of Margaret Tate, age 34, who had died the proceeding evening in consequence of having taken poison. By the evidence of Isaiah Roberts and others, it appeared that deceased was a married woman, but did not live with her husband, who had been a gentleman's servant, but was at present out of employ; that deceased, had for some time being living as cook in the family of the Hon and Rev. W. Eden, rector of the parish of Harbledown, and that she, on Tuesday afternoon, requested Roberts to procure for her two pennyworth of arsenic, which he said she wanted to poison mice with; she also gave him a letter to post for her at Canterbury, directing to her sister residing at Beakesbourne. The arsenic was procured as requested, and delivered to one of deceased fellow servants; and the packet was duly marked and labelled as containing "poison." When the packet was placed n the kitchen table deceased observed that it was all right, and had been procured for the purpose of poisoning the mice, and from that time the packet had not been seen by any of her fellow servants. In the coming evening, between seven and eight o'clock, deceased complained of being ill with the head-ache, a malady to which she was very subject, and said she would go to bed, which she did. In about an hour after the lady's maid went to a room and found her lying on the bed; she's said she felt better but was disposed to sleep; she wished the door left open that she might hear when the bell rang for family prayer. Deceased did not come down to prayer, and on the same witness going up again into her room she found her lying on the floor, apparently in much agony, and had been vomiting.

Mr. Eden was then informed of the circumstance, and medical assistant was promptly procured; but the unfortunate woman died before the arrival of Mr. Crawford, surgeon, of Canterbury, who stated on the inquest, that although death not does not usually follow so soon after taking arsenic, as in this instant, yet, occasionally, it did occur; he had no doubt that deceased a died by taking poison, although he could not detect its presence in that which deceased had thrown from her stomach by vomiting; but a mug was given to him from which deceased said she had been drinking round the sides of which he had detected the presence of arsenic.

Deceased was represented to have been much troubled in her mind, and also afflicted by severe pains in the head, and that her mind had been apparently more affected than usual during the past fortnight, and she was very melancholy. A letter, which he had sent to her sister, was read, in which she complained of illness, and as also of the trouble on her mind respecting her husband's conduct.

The Coroner addressed the jury on the principal points of evidence adduced, - giving his opinion that sufficient had been shown to satisfy them that deceased, when she committed the rash act, was not in a sound state of mind. At the same time he told them, the verdict they were about to give was theirs, not his, and they were only to be ruled by the convictions on their minds from the evidence, and in no way from the remarks which he had considered it is duty to make.

The jury immediately returns a unanimous verdict, that deceased poisoned herself, being at the time laboring under temporary derangement.

Deceased was much respected by all who knew her, and had from her childhood lived a servant in the family of the Hon. Mr. Eden at various times, as childmaid and in other capacities, and eventually returned to that gentleman service as cook, after having traveled as servant through both France and Italy, and other parts of the Continent; during this time she married a fellow servant, which union proved an unhappy one, she having been obliged again to go to service, and at times was much annoyed by a husband visiting the neighbourhood where she resided, and becoming a tax upon her small savings, as was the case in the present instant, a few days ago she paid a debt created by him, but warned the parties that she could not be answerable for anything more; but he still persisted in his demands upon her, and to run up a considerable bill at the "Eight Bells," in St. Dunstan's."

The witness Roberts, who is postman for the delivery and posting of letters for Harbledown, had a presentiment on his mind that the arsenic was not wanted by deceased for the purpose ascribed, and had contemplated purchasing magnesium, as by mistake, but being told by another servant of the establishment that they were much trouble with nice, he altered his attention and procured the fatal drug.

From the Kentish Gazette, 28 April 1846.

CORONER’S INQUEST.

On Tuesday evening last, an inquest was held before T. T. Delasaux, Esq. at the "Coach and Horses," Harbledown, on view of the body of Mrs. Taylor, wife of Mr. T. Taylor, late of St. Dunstan’s Street, Canterbury.

By the evidence before the jury, it appeared that deceased was taken suddenly ill on Sunday morning, April 5th, and complained of severe pain in the head, and fell down while proceeding to her bed room, by which she received a blow on her temple, but not of such consequence as to cause serious apprehensions as to the result; since which time she had been much indisposed, and for two days previous to her death which took place on Sunday evening, she was confined to her bed.

By the evidence adduced, no doubt could exist but the cause of death was apoplexy, and a verdict of "Natural Death" was returned.

Kentish Gazette, 14 September 1847.

Harbledown Trap Club.

On Tuesday last this society, which numbers about 40 citizens, closed a prosperous season by a dinner, which was set out in a neat tent in the picturesque ground of the "Coach and Horses Inn." The day was delightful, and so was the cheer provided by the experience of mine host Pilcher, the members mustered strongly, and having done ample justice to the truly English fare, commenced play, and continued till night "closed around the conquerors' way," when an adjournment to the fireside was carried, and the song and toast concluded the pleasures of the day. So gratified were the members, that they unanimously entered for next year’s season.

From the Kentish Gazette, 1 August 1848.

Pilcher.

July 27, at Harbledown, Mrs. Pilcher, wife of Mr. Pilcher, of the "Coach and Horses."

Kentish Gazette, 14 May 1850.

Harbledown Trap Club.

This club held its first meeting for the present season, on Tuesday evening last, at the "Coach and Horses Inn," and, notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weather, was numerously attended. The worthy host (Mr. Pilcher) has left nothing undone for the comfort and convenience of the members.

Kentish Gazette, 13 May 1851.

The celebrated trap club at the "Coach and Horses Inn," Harbledown, opened the the season on Tuesday last. The number of members is eighty. A goodly party assembler on the green, which has been greatly improved, and from its situation, and the splendid prospect over the fertile valley of the Stour, will be a favourite resort for the citizens during the summer months.

Kentish Gazette, 9 September 1851.

Harbledown. Trap Club.

This society brought their season to a close on Tuesday last, when nearly 80 members and visitors sat down to an excellent dinner, in a spacious booth erected for the purpose, in the garden of the "Coach and Horses Inn," adjoining the trap ground. A silver snuff-box, of excellent design and workmanship, was presented to Mr. F. Duly, as a mark of respect to him as their secretary.

From the Kentish Gazette, 9 June 1857.

HARBLEDOWN.

Suicide of the Parish Clerk.

Yesterday afternoon Mr. Delasaux held an inquest at the "Coach and Horses," in this village, on the body of William Anderson, late parish clerk, who committed suicide by hanging himself in the belfry of the parish church yesterday morning. Deceased had of late been ailing, occasioning melancholy, under the influence of which it is supposed he committed the rash act. His wife having missed him a short time she obtained the aid of Charles Bishop, a labourer, whom she requested to go to the church in search of her husband, which he did at half-past nine o’clock, and in the belfry found deceased suspended by a rope to a beam. He was quite dead. Witness had known him for forty years, and had never observed anything strange in his conduct. He had seen him the previous day both in the morning and afternoon doing duty in the church, which he performed as usual.

William Hammond, sexton of the parish, and who is also postmaster of the village, had known the deceased from his birth, and that he had done duty at the church for the past twenty years. On Saturday he observed him to be very low spirited, and when deceased requested him to attend as the next day at the church, and if finding him falter to step in and assist him. He had done this before during deceased's illness, which had been for the last two or three months. Deceased was very eccentric in his habits, and on the Sunday (the day previous to the inquest) after going into his desk he commenced reading the service, which witness had never known him to do before.

Richard Maxted, on passing the gate at deceased's house at about half-past eight that morning, saw him look about and run out, but where he went to he (witness) did not know. He did not speak to witness as he usually had done, which occasioned his surprise.

This was the last that was seen of the deceased, and there is no doubt that he then proceeded to the church, where he was found by Bishop an hour afterwards.

A verdict was returned of "Temporary insanity."

(From a Correspondent.)

A gloom has been spread over the neighbouring village of Harbledown, by the death, under the painful circumstances detailed elsewhere in our paper, of Mr. William Anderson, so many years the respected clerk of that parish. The event was felt as a personal shock to all in the place — a more worthy and upright man it would not be easy to find. His uniform kindness of heart and open and cheerful disposition made him a general favourite. It is not enough to say that he had not an enemy; there was no one connected with him in any of his various relations who did not feel disposed towards him as a friend. In his office he was most intelligent and zealous. No explanation can be given of the act, except as the effect of hypochondriacal afflictions which ho had lately been suffering under. He was happy in his home, and perfectly at case in his circumstances.

From the Kentish Chronicle, Saturday, 17 September, 1859. Price 1½d.

ST. AUGUSTINE'S PETTY SESSIONS.

Saturday.

(Before W. Delmar, Esq. Capt Clarke, H. Kingsford, Esq., and H. Dennie, Esq.)

Three navvies, named Bishop, Holmes, and Smith were summoned to answer a charge of using violent and threatening language. Smith did not appear.

Mr. J. Gambrill:- The defendants Bishop and Holmes, with a men named Smith, came into my house, the “Coach and Horses,” Harbledown on September 3rd. I required Smith to spit in the spittoon instead of all over the room, and then they abused me, using very bad language. They threatened to bury me in the cutting, and empty dung upon me; also to settle my hash.

Mr. Gambrill called a witness, who corroborated his statement.

The Bench bound over the defendants to keep the peace, each in his own recognizance of £5 for three weeks, and to pay the costs.

From the Kentish Chronicle, 10 May, 1862.

THE TRAP-BAT CLUB.

These favourite resorts of the Canterbury citizens on summer evening have commenced their meetings. And in each case seem to augur well for successful seasons. The most ancient of them, the “Beverley,” held its first meeting at the “Beverley Arms,” St. Stephen's, on Monday evening, the 28th of April. The St. Thomas Hill Club, held at the “City of Canterbury Tavern,” opened the campaign on May-day. The “Castle Inn” Club commenced its meetings in the beautiful orchard of the “Castle Inn,” on Monday evening last, the 5th inst.; and the next evening (Tuesday) a good muster of the members of the “Harbledown Club” assembled on the tap-green of the “Coach and Horses Inn,” which with the pretty gardens attached, have been got into very nice order by the new landlord, Mr. R. Eldridge.

From the Kentish Gazette, 5 September 1865.

ST AUGUSTINE’S PETTY SESSIONS.

Saturday. (Before Geo. Neame, Esq., Captain Slarke, T. H. Mackay, Esq., William Plummer, Esq., T. G. Peckham, Esq., and P. Marten, Esq.)

The Annual Licensing Day.

Applications for New Spirit Licenses.

There were twelve applications for spirit licenses, ten of which were granted and two refused. The applications were as follows.

The Annual Licensing Day. HARBLEDOWN.

Mr. James Shaxby applied for authority to obtain a spirit license for a newly erected house at Harbledown, which is intended to take the place of the "Old Coach and Horses." Mr. Neame stated that, there being no public-house in the village, the one for which the application was made would be a great convenience to the inhabitants. The Magistrates granted the application.

The 1861 licensee, Joseph Gambrill, had previously lived in Ash-next-Sandwich, where he resided at White Post Cottage and worked as a maltster. In 1855 he was described as a brewer at the White Post Brewery. I don't know when he left the "Coach and Horses" but in 1871 he was living in Strood and was brewer the Frindsbury Brewery.

LICENSEE LIST

GIBBONS Mr 1768+