DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Canterbury, March, 2024.

Page Updated:- Monday, 11 March, 2024.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1695-

(Name from)

Cross Keys

Closed Nov 2019

24 Oaten Hill

Canterbury

01227 453302

https://whatpub.com/cross-keys

Cross Keys 1935

Above photo circa 1935, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Richard Monk

Richard Monk, licensee of the Cross Keys from 1920 until 1957.

Cross Keys 1952

Above photo circa 1952, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. Still being used as a bakery as well, hence the Hovis sign.

Cross Keys 1965

Above photo by Edward Wilmot in 1965.

Cross Keys 1984

Above photo, 1984, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Cross Keys 2009

Above picture taken from Google March 2009.

Cross Keys 2017

Above photo taken and sent by Rory Kehoe, August 2017.

Cross Keys 2022

Above photo 2022.

Cross Keys 2022

Above photo, 2022.

Cross keys 2024

Above photo 2024.

Cros keys sign 1991

Cross Keys sign March 1991.

Above with thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com

Cross Keys sign 2005Cross Keys sign 2016

Above sign left, 2005, sign right 2016.

With thanks from Roger Pester www.innsignsociety.com

Cross keys plans 2024

Above plans 2024.

Cross Keys outing.

The picture shows the landlord (6th from left) and regulars of the "Cross Keys," Oaten Hill, Canterbury on a day out in 1928, visiting a Shepherd Neame pub. The notes on the back are vague: "somewhere in East Kent" which is not actually all that helpful. In shot but not specifically identified are: Richard Monk (licensee of the "Cross Keys" for at least 35 years), Chalky Smith, Joe Wright, Henry Ticehurst, William Everton, Pasha Baker, Chas "Chippy" Norton, Bill Cook, Wally Whiffen, Alf Hoskin and several members of the Small family. Sitting bottom right is Alec (later Sir Alec) Rose, who in 1967/68 sailed around the world single-handed. Alec Rose was born in Canterbury in 1908 and attended the Simon Langton Boys' Grammar School.

Kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. At present the location of the pub in the photo is unknown.

 

Originally referred to as the "Trumpet" in 1687, and by 1695 had changed name to the "Cross Keys" when a nearby premises was let and advertised as a good dwelling house in Parish of St. Mary Bredin near the sign of the "Cross Keys."

The sign displays the keys of the Papacy as still used on the flag of the Vatican City State.

During the 1950s the pub also housed a bakery.

The Inns of Canterbury by Edward Wilmot's, 1988, mentions a document, date circa 1945 that gives the description of clientele at the pub as being "Local residents, good class trade."

In 1972 Brewers Charringtons and Co and Whitbread Fremlin Ltd exchanged inns in the South of England, this house was one of those exchanged.

 

Source: Consistory Court of Canterbury; Canterbury Cathedral Archives PRC 32/55.169. Submitted by Margaret Glenn.

In the name of God Amen I Thomas Abbott the elder of the Citty of Canterbury Innholder being weake in body but of sound and perfect minde memory and understanding (praysed be God therefore) do make and ordaine this my last (Will) and Testament in manner and forme following

First I recommend my soule unto Allmighty God my Creator hopeing by the all sufficient meritts of my blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to obtaine eternall joy and felicity in the Kingdome of heaven And my body I comitt to the earth to be decently interred in the Churchyard of St. Alphage in Canterbury at the discretion of my Executrix hereafter named And as to that porcon of worldly estate with which it hath pleased God of his goodnes to blesse me, I dispose thereof as follows

Items I give unto my eldest son Thomas Abbott the sume of Threescore and Ten pounds of lawfull money of England To be paid unto him by my said Executrix within one yeare and one day next after my decease

Item I give and bequeath unto my son Leonard Abbott the sum of Forty pounds of lawfull money of England to be paid unto him by my said Executrix within one yeare and one day next after my decease

Item I give unto my daughter Anne the sume of Twenty pounds of like lawfull money of England to be paid unto her by my said Executrix within one yeare next after my decease

Item I give unto my daughter Susana the sume of Twenty pounds of like money of England to be paid unto her by my said Executrix within one yeare and one day next after my decease

Item I give unto my daughter Martha the sume of Twenty pounds of like money to be paid unto her within one yeare and a day next after my decease by my said Executrix

Item I give unto my two grandchildren Elizabeth and Anne Burges, Children of my late daughter Elizabeth deceased the sume of Tenn pounds to each of them To be paid unto their father John Burges within one yeare and one day next after my decease soe as the said John Burges at his receipt thereof do give sufficient security to my Executrix hereafter named such as Squier Beverton the younger, gent(leman) and one of the Aldermen of the City of Canterbury and my brother Thomas Fleete shall like of and approve That the said twenty pounds shall be paid to the said Elizabeth and Anne Burges at their respective ages of one and twenty veares or on their respective dayes of marriage which if them shall first happen To witt Ten pounds to each of them

And if either of them shall happen too dy before they attaine to their said age or be marryed to pay unto the Survivour of them the said Elizabeth and Anne Burges the said whole sume of Twenty' pounds at her said age or day of marriage; and that if the said John Burges refuse or neglect to give such security' as aforesaid then my said Executrix to pay the said Twenty pounds last before menconed unto the said Elizabeth and Anne Burges at such times and in such manner as before is expressed

Item I give and devise unto my loveing wife Margaret and her assignes for and during the terme of her naturall life All that my messuage or Tenement with the appurten[an]ces called or comonly knowne by the name or signe of the "Crosse Keys" in the parish of Holy Crosse, Westgate within the walls of the said City of Canterbury

And from and immediately after the decs, [decease] of my said wife I give and devise the said messuage of Tenement unto my two sons Thomas Abbott and Leonard Abbott equally to be divided between them and to their heires and assignes forever

All the rest and residue of my estate whatsoever not herein before given and bequeathed, my debts legacies and funerall charges, and the probate of this my will being first paid and discharged I give and bequeath unto my said loving wife Margaret whom I make the sole Executrix of this my will

In witnes whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seale this Thirtyeth day of December in the yeare of our Lord One thousand six hundred eighty and five Thomas Abbott

Sealed and delivered published and declared by the said Thomas Abbott the Testator to be his last will and Testament in the p[re]sence of us whose names are subscribed who have also sett our hands in the pa€™sence of the said Testator Squire Beverton Junr.; Thomas Fleete his marke; Joseph Webb

Probatum fuit: 17th February 1685-6

Note: St. Alphage, Canterbury parish register has the burial of Thomas Abbott on 21st January-1685/6.

 

From Kentish Gazette 16 September 1769.

To be LETT and Enter'd on the 29th of September Instant:

A Large and Commodious PUBLIC HOUSE, known by the Sign of the CROSS-KEYS, on the DOVER ROAD, adjoining to the City of CANTERBURY; now in the Occupation of Mr. JOHN HUMPHRY.

For further Particulars enquire of JOHN PARKER, near the said House.

 

From Kentish Gazette 27 September 1769.

JOHN GILLMAN, Takes this Opportunity of acquainting his Friends and the Public in general, That he has taken the CROSS-KEYS on the Dover-Road, adjoining to the City of Canterbury, where he has laid in a Stock of exceeding good Liquors, and every necessary Accommodation.

An ORDINARY will be provided every Day at Twelve o'Clock. - The Favours of the Public will be gratefully acknowledged.

N.B. He also continues his Business as a WHEELWRIGHT at his Shop near the same Place.

 

South Eastern Gazette, Tuesday 4 October 1836.

Coopers Electuary for Piles.

Sold in pots at 2s. 6d. each.

To Mr. Cooper, Medical Hall.

Sir, - From the great benefit I have received from taking your Electuary for Piles, I feel it my duty to give my certificate for the public good. Having been afflicted for several years with the piles in a very distressing manner, I had recourse to many different kinds of medicine with no benefit until I took your Electuary; the first pot raised me from the grave, and by the time I had taken the second, the disorder left me; upon every return I applied to it with the same benefit, and by taking your Stomach Pills for the purpose of keeping it off, have had no return of that distressing disorder for nearly 12 months.

I am, Sir, yours, &c.

James Smithson.

Landlord of the "Cross Keys," Canterbury.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 19 December 1843.

Robbery.

On Saturday evening last, a cart going from the "Cross Keys," Oaten Hill, Canterbury, belonging to Mr. Filmer, of Lower Hardres, was robbed by three men in the Old Dover-road, not far from the "Ivy House." The property stolen was a market basket, containing provisions, &c. value 20s. The robbery was effected by the men reaching over the back of the cart. The thieves, we are sorry to say, escaped.

 

Kentish Gazette, 5 October 1852.

Inquest.

On Thursday morning Mr. Delasaux held on inquest at the "Cross Keys," in this city, on the body of James Olive, a person upwards of 80 years of age, who retired to rest early overnight, after eating a hearty supper, but in the morning was found a corpse by his housekeeper.

 

Kentish Gazette, 1 March 1853.

ATTEMPT AT MURDER AND SUICIDE.

We have to record a most melancholy event which occurred in our city yesterday morning. George Worsley, a steady industrious man, aged 37 years, formerly a gardener, but of late occupied as a labouring blacksmith, residing in Nunnery Cottages, abutting on the Old Dover Road, attempted the life of his wife and afterwards destroyed himself, by cutting his throat with a razor.

A coroner's inquest was held on the body, at the "Cross Keys," before T. T. Delasaux, Esq., coroner for the district, when the following evidence was adduced:—

Catherine Knott, residing in an adjoining house, stated that she was disturbed in the morning by the screams of a woman and knocking at the wall, which she discovered to proceed from Mary Ann Worsley; and that on going into the house and proceeding up stairs, saw the wife on the landing — who said that her husband had cut her neck — she was bleeding much when seen by the witness. Witness sent for a surgeon, who, on his arrival, assisted the woman, and in the room adjoining found the husband in bed dead, with his throat cut. Witness had known deceased for nine years.

W. H. Bean, residing at No. 4 Nunnery Cottages, deposed to his having seen the deceased as described by the last witness. — Saw him on Sunday evening. — Had noticed, as well as the neighbours, the strangeness of his conduct for the last month; recommended him to have medical advice, which he did; knew him to be on the best terms with his wife — none more so — that he lived very happy with her and was much attached to his children.

Richard Penny, a smith, had known the deceased and worked with him for the last 18 months. Had noticed him in a desponding state. The deceased had told witness three weeks since that he felt very strange with faintness on the chest, and that he did not know what would become of him.

T. Saakey Cooper, Esq., surgeon, was called in to attend on the deceased and his wife at about a quarter to five on Monday morning. Saw the deceased in bed with his throat cut — the whole of the vessels were divided, which had produced instant death. Attended to the wife, upon whose person he found an incised wound four inches in length, extending along the upper edge of the clavicle on the left side. The deceased was taken into an adjoining room, and on the bed clothes being removed from the bed on which Worsley lay, a razor was found covered with blood, evidently the instrument by which the act was committed. He had no doubt but that the wounds were inflicted by the husband.

Mr. C. deposed to his having had an interview the evening previous to the event with the deceased, who complained of general debility and lowness of spirits, and that he felt incapable of performing his work.

As there was no doubt existing in the minds of the jury that the deceased was of unsound mind, the following verdict was returned:— "That the deceased destroyed himself while in a state of mental derangement."

By this sad event, six children have been deprived of their father, and the poor widow left in a pitiable state of physical suffering, distress of mind, and straightened circumstances.

 

Southeastern Gazette, 8 March 1853.

Dreadful Suicide and Attempt at Murder.

On Monday afternoon, T. T. Delasaux, Esq., coroner for this district, held an inquest at the "Cross Keys" public-house, on the body of a man named George Worsley, formerly a gardener, but latterly employed as a labourer, who committed suicide that morning, and also made an attempt upon the life of his wife, under the following circumstances, as detailed in the evidence, and gleaned from the neighbours of the unfortunate deceased. He had been labouring for some time previous under great depression of spirits and weakness of body, occasioned, principally, it is presumed, from his increased incapacity to meet the requirements of a large and increasing family, there being six children, the eldest under 12 years, and the youngest only two months old. His wages were but 13s. 6d. per week, which he earned by working in the forge of Mr. Holman, in the Old Dover-road, a short distance from Nunnery-cottages, the scene of the dreadful occurrence. On Sunday the deceased obtained some medicine from Mr. Cooper, surgeon, and in the evening he appeared much more cheerful than usual, and retired to bed with his wife shortly after half-past nine o'clock. Nothing particular transpired in the night, beyond his appearing rather restless, until a little after four o’clock on Monday morning, when he inquired if there was any cold tea left, and being answered by his wife in the affirmative, he got out of bed and went down stairs, for, as she supposed, the purpose of obtaining some. While he was gone, the poor woman fell off to sleep, from which she was awoke by husband attempting to cut her throat; but in the dark he had drawn the razor across her neck, making a deep incision four inches long, extending along the upper edge of the clavicle, on the left side; she screamed out "Oh, dear, George, what are you doing?" and immediately rushed out of the room to the top of the stairs, where she knocked and called for her neighbour (Mrs. Knott), who, hearing the alarm, hurried to the assistance of the poor woman. A shocking spectacle met her view upon going up-stairs; the wife was smothered in blood, which was running profusely from the deep gash in her neck, and the husband was lying on the floor by the side of the bed, with his throat cut nearly from ear to ear, and apparently quite dead. Mr. Cooper, surgeon, was immediately sent for. Upon his arrival he pronounced the man to be quite dead, and the wife very seriously injured; he accordingly proceeded at once to attend to the incision in the woman’s neck, and to adopt such means as he considered necessary for the preservation of her life. Evidence was given showing that the neighbours had noticed the desponding state of the man, and the jury at once returned a verdict:- "That the deceased, George Worsley, destroyed himself while in a state of temporary derangement." This sad affair has cast a gloom upon the whole neighbourhood, as the deceased was a sober, industrious man, and much attached to his wife and family. We are glad to learn that a subscription has been started in aid of the poor widow and her children; and we feel assured that benevolence cannot be better bestowed than in relieving their wants and necessities, especially under the present trying circumstances.

 

From the Kentish Chronicle. 16 July 1859. Price 1½d.

FATAL ACCIDENT IN A CHALK PIT.

On Saturday morning last, William Clark, a labourer in the employ of Mr. Lancefield, met with his death through the slipping of the “callow" in the chalk pit in the old Dover-road. The decease was clearing up the chalk about 40 feet from the surface when two slips took place, and he was buried in the “callow” and chalk, about forty tons of which fell into the hole in which he was at work. The deceased was dug out in about half an hour, at a depth of about 6ft quite dead. The slip is supposed to have been caused by the recent heavy rains, but the place still looks dangerous, as the “callow” leans over the chalk, and appears rotten. The deceased was 68 years of age, and had been employed on the works for about 29 years. On Saturday evening Mr. T. T. Delasaux, coroner, held an inquest on the body, at the “Cross Keys,” when, as there did not appear to be blame attributable to any one, the jury, returned a verdict of “Accidentally suffocated in a chalk pit.”

 

South Eastern Gazette, 7 August, 1860.

MURDER OF AN INFANT.

An infant only a few weeks old has been brutally murdered, it is supposed by its mother, in the neighbourhood of the New Dover-road, a short distance out of the city. The discovery took place under the following circumstances:—

Shortly after three o’clock on Friday morning last, as Robert Davison and another watercress seller were passing the hop-garden of Mr. Collard, near the New-road turnpike, they heard a peculiar noise proceeding from the drain, like the whining of a dog, but not attaching much importance to it, they went on to the place where they gather their water-cresses, and filled their baskets. On returning, at about six o’clock, their attention was again drawn to the drain, from which the noise emanated — as they imagined, from some unfortunate dog. They resolved, if possible, to release the animal, but to their surprise, upon removing the stone from the top of the drain (which is used to convey the water from the road into the field) they found a child, about six or seven weeks old, wrapped in a piece of old Cobourg, but having no clothing whatever on it. The poor little thing was taken to the police station, where it was found upon examination that a piece of broad tape was tied tightly round its neck. This was removed, and the child placed in a warm bath, under the direction of Mr. T. Andrews, surgeon. In a little time signs of reviving showed themselves, and the child was ultimately removed to the union-house, where it died in the course of the afternoon.

Steps were at once instituted, under the direction of Superintendent Davis, of the city police force, with the view of discovering the whereabouts of the supposed author of this brutal crime.

On Saturday evening, T. T. Delasaux, Esq., formally opened an enquiry as to the cause of death, before a respectable jury, at the "Cross Keys," St. Mary Bredin, Mr. H. Gillman being the foreman. The following was the only witness examined:-

Jane Harris deposed:- I live in Stour-street, Canterbury. Yesterday morning, about half-past eight, I went to the assistance of the deceased child, at the police station. It was in the arms of a man, who thought it was dead. I took it, found it was not dead, and put it into a warm bath. It partially recovered, and it was taken by me to the union-house, by direction of the relieving officer. This was about half-past ten. The child died between three and four o’clock in the afternoon. I don’t know to whom the child belonged. There was a mark at the side of the child’s head, and it had been very badly neglected. When I received the child, I found a piece of broad tape round its neck, and which, crossing the chest, was tied behind the waist. The tape went twice round the child’s neck.

The Coroner then asked the jury if they would like the surgeon (Mr. T. S. Cooper), who was present, to make a post mortem examination of the body, as the inquiry might turn out very serious, and imperil the life of some one. He (the coroner) would therefore suggest that the surgeon should be in a position to give them the cause of death, without the slightest hesitation. If he could do so without making a post mortem examination, why there was no necessity for him to trouble himself; but if he could not, then the sooner such an examination was made the better.

Mr. Cooper:— I think the exposure of the child would have been sufficient to cause its death, without the injury to its neck, which may have assisted it. There is no suspicion of any poisoning, likely to be detected by a post mortem examination. I would rather the jury would decide than myself, as to having the post mortem examination.

After some consideration, the jury expressed a desire to have a post mortem examination, and Mr. Cooper promised to make it at once.

The inquest was then adjourned until Tuesday (to-day), at four o’clock.

 

South Eastern Gazette, 14 August, 1860.

THE MURDER OF AN INFANT.

Adjourned Inquiry on the Body.

On Tuesday last, T. T. Delasaux, Esq., the city coroner, resumed an inquiry into the circumstances connected with the death of the infant found in the drain in the New-road, under the circumstances recorded in our last. The inquiry was again held at the "Cross Keys," St. Mary, Bredin, under the foremanship of Mr. H. Gillman. The following evidence was adduced:—

Robert Davison, of Grove-lane, Canterbury, labourer, deposed:— On Friday morning last, at about half-past two o’clock, I was going from Canterbury to Bridge in company with Samuel Carter. When we had reached Mr. Collard's hop garden, near the New-road, we heard a noise in a drain alongside the turnpike road, and believed it to be a dog. As we returned to the spot at about eight o’clock, Carter looked into the drain and said he could see that it was a dog. I then looked and saw that it was a child, apparently a few weeks old. We thought it was dead, and took if to the police station, but it was then found to be alive. We gave the child to a constable and then left. In going to Bridge we only met a policeman, and could not tell how the child came in the drain.

By the Jury:— The child was 3ft. in the drain. It would have been easy to push the child in the drain with a stick. The child was wrapped in a piece of black cobourg, and a piece of tape was tied tightly round its neck; the latter I untied immediately the child was taken from the drain. The child could not have been placed in the drain by a person’s hand.

Samuel Carker corroborated this testimony.

Charlotte Blackman, residing in St. Dunstan's, deposed:— My father keeps the "Star" coffee-house. Last Saturday week a woman, whom I should know again if I were to see her, came to my father’s house about ten o’clock at night with the deceased, whom I recognise by a mark on the left side of the head. The woman appeared about 30 years of age, of about middle stature, and had a respectable appearance. I conversed with her for some time. When the woman came to my father’s house the child had a white night dress on. She slept at my father's house that night, and left the next morning about six o’clock. She partook of supper, and had some milk for the child. She paid for all she had, changing a sovereign for that purpose. She went to bed about half-past ten. I did not see her again.

Mr. T. S. Cooper, surgeon, deposed:— About half-past ten on Friday morning last, the deceased was brought to my surgery by the relieving officer and Mrs. Jane Harris. I examined the child and found it warm and comfortable, and had it removed to the lying-in ward at the union. I saw it again soon after one, and it was still alive. A great change had then taken place, and the child wan evidently sinking. The nurse, by my instructions attempted to give it some milk, but it was unable to swallow and died shortly afterwards. On the afternoon of Saturday last, I made & post mortem examination of the body. I first opened the chest and examined the lungs and heart and found them perfectly healthy. I then took the stomach out and examined the small intestines, and there was nothing unusual in them. The stomach contained nothing but milk. I opened the head and examined the brain, but found no disease, nor had it received any external injury sufficient to cause death. There was an abrasion of the skin on the neck, which might have been caused by the piece of tape now produced. I am of opinion that death was caused by long exposure to the air and cold, to which it had bee» subject. There were neither internal nor external marks of violence that would produce death, or even hasten it.

Superintendent Davies, of the Canterbury police force, deposed:- From information I received with reference to the death of the deceased child, I proceeded to Ashford, and thence to, London, and made every possible inquiry, for the purpose of discovering the woman in whose charge the deceased had been. I left a description of her at all the police courts in London, but could gain no intelligence of her whereabouts. The superintendent mentioned other particulars, but the Coroner held that they had reference more to the woman supposed to have had possession of the child prior to its death, than to the death of the deceased.

itself, which was the object of the present inquiry. Under these circumstances, the coroner did not receive as evidence the detail in question.

The Coroner, in summing up, observed that when this inquest, was adjourned on the previous Saturday he anticipated a longer inquiry than had taken place, because it was then hinted that some clue had been obtained likely to lead to the discovery of the inhuman woman who had the custody of the deceased child, and who it was therefore assumed had placed it in the position in which it was found. No such evidence, however, had been adduced, and the jury had now only to consider the evidence that related to the death of the child. It was quite clear that no person, under present circumstances, could be implicated by their verdict, which could only be that of murdered by some person or persons unknown.

The jury assenting, returned a verdict of "Murder by some person or persons unknown."

 

From the Kent and Sussex Courier, 17 October, 1873.

CANTERBURY. Municipal Elections.

A meeting of burgesses of the Dane John Ward was held on Friday, at the "Cross Keys Hotel." Alderman T. S. Cooper, presided, and among those present were the Worshipful the Mayor (H. G. Austin, Esq.), Councillors, Harrison, Dance, Mount, Capt. Lambert, Fielding, Furley, Mudford, &c. Mr Dance was unanimously invited to offer himself for re-election, and Mr Robert Godden, of the firm of Gaskin and Godden, was requested to contest the vacant seat in conjunction with Mr Dance. Both candidates issued addresses to the burgesses on Saturday.

 

From the Whitstable Times, 22 June, 1901.

DEATH FROM A FALL INDOORS.

The City Coroner (Dr. T. S. Johnson) held an inquest at the "Cross Keys," Oaten Hill, Canterbury, on Saturday, touching the death of Patrick White, late forage agent at the Cavalry Depot, Canterbury.

Walter Michael White, forage issuer at the Cavalry Barracks, Canterbury, identified deceased as his father, who was aged 83. The deceased lost his wife about ten weeks ago and lately he had been living in lodgings. He had not been well for the past week or two. Witness saw him the night before his death, at about eight o'clock, when he seemed very comfortable. He was better than he had been for some days. The deceased was insured.

Rhoda Saville, living at 19, Oaten Hill Place, Canterbury, stated that she let apartments. The deceased came to her a fortnight ago the previous Tuesday and took two rooms. The deceased was very poorly all the week. On the evening before he died the deceased had his supper between eight and nine o’clock. Witness went in his room about 10.30 to see he was comfortable and he said he was. Witness bade him "Good night." The deceased seemed much better then. At that time he was in his bad. He had been in bed some days previously.

The next morning, a little after six o’clock, witness found the deceased's bedroom empty and at the bottom of the landing steps, about five steps down, she found him dead. Witness then sent for Mr. Prentice and the police.

Mr. Z. Prentice, surgeon, stated that he had attended the deceased on and off for the past six years. On the previous Saturday he prescribed for him. He attended him for bronchitis and other things. He had seen him every day since. He was better on Thursday. On the previous morning he was sent for and on his arrival he found him on the stairs dead. He had been dead some few hours. Witness examined the body and from the way he was lying he evidently pitched against the wall. Ha had concussion. His face was against the wall. He was undoubtedly suffocated from the way he was huddled up. Death was due to the fall.

The Coroner summed up and the jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

 

November 2019 I was informed that it was all boarded up. So obviously closed.

 

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Gerry Warren, 5 December 2019.

Cross Keys pub in Canterbury closes after 12ft well opens in toilets.

A 17th century city pub has been closed and sealed off after a deep well opened up in the toilets.

A ‘danger - keep out’ sign has been posted outside the Cross Keys pub in Oaten Hill, Canterbury, following the collapse of the 12ft-wide shaft.

Cross Keys 2019

The Cross Keys pub in Canterbury has been sealed up for safety reasons.

The hole - thought to be more than 20ft deep - was found by maintenance workers in loos at the back of the Grade II-listed property.

As a result, owner Star Pubs and Bars, which is part of the Heineken group, has been forced to shut the business.

Specialist structural engineers are now using CCTV to examine the hole and decide the best course of action.

It is feared the pub - which is due to undergo a £650,000 refurbishment - could be closed for months.

It is a setback for Star Pubs and Bars, which has already commissioned architectural and interior designers to refurbish the property and create a boutique pub/hotel with six rooms.

Cross Keys well

The 12ft-wide hole which has caused the pub to close.

Faversham-based Design i.d. specialises in pub refurbishments and director Justin Prior says the issue has delayed the planned renovation, for which a planning application was recently submitted.

“We think it is probably a well, but it is certainly a very big, black hole and investigations are underway,” he said.

“The internal structural damage is minimal but we will know more when the investigation is complete as to whether the hole needs filling in or can be capped off.

“We have made the owners aware and it is likely that now this has cropped up it will set the refurbishment back. We still have to get planning permission.”

A spokesman for Star Pubs and Clubs confirmed the Cross Keys is temporarily closed “following the collapse of a well towards the back of the property”.

Cross Keys garden

The pub garden has been fenced off.

“We are currently assessing the damage before undertaking the required remedial work in order that the pub can reopen again as quickly as possible,” she added.

The business was bought from Punch Taverns by Star Pubs and Bars earlier this year and had continued to operate until the collapse of the well.

Mr Prior says the refurbishment plans are exciting and will enhance and revive the building, which is in a prime position. He hopes work can start early in the new year.

The planning application is for listed building consent for changes, including the installation of glazed double doors, the relocation of the bar, removal and erection of internal partition walls, installation of en-suites, kitchen and bathroom and the blocking up and creation of entrance ways.

Mr Prior said: “The pub is in a prime position and adding six en-suite rooms will broaden its appeal.”

 

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Gerry Warren, 17 February 2021.

Grade II listed The Cross Keys pub in Canterbury which dates back to 18th century to get £650k makeover.

An ambitious transformation of an 18th century pub from a “tired drinker’s local” to a “modern and quirky” inn will take place after lockdown.

The £650,000 project at The Cross Keys in Canterbury has been stalled by the pandemic, having previously hit a stumbling block when a 20ft-deep shaft collapsed in the men’s toilets.

But its owners, Star Pubs and Bars, says it is excited about starting the works and is already searching for a new tenant to take on the Oaten Hill boozer.

Eye-catching CGIs on its website show how the Grade II-listed building could look after the makeover, for which planning permission has already been secured.

Star Pubs says it hopes the renovation will “expand the pub’s target demographic” and appeal to the thousands of university students in the city.

On its website, it says: “Transformational works will reposition The Cross Keys from a tired drinker’s local into a modern and quirky space, perfect for the town’s discerning customers and growing student population.

“Inside, the trade area will be decorated with an attractive mix of vintage prints, illuminated signage and upcycled furniture.

Cross keys CGI 2021

A CGI of the proposed Cross Keys makeover.

“An exciting food and drink offering will create income streams at all points of the day and expand the pub’s target demographic.

“This tasteful refurbishment will inject modern character into The Cross Keys, giving it the ability to trade at all points of the day and generate multiple income streams.

“With premium features, a brand new bar servery, flatscreen TVs, and a private rear bar area, The Cross Keys will now be able to host any occasion in stunning surroundings.”

As part of the project, the pub will offer six “boutique letting rooms” on the two floors above.

A spokesman for Star Pubs said: “We have exciting plans for the Cross Keys in Canterbury and look forward to commencing work when government restrictions allow.

Cross Keys CGI 2021

How the Cross Keys could look after refurbishment.

“We are also interested to hear from potential operators who might be interested in taking this pub, or any of our other planned refurbishments.”

The pub has an annual rent of £48,750 and an estimated turnover of close to half-a-million pounds a year.

 

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Gerry Warren, 18 June 2022.

Cross Keys pub in Canterbury could soon reopen as talks with tenant progress.

A derelict 17th century pub looks set to finally be given a new lease of life as talks progress with a would-be tenant.

The boarded-up Cross Keys in Canterbury has been empty since December 2019 after the floor collapsed in its toilets, revealing a 12ft-deep well that rendered the building unsafe.

The pandemic then stalled a scheme to completely renovate and transform the Grade II-listed boozer in Oaten Hill into a "modern but quirky" pub.

But its owner, Star Pubs and Bars, says it is still keen to invest in a "major refurbishment", subject to recruiting a new operator.

It said this week: "We are currently in talks about the proposed upgrade with an interested party, but are still in the planning phase.

"We look forward to sharing more details once the plans are finalised."

The company had previously set out its vision for the historic building, releasing CGI images of how it might look.

It also gained planning permission for the work but says the design is now being "tweaked".

The chain hopes the renovation will “expand the pub’s target demographic” and appeal to the thousands of university students in the city.

It previously said: "Transformational works will reposition the Cross Keys from a tired drinker’s local into a modern and quirky space, perfect for the town’s discerning customers and growing student population.

"Inside, the trade area will be decorated with an attractive mix of vintage prints, illuminated signage and upcycled furniture.

"An exciting food and drink offering will create income streams at all points of the day and expand the pub’s target demographic.

"This tasteful refurbishment will inject modern character into the Cross Keys, giving it the ability to trade at all points of the day and generate multiple income streams.

"With premium features, a brand new bar servery, flatscreen TVs, and a private rear bar area, the Cross Keys will be able to host any occasion in stunning surroundings."

Part of the original project also included creating six 'boutique letting rooms' on the two upper floors, but this aspect has now been dropped.

A Star Pubs spokesman said: "The works will be a major refurbishment of the pub but will not include the letting rooms, though there will be accommodation for the new operator on site.

"But if the operator wanted to renovate the letting rooms at a later date, that would be an option."

 

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk 27 November 2022.

Plans to breathe new life into The Cross Keys pub in Canterbury given green light.

Hopes a 300-year-old pub could soon reopen have been boosted after plans to breathe new life into the derelict building were given the go-ahead.

The Cross Keys in Canterbury has been empty for the last three years after the floor in its toilets collapsed, revealing a 20ft-deep well that rendered the building unsafe.

Cross Keys 2022

The Cross Keys in Canterbury photographed earlier this year.

The pandemic later stalled owner Star Pubs & Bars' vision to completely renovate and transform the Grade II-listed site in Oaten Hill into a "modern and quirky" tavern.

But now proposals - which are expected to boost the watering hole's viability - have been approved by the city council.

Reacting to the authority's decision, a Star spokesman said: "We’re delighted planning permission has been granted for the major refurbishment.

“It will see this 17th century pub fully restored, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere, excellent food and drinks at affordable prices.

“All we need now is the right person to take the pub forward.”

The company has been searching for someone to take on the building for more than a year.

Plans to refurbish the historic structure - which were lodged with the council in July - include refinishing the floors, installing a lead roof and removing the existing smoking shelter.

Papers show Star wants to construct a new pergola in the garden in a bid to "provide an undercover seating area and make the area more usable throughout the year".

"We feel our proposals have been designed to improve the layout of the existing property," planning documents submitted to the authority add.

"They will improve the appearance of the site, helping to support the public house and making the business more viable."

"The major refurbishment will see this 17th century pub fully restored, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere..."

At the time of the cave-in, maintenance workers originally sent in to repair the structure's crumbling floor discovered a 12ft-wide hole underneath.

A team of specialist structural engineers were then tasked with surveying the cavity with cameras carefully lowered down.

When the hole was first found Justin Prior, of Faversham firm Design i.d., said: “We think it is probably a well, but it is certainly a very big, black hole.

“The internal structural damage is minimal.”

Star, which is part of the Heineken group, had only recently purchased the inn from Punch Taverns when the incident took place.

Even before The Cross Keys had to shut its doors a major renovation was in the works but in the years since the plans have been tweaked.

The original proposal featured the creation of six "boutique letting rooms" on the upper floors. This plan has since been scrapped.

At the time, Star said the scheme would transform the pub from "a tired drinker’s local into a modern and quirky space, perfect for the town’s discerning customers and growing student population".

The tavern was originally opened as the "Trumpet" in 1687, but within the next decade its name had changed to the Cross Keys.

Approving the latest refurbishment plans, city council officers noted the project "would preserve the special historic and architectural interest of the listed building".

 

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Gerry Warren, 10 March 2024.

Cross Keys pub in Oaten Hill Canterbury remains derelict - four years after sudden closure.

A historic pub boarded up when the toilet floor collapsed remains an eyesore more than four years on.

But the owners of the Cross Keys in Canterbury are continuing to pledge a full refurbishment, if bosses can only find a new operator to take on the lease.

The pub, in Oaten Hill, was forced to close in December 2019 when a huge hole and 20ft deep shaft opened up in the toilet floor, leading to ‘danger keep out’ signs being posted on the Grade II-listed, 17th-century building.

There were hopes it would re-open in 2021 when owners Star Pubs and Bars revealed plans and secured permission for its makeover.

Star said it was working on “transforming and repositioning the Cross Keys from a tired drinker’s local into a modern and quirky space”.

Bosses said it would boast premium features, including a brand new bar servery, flatscreen TVs, and a private rear bar area.

Eye-catching CGIs were even posted on the company’s website but the work was stalled by the pandemic.

As part of the project, the pub could offer several “boutique letting rooms” if the new leaseholder wished to pursue the opportunity.

In 2022, Star Pubs and Bars said it was in talks with a potential tenant but a deal never materialised and the building remains derelict.

The company insists the pub has “fantastic potential” and says it will undergo a full refurbishment if a new leaseholder is found.

“All we’re missing is the right person to drive it forward,” it says on its website.

But any new incoming operator will be expected to have “significant experience in the hospitality industry” and to fork out a minimum of £72,505 upfront and pay an annual rent of £44,500 a year in rent.

A spokesman for Star Pubs and Bars said: “We remain keen to undertake a major refurbishment of The Cross Keys in Oaten Hill, which is a beautiful old pub, subject to recruiting an operator.

“The project would completely revamp The Cross Keys, transforming it into a top quality venue with a smart new décor and a lovely garden.”

Anyone interested can visit www.starpubs.co.uk/pubs/cross-keys-canterbury

 

LICENSEE LIST

HUMPHRY John to Sept/1769

GILLMAN John Sept/1769+

SMITHSON Miller Mr 1792-28+ Edward Wilmot CanterburyPigot's Directory 1824Pigot's Directory 1828-29

SMITHSON John (James) 1832-47+ Next pub licensee had (age 53 in 1841Census) Pigot's Directory 1832-34Stapletons GuidePigot's Directory 1840Bagshaw's Directory 1847

SMITHSON Caroline 1851+ (age 50 in 1851Census)

WILSON Joseph "John" 1858-61+ (age 37 in 1861Census) Melville's 1858

JORDAN J 1862+ Post Office Directory 1862

PILCHER Robert 1868-82+ (age 36 in 1871Census) Greens Canterbury Directory 1868Post Office Directory 1874Post Office Directory 1882

DUTNALL William 1891-1903+ (age 47 in 1901Census) Post Office Directory 1891Post Office Directory 1903Kelly's 1903

FLAXMAN William C 1913+ Post Office Directory 1913

Last pub licensee had MONK Richard Percy 1920-57+ (age 57 in 1939) Post Office Directory 1922Post Office Directory 1930Post Office Directory 1938

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

 

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

Post Office Directory 1874From the Post Office Directory 1874

CensusCensus

Post Office Directory 1882From the Post Office Directory 1882

Post Office Directory 1891From the Post Office Directory 1891

Post Office Directory 1903From the Post Office Directory 1903

Kelly's 1903From the Kelly's Directory 1903

Post Office Directory 1913From the Post Office Directory 1913

Post Office Directory 1922From the Post Office Directory 1922

Post Office Directory 1930From the Post Office Directory 1930

Post Office Directory 1938From the Post Office Directory 1938

Edward Wilmot CanterburyInns of Canterbury by Edward Wilmot, 1988

 

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

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