DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Canterbury, August, 2024.

Page Updated:- Friday, 09 August, 2024.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton & Rory Kehoe

Earliest 1692-

City of London

Closed 1912

75 Stour Street / Hawks Lane

Canterbury

City of London 1900

Above photo, circa 1900, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. Showing what is believed to be the pub to the right of the weather boarded building on the left.

Canterbury map 1874

Above map 1874 identified by Rory Kehoe.

Canterbury O S Map 1874

Above map 1874 identified by Rory Kehoe.

City of London

Above photo, date unknown. Shown as part of a builders yard.

City of London location 2017

Above photo, September 2017, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

City of London map 1874

Location on map 1874, identified by Rory Kehoe.

 

Described as the corner of Hawks Lane and Stour Street. The Licensing lists of 1692 mentioned this as "The Sign of London" and mentioned the billeting of 4 soldiers.

The pub closed in 1912 and subsequently became part of Messrs. Wiltshiers complex of buildings including a builders yard

 

Kentish Gazette - Friday 07 September 1798.

PUBLIC HOUSE TO BE LET, AND ENTERED UPON IMMEDIATELY.

The House, known by the name or sign of the "City of London" opposite the Workhouse in this city.

The draught of beer and porter is very considerable, and not advertised for the want of persons disposed to treat for it, but merely to obtain a fair rent, according to the trade.

For particulars apply to Mr. Starr, Attorney at Law, in St. Alphage Lane. This will not be advertised any more.

Canterbury, Sept. 1798.

 

From the Canterbury Poor Law Union General Court Minutes, 25 February 1820.

‘Messrs Worthy & Moss to survey & ascertain the Dilapidations of the "City of London" public House. That Messieurs Worthy and Moss Surveyors Survey and ascertain the Dilapidations of the Messuage or Tenement Called or known by the Sign of the "City of London" and premises in the parish of Saint Margaret in the said City late in the Tenure or occupation of Southee Wear as undertenant to Thomas Flint late of the same City but now of Thannington Esquire, the late Lessee of the same premises, which Lease expired on the sixth day of July last past.'

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 5 July 1836.

An accident, which was nigh being attended with fatal consequences, occurred to the wagon of Mr. Petts, of the "City of London tavern," in this city, on Thursday morning last. The wagon, in which were the boards, lamps, devices, and canvas used by Mr. Petts in the erection of his capacious and elegant booth, was proceeding down White Horse Hill, near Folkestone, when the skid, owing to the wagoner’s heedlessly neglecting to attach the guard chain, flew out, and the vehicle and all its contents were instantly prostrated to the earth. The wagon had travelled nearly seventy miles since the preceding Sunday evening, and the men accompanying it had left the top only a few minutes before the occurrence. Had they continued their seats the most dreadful accidents must have ensued. Mr. Petts has sustained great loss by the injury of the articles we have above-named, as well as the destruction of bottles and jars filled with wines, spirits, and porter. Too much care cannot be used by wagoners in driving heavily laden vehicles down such precipices as those converted into turnpike roads in the neighbourhood of the sea coast.

 

From the Kentish Gazette 16 January 1838.

DEATH.

Jan. 8, Richard, son of Mr. Gibbon Ladd, of the "City of London" public-house, in this city, aged 14 years.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 19 May 1840.

TO BE LET BY TENDER.

By order of the Guardians of the Poor of the City of Canterbury, on Lease for 14 years from the 6th day of July, 1840.

ALL that MESSUAGE, TENEMENT, or INN, called or known by the name or sign of the "CITY of LONDON," the yard and appurtenances thereunto belonging, situate, lying, and being at the corner of Stour-street, in Hawke’s-lane, in the parish of St. Margaret, in the city of Canterbury, and now in the tenure or occupation of George Kilner.

Tenders to be sent to the Workhouse, sealed up, before Three o’clock of the afternoon of FRIDAY, the 22nd day of May, 1840.

The Guardians will not be bound to lake the highest Tender, bat that which may appear to them most eligible.

For further particulars, and conditions of letting, apply at the Workhouse, Canterbury; or to Mr. John Nutt, solicitor. No. 61, Burgate-street, Canterbury.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 7 February 1843.

CANTERBURY POLICE—Monday, Feb. 6.

James Baker was charged with stealing a sheep, the property of Mr. Robert Young, and Susan Milgate was charged as an accomplice.

It appeared by the evidence of Inspector Bradley, that from information be received he suspected the prisoners of the theft, and, accompanied by Policeman Spratt, found the male prisoner at the "City of London," and conveyed him to the Station-house. He afterwards went to the "Star Tap" where he found the female prisoner, and told her Mr. Young had lost a sheep, and he suspected it was at at her house. She denied all knowledge of it. He took her to her house in Fortune's passage, and found the sheep nearly whole, and also the skin. She then began to cry, and said, he (meaning the male prisoner) had brought her to it, and the sooner she was transported the better.

The skin was sworn to by Mr. Young's shepherd, to having marked it with a pitch mark R.Y. a short time before.

Another witness named Barton stated that he saw Baker on Friday evening come down Wincheap with a sack on his shoulder containing something heavy, but he did not know what it contained.

The prisoners, who had nothing to say in defence, were committed for trial.

 

Kentish Gazette, 10 September 1850.

On the annual licensing day (Thursday last) our city magistrates suspended the following licenses:-

"Military Tavern," King Street;

"Eight Bells," King Street;

"Duke of York," Riding Gate;

"Kentish Arms," Jewry Lane;

"Eagle," Whitehorse Lane;

"Golden Cross," Northgate;

"Queen's Head," Northgate;

"City of London," Tower Street;

"Duke's Head," Wincheap;

"True Briton," Northgate;

"Royal George," Northgate;

"Queen's Arms," Northgate; and

"Three Grenadiers," Military Road.

 

Kentish Gazette, 18 May 1852.

Lawrence M'Carthy and John White, two privates in the 58th Regt. of foot, were charged with violently and criminally assaulting Harried Knott, a girl above 20 years of age, in a field near the Military Hospital. White stuffed a handkerchief in her mouth, to prevent her screaming, and afterward drew a knife and threatened to murder her, if she resisted, and demanded all the money she had—and searched her pockets. The defence set up by them both, was, they only saw the girl in the "City of London" public house, but did not go out with her, end that they were in the barracks by nine o'clock, and requested that the orderly Serjeant might be sent for, who would prove their being in the barracks. he was sent for, and he stated they were absent. The charge was fully proved against them both, and they were fully committed to take their trial at the next Maidstone assizes.

 

Kentish Gazette, 21 September 1852.

Thursday. Licensing.

This being the adjourned licensing day, those parties, whose licences had been suspended, again attended, and after receiving animadversion for their irregularity of conduct, had their licences granted, but with a decided caution that if again complaints were made against them they would not have their licences in future.

These parties were:- John Stairs, of the "Eight Bells," King Street;

John Noble, "Kentish Arms;"

George Kilner, "City of London;"

John Jordan, "White Heart;"

John Gillis, "Bricklayers' Arms;"

Elizabeth Forbes, "Oddfellows Arms;"

John Murphy, "Carpenter's Arms;"

Richard Wellard, "George and Dragon," Westgate;

Joseph Pentecost, "Royal George;"

and George Crow, "Rose and Crown."

Applications for New Licences.

Thomas Rodgers, of the "Sir Robert Peel" beer shop;

David Tuthwell, "True Britain;"

and Edward Gordon, "Pine Apple,"

applied for spirit licences, but which were refused.

 

Dover Express 29 August 1863.

EPITOME OF COUNTY NEWS.

At the Canterbury Police County, the other day, Henry Easton, landlord of "City of London," Canterbury, was fined 7s. 6d. and costs for having his house open for the sale of liquor after 11 o'clock on the previous Sunday night.

 

From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald. 27 July 1867. Price 1d.

TRANSFER OF A LICENSE

At the Canterbury Police Court, on Thursday, the Magistrates, (the Mayor, W. Plummer, Esq., and J. Hemery, Esq.,) transferred the license of the “City of London" public-house from Mr. Milles to Mary Ann Godfrey.

 

From the Whitstable Times, 14 June, 1902.

SUICIDE OF A LABOURER AT CANTERBURY.

An inquest was held by the City Coroner (Dr. T. S. Johnson), at the Guildhall on Monday afternoon, touching the death of Terry Miles, a labourer, lodging at, the “City of London,” Stour Street, Canterbury.

Mr. O. Hollamby was elected foreman of the Jury.

Joseph Nicholls Pilcher stated that deceased was his wife’s brother, and was a labourer, and lodged at the “City of London,” Stour Street. He was about 51 years old. Witness saw him last Thursday at 6.30 p.m., when he seemed cheerful and healthy. He saw deceased on Tuesday last when he seemed comfortable and happy. Witness never thought he would do such a thing as take his life. He was a sober men to the best of witness’s knowledge.

William Gales, labourer, and a lodger at the “City of London,” stated that he had known deceased for about four years. On Monday morning at 5.30 he went down to the w.c. at the back of the house, and there found deceased suspended by a rope. Witness cut the body down. He last saw deceased the night before, when he seemed in his usual health.

Stephan Blundell, landlord of the “City of London” public house, stated he had known deceased four or five years. He was always a quiet and reserved man. Deceased came home on Tuesday and witness said “No work to-day?” Deceased said “No.” He was going to have a holiday on his own, as everyone had the previous day, owing to peace. Deceased then went out. Witness saw him on Sunday, when he was cheerful and about the same as usual. He did not complain of anything. Between 5.30 and 6 o'clock that morning the last witness called him. Witness went down at once and assisted to cut the body down, and while the police were being sent for he used artificial respiration.

P.C. Reynolds stated that at about ten minutes to six o’clock that morning he was called to the “City of London” public house. On arriving there he found deceased lying on his beck with his mouth open. The landlord sent for Mr. Prentice.

Mr. Prentice, surgeon, stated that at about 5.46 that morning he was called to the public house, where he saw deceased lying on his beck dead. He saw the marks of a rope on his neck. Witness considered death due to strangulation.

The jury returned a verdict of “Suicide whilst of unsound mind.”

 

Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald 14 February 1903.

CANTERBURY BREWSTER SESSIONS.

CHIEF CONSTABLE’S REPORT.

I have given notice of objection to the following houses:-

"City of London," Stour Street.— That this house is used as a common lodging house; that the premises are in an unsanitary and unsafe condition; that the premises are not properly adapted for police supervision, and that the licence is not required to meat the wants of the neighbourhood.

THE CITY OF LONDON, STOUR STREET.

The Chief-Constable stated that he had visited the "City of London," Stour Street. The present tenant had held the license for about ten years. He objected to the license being renewed on the grounds that the house was used as a common lodging house. It was, he said, in a bad state of repair and the sanitary condition was only fair.

The City Surveyor. Mr. A. C. Tarleyy, gave evidence as to the condition if the house, which he said was unsafe.

Mr. Drury, who applied for the renewal of the licence, called Mr. Gerald Adams, surveyor, and Mr. F. P. Gentry, builder, both of whom said the house was in a safe condition.

The tenant was called to give evidence, and after hearing it the Chairman said the decision of the Bench would be announced at the close of the sitting.

THE DECISIONS. SIX RENEWALS REFUSED

The Magistrates retired for the purpose of considering the cases. On their return into Court the Chairman said the Magistrates had given a great deal of consideration to the cases having regard to the consequences of their decisions. In the case of the "City of London" the Justices had decided that it must stand over in order that plans could be submitted and approved for the alterations required by the police and the Surveyor. The plans would have to be submitted by the 21st inst., so that they might be considered before the adjourned Sessions to be held on the 25th, and an undertaking would have to be given that the plans would be carried out to the satisfaction of the police and the Surveyor.

The Sessions were then adjourned until February 25th.

 

LICENSEE LIST

CULVER John 1792+

BARBER William 1797+

FOWLER Thomas 1801+

WEAR Southee 1820+

LEPINE William 1824-31+ Pigot's Directory 1824Pigot's Directory 1828-29 (Wincheap Street)

BASSETT George 1832+ Pigot's Directory 1832-34

PETTS Mr 1836+

LADD Gibbon 1838-40+ Stapletons GuidePigot's Directory 1840

KILNER George 1847-52+ Bagshaw's Directory 1847

BOYLE G 1855+

WEST Joseph 1858+ Melville's 1858

HOBDAY E 1862+ Post Office Directory 1862

EASTON Henry 1863+ Dover Express

MILLES/MILES Mr to July/1867 Whitstable Times

GODFREY Mary Ann July/1867-68+ Whitstable TimesGreens Canterbury Directory 1868

ELDRIDGE William H (widow age 61 in 1871Census)

ELDRIDGE Miss Charlotte 1874-78+ Post Office Directory 1874

NICHOLS Frederick 1881-82 (Beer retailer) (age 43 in 1881Census) Post Office Directory 1882

NEWMAN Thomas 1882+ Kelly's 1882

WHITCOMBE J 1888

BEST Henry 1889+ Historic Canterbury web site

BLUNDELL Stephen 1902-11+ (age 62 in 1911Census) Historic Canterbury web site

https://pubwiki.co.uk/CityofLondon.shtml

 

Pigot's Directory 1824From the Pigot's Directory 1824

Pigot's Directory 1828-29From the Pigot's Directory 1828-29

Pigot's Directory 1832-34From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34

Stapletons GuideStapleton's Guide 1838

Pigot's Directory 1840From the Pigot's Directory 1840

Bagshaw's Directory 1847From Bagshaw Directory 1847

Melville's 1858From Melville's Directory 1858

Post Office Directory 1862From the Post Office Directory 1862

Greens Canterbury Directory 1868Greens Canterbury Directory 1868

Post Office Directory 1874From the Post Office Directory 1874

CensusCensus

Post Office Directory 1882From the Post Office Directory 1882

Kelly's 1882From the Kelly's Directory 1882

Historic Canterbury web siteHistoric Canterbury web site www.machadoink.com

Whitstable TimesWhitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald

Dover ExpressFrom the Dover Express

 

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

TOP Valid CSS Valid XTHML