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6 Park Lane
Birchington
https://whatpub.com/acorn
Above postcard, 1919, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe who says the pub is on the
left just behind the shop and advertised Shepherd Neame beers. |
Above picture taken from Google Maps. The flint building at the back
of the pub now houses the restaurant and is probably the oldest part of
the pub. |
Acorn sign August 1992
Above with thanks from Brian Curtis
www.innsignsociety.com |
A budding oak tree is found behind the village square at Birchington,
where the tiny Acorn Inn has traded since 1748. In 1802 Isaac Williams was
rated for the ‘sign of ye Acorn', although a Tithe Map of 1840 shows the
premises as a cottage. The Parish Poor Books indicate that the inn was a
frequent overnight stop for soldiers, who had been issued with special
passes.
The inn, known by the name and sign of the Acorn," was built in 1748, but
incorporated into a much older dwelling. The rear room is housed in a tiny
flint cottage reputed to be over 500 years old. That dwelling house dates back to
the late 1400's when it was a tied cottage belonging to the estate of Edward Cotone. Early occupants are unrecorded but in 1500 "Joseph Quested, woollen
draypa" was in residence, along with his wife Martha and five children. The
house stayed in the Cotone family for the remainder of the 16th century, who
seem to have held title to it long after they ceased to live there. In 1611
it was occupied by Widow Lambe, a milliner who paid a peppercorn rent to
Charles Henry Cotone, landowner of Birchington.
Some years later the house was acquired by Isaac Oliphant, a brewer of
Birchington. He lived in the house for some time, probably brewing home made
beverages, but by 1748 the building had been extended considerably. In that
same year a licence to sell ales from the premises was granted, under the
name of "The Acorn Ale House". (Or was
that the other "Acorn?"
Paul Skelton.)
The pub although known as a beer shop, poor books indicate that
travellers, even soldiers on furlough with their wives, used the Acorn as an
inn. It had coaching facilities, stables and an old forge separated from the
building.
In 1838 the Acorn was bought by Edward Neame, farmer and brewer and
member of the Neame Brewery family who lived in Birchington. Edward Neame
ran the house until 1866 by which time the breweries of Shepherd and Neame
had merged and the Acorn was in their control. The Acorn remained under the
brewery's management until 2000 at which time it became a Free House. The
inn was completely refurbished with the addition of a new kitchen and
40-seater restaurant dining area.
This is another pub that is supposed to have smuggling tunnels underneath
which connect under the Square, some to the Anvil close estate.
A more complete history of The Acorn was available at the inn.
Unfortunately the premises is closed and has been turned into residential
useage.
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Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal 18 February 1803.
Saturday morning as a lad, son of Mr. Williams, of the "Acorn"
public-house, at Birchington, Thanet, was sliding on the ice, he
unfortunately slipped down and broke his thigh.
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Kentish Gazette 18 February 1803.
Saturday morning as a lad, son of Mr. Williams, of the "Acorn"
public-house, at Birchington, Thanet, was sliding on the ice, he
unfortunately slipped down and broke his thigh.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 8 December 1868.
COUNTY NEWS. BIRCHINGTON. A Publican's QUARREL.
At the Cinque Ports police court, Margate, on Wednesday, before Thomas
Blackburn, Esq G. E. Hannam, Esq., and T. H. Keble, Esq. Mr. William
Hayward, licensed victualler, of Birchington, was summoned for having
committed an assault upon Mr. Oliver Wanstall, also a publican of the
same parish. (Powell
Arms).
Mr. Towne appeared for complainant; and Mr. Delasaux, of Canterbury, for
the defendant. Mr. Towne, in opening the case, stated that the parties
were near neighbours, and that the dispute had, so far as he could tell,
originated on account of a jealous feeling on the part of the defendant,
because Mr. Wanstall did a better trade then he did.
The Chairman suggested that it would be better if a settlement could be
come to without hearing the evidence.
Mr. Delasaux said his client was quite ready to shake hands and let the
matter end, if the complainant was willing.
Mr. Towne said his client would assent to that course on condition of
defendant paying the costs.
Mr. Delasaux said he could not think of doing that, as he had a complete
answer to the case.
Mr. Towne:- Then it must be gone in with. It was all very well for his
friend to talk about shaking hands, but the defendant should not have
shook his fist.
The following evidence was taken:—
Complainant said:- I am landlord of a public-house at Birchington. On
the 19th ult., about twenty minutes before twelve at night, the
defendant came to my house, and when he saw me he said you are the man I
want. He took hold of me, and threw me across the passage. He then
pulled out his purse, and offered to fight me for as many sovereigns as
there was in the purse. He caught hold of both my arms, and "slewed" me
across the room, and wanted to fight. I asked him to go home. I had had
no previous words with him. I believe he was sober.
Cross-examined:- Had ridden home from Margate with him that evening, and
was very comfortable with him; did not know of any other cause for what
defendant had done then jealousy.
A witness was called who gave corroborative testimony, and after Mr.
Delasaux had addressed the Bench two witnesses were called for the
defence, but their statements were not of such a character as to shake
the cause for the complainant.
Fined 2s. 6d. and 14s. costs.
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From the Thanet Advertiser, 13 June 1939.
BIRCHINGTON OLD FOLK'S OUTING.
PRESENTATION TO. MR. C. SOLLY.
Popular Charles Solly, licensee of the "Acorn Inn," Birchington, and
founder of the Birchington old folk’s outing was presented by the Mayor
(Alderman G. R. Farrar) with an inscribed clock at the annual outing.
The presentation which took place at Tenterden where Mr. J. H. A. Smith,
chairman of the Outing Committee, presided at tea, was made by the
committee and friends in recognition of Mr. Solly's unceasing work for
the old people of Birchington. St. Nicholas and Acol over a long period
of years.
More than 250 old people left Birchington in twelve motor coaches and
proceeded to Tenterden via Monkton, Wingham, Barham, Elham, Lyminge,
Lympne, Bilsington, and Bethersden.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Margate and the Mayor of Tenterden (Councillor
Mrs. Adams) were present at tea. The Mayor of Tenterden extended a
cordial welcome to the elderly visitors and expressed the hope that she
would see them visit the town again. “You have many years ahead of you
yet,” she added.
The Mayor of Margate had a few cheery words for the old people, and
announcing that a presentation would be made to Mr. Charles Solly in
recognition of his work for the outing Mr. Smith recalled that Mr. Solly
was responsible for inaugurating the outing nearly 40 yeare previously.
It was Mr. Solly who promoted the first Easter Sports at Birchington
from which funds for the outing were provided for many years.
After receiving the clock from the Mayor, Mr. Solly said the sports
which were the forerunner of the outing, attracted thousands of people
to Birchington from all parts of the county.
Paying tribute to the work of Mr. W. T. Hancock, the hon. secretary. Mr.
Solly said if Mr. Hancock stayed with the committee as long as he had
that gentleman would earn two clocks.
Mrs. C. Sinclair, of Park View, Acol, who will celebrate her ninetieth
birth-day shortly, was the oldest member of the party. She has attended
the outings for nearly 20 years. Recovering from a recent illness, she
decided only on the day of the outing to accompany the party.
Mr. E. Knott, a member of the committee, who is 75 years of age, has
attended every one of the 32 outings.
Hundreds of residents assembled in Birchington Square in the evening
when the party, headed by the Birchington Silver Band under Mr. W. E.
Hayward, were played into St. Nicholas and Birchington.
Every guest was presented with a shilling by the outing committee and at
Tenterden received another shilling given by two Birchington residents.
The officials were: chairman, Mr. J. H. A. Smith; hon. secretary, Mr. W.
T. Hancock: committee. Messrs. A. Sladden, A. Hoare, H. Dillistone, E.
Knott. P. Mariner, S. Holmans, A. Finch, and C. Solly.
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Thanet Advertiser, Tuesday 18 June 1940.
MOTHER WAS DYING. SON FLIES FROM BATTLEFIELD.
Mr. Charles V. Solly, of Birchington, who was serving with the R.A.F. in
France, flew over to England in time to see his mother before she died.
The mother, Mrs, Emma SolIy, was the wife of Mr. C. E. Solly for 42
years licensee of the "Acorn Inn," Birchington.
When it became known that Mrs. Solly had only a few days to live Margate
police communicated with the Air Ministry, and a message was sent to the
airman's unit giving instructions for his release from duty so that he
could return home immediately. Mr. Solly was driven to Paris, flew in a
special plane to Hendon and caught the last train of the day from London
to Birchington.
Mother and son were able to talk together before Mrs. Solly passed away.
Mrs. Solly, who was 73 years of age, was laid to rest in Birchington
Churchyard on Thursday.
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Thanet Advertiser 02 December 1941.
MR. EDWIN C. SOLLY. DEATH OF BIRCHINGTON LICENSEE.
The death took place last week at the age of 78 of Mr. Edwin Charles
Solly, licensee of the "Acorn Inn," Park-lane, Birchington, for the past
43 years. Son of a Margate farm labourer, Mr. Solly began work as a
newspaper boy and shortly afterwards went to London to work in a
public-house. Re returned owing to ill-health and for some time was in
private service with the late Capt. Hatfeild at Hartsdown. After again
working for some years in London Mr. Solly took up residence in
Birchington 53 years ago. He was an insurance agent for ten years and
than took over the license of the "Acorn Inn." Among his many activities
Mr. Solly helped in arranging the Easter Monday sports, which was a
great feature in the social life at Birchington before the last war. The
money raised at the sports led to an entertainment and outing for the
old people of the parish and he was appointed secretary of the committee
which was formed in 1907. He held the position until 1939 when he
received a clock from the committee and old people of Birchington in
recognition of his services. He then became assistant secretary to the
committee. For about 20 years Mr. Solly was a member of the old
Birchington Parish Council and at one time held the position of
chairman. He was also an overseer for many years and up to the time of
his death was manager of the Church School and a trustee of local
charities. Mr. Solly was predeceased by his wife about 18 months ago. He
leaves one son, who is serving in the R.A.F., and two daughters. The
funeral took place at Birchington on Friday.
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LICENSEE LIST
WILLIAMSON Isaac 1802-03+
DUFFELL George 1810+
HAYWARD William 1858+
HOGBIN Edward 1861-67 (age 28 in 1861 )
MILGATE George 1871-74+ (age 45 in 1871)
TERRY Robert 1881-Aug/86 dec'd (age 33 in 1881)
PEMBLE Arthur Henry 1890-91+ (age 31 in 1891)
SOLLY Charles Henry Edwin 1901-Nov/39 dec'd (age 35 in 1901)
    
https://pubwiki.co.uk/Acorn.shtml
From Melville's Directory 1858
From the Post Office Directory 1867
From the Post Office Directory 1882
From the Post Office Directory 1891
From the Post Office Directory 1903
From the Kelly's Directory 1903
From the Post Office Directory 1913
From the Post Office Directory 1922
From the Post Office Directory 1938
Census
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