55 (40) High Street

Rochester

Above photo, circa 1900, kindly sent by Tony Smith.

Above photo, 1903. Shows the demolition of the "City Restaurant," (55 & 57 High St.) in 1903 to further facilitate traffic movement, No 55 being replaced by the "Northgate Pub." The newly extended no 61 is visible on the right in this view.

Above postcard, circa 1900. "Kings Head" shown on left

Above postcard, circa 1920s, kindly sent by Tony Smith.

Both the circa 1900 photos above are obviously showing different buildings. Tony Smith tells me that this was due to the widening of Pump Lane, necessitating the demolition of the original building and the erection of a new one. Due to renumbering this later became 55 High Street. It later became known as the "Northgate."

However, the earlier one give an address of 40 and a licensee name of G. Brown, so hopefully that will help as the information and research continues.

Further information from the Medway Facebook page says that prior to 1900 the building of the "City Restaurant" was the shop of G. Kent and Sons, grocer.

40 High Street, on the other hand was also the address of the "Mail Hotel" and that is neither of those photo, that certainly confirms that the street was renumbered at some time.

Local knowledge, further pictures, and licensee information would be appreciated.

I will be adding the historical information when I find or are sent it, but this project is a very big one, and I do not know when or where the information will come from.

All emails are answered.

LICENSEE LIST

HILLS O C L Mrs 1955+

BROWN G ????