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26-27 Tower Hamlets Street
Dover
01304 206388
https://www.facebook.com/The-Dewdrop-Inn
https://whatpub.com/dew-drop-inn
Above photo, circa 1911. Kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. A publicity
photograph from Carter & Co of Poole, Dorset. George Beer's Star
Brewery, Canterbury, employed Carter's services in their refurbishment
of the Dewdrop and the installation of a decorative ceramic tile
exterior. It is no coincidence that this made the Dewdrop look a little
like a tube station, as Carter's were also major tile suppliers to
London Underground. |
Above photo from the John Gilham collection, circa 1920. |
Above photo, circa 1917, it is suggested that the lady to the left of
the cup is licensee Mrs E J Castle. |
Above photo 1983 by Stuart Kinnon. |
Dewdrop Inn 1986 (Photo by Paul Skelton) |
Above photos by Paul Skelton, 28 May, 2011. |
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Above photos by Paul Skelton 6 Oct 2007. |
Above photo 2024. |
The street itself materialised about 1866 and number 27 was previously
known as the "British Tar" in 1871. The name had changed by 1874.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 27 September, 1878
A RAID ON PUBLIC HOUSES
Robert Russell and James Webb were summoned, the former for having his
house, the “Dew Drop,” open at twenty-five minutes past ten on Sunday
morning, and the latter for being on the premises.
Police-constable Corrie said: On Sunday morning I went with
Police-constable Baker and visited the “Dew Drop” public-house. I went
to the front and Police-constable baker to the back. I heard someone
walking in the house. I knocked at the door twice and the landlord
opened it. I told him who I was and went in and found a glass with fresh
beer in it. I went through to the back and found Police-constable Baker
talking to the other defendant. I spoke to the landlord and he said
“Don't take any notice of this for my wife's ill upstairs.” I saw the
man off the premises, after taken his address.
After hearing Mr. Worsfold Mowll and witnesses for the defence the Bench
fined Russell 40s. and 12s. 6d. costs, and Webb 2s. 6d. and 12s. 6d.
costs.
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Plans for rebuilding were presented by the brewer, Phillips and Company,
in 1902. In 1908 it was described as being recently rebuilt.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 6
January, 1905.
LICENSING
The "Dewdrop Inn" was transferred from G. Swain, who held the license
for 23 years 7 months, to W. Castle, a retired sergeant of the Buffs.
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Dover Express 12 November 1909.
PERSONAL NOTICE.
Mr. William Castle, "Dew Drop Inn," 26, Tower Hamlets, Street, hereby
gives Notice that he will not be responsible for any debts contracted by
his wife from November 5th. - (Signed ) W. F. Castle, "Dew Drop Inn,"
Tower Hamlets Street. |
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From the Dover Express, 13 October 1916.
FUNERAL OF MR. W. F. CASTLE.
The funeral took place on Monday, with full military honours, at
Charlton Cemetery, of Mr. William Frederick Castle, of the "Dew-drop”
Inn, Tower Hamlets Street, who died on October 4th at the age of 47
years. The band of the Buffs played Beethoven's and Chopin's funeral
marches on the way to the cemetery. The firing party was from the Buffs.
At the conclusion of the burial service, the “Last Post” was sounded.
The officiating clergyman was the Rev. W. H. Grepe. The mourners present
were Mr. W. Castle (son), Mr. E. Castle (brother), Mr. T. Datlen and Mr.
G. Hogbin (brothers-in-law), Mr. Gurney (step-father), Mr. Francis and
Mr. Mosely. Amongst those present at the graveside were the following
members of the Licensed Victuallers Defence Society; Mr. H. Rothwell
(Chairman), Mr. J. Parker (Vice-chairman). Mr. B. Morris (Secretary),
and Messrs. F. Barton, B. Holman. W. Fagg and — Stockwell. Floral
tributes were sent from the following:— To my dear Will, from his Emma;
from Nellie and Gladys; from Ada; from Lizze and Moses, also niece and
nephew; from the members of the Sergeants' Mess, 3rd Battalion the
Buffs, Dover; from his comrades of the Sergeants Mess, 29th T.R.
Battalion; from the members of the “Dew-drop Inn" Club; from old pals of
the “Dew-drop Inn"; from Phil, Tom and family; from the members of the
Dover and District Licensed Victuallers Defence Society; from Mr. and
Mrs. Holman; from Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Hubert; from Mr. and Mrs. Francis
and family; from Mr. and Mrs. Philpott and family; from Mr. and Mrs.
Mosely; from Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Goldfinch; from Mr. and Mrs. Turner;
from L. B. and L. H.; from Dr. W. J. Duncan Best; from Mr. and Mrs Smith
(“Havelock Arms”); from Mrs. Medhurst and family; from Mr. and Mrs. W.
A. Hubbert; from Mr and Mrs. Penn; from Mr. and Mrs. Curd. The funeral
arrangements were carried out by Mr. Parsons, of Beaconsfield Road,
Dover. |
James Robinson Cairns, landlord 1924-29 & 1944 was the longest serving
Mayor of Dover in the 20th century. (See
info.)
This Fremlin outlet was seriously damaged by a storm in October 1987,
part of the frontage collapsing into the road. (The frontage is shown
still in the photo taken just before the storms, above) Satisfactorily repaired
however and still active today.
The above photograph, kindly sent to me by Stuart Kinnon, was taken from
Wyndham Road in 1919 and shows the Dew Drop in the distance.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 22 September, 1933. Price 1½d.
BEER THROWN AT TOWER HAMLETS
At the Dover Police Court on Friday, before Messrs. C. J. Sellens, W. S.
Lee, W. B. Brett, T. Francis, S. Lewis and F. R. Powell.
Matilda Coade was summoned by Annie Agnes Holland for assault.
Defendant pleaded not guilty.
Mrs. Holland said that on the 8th September she was coming from the
“Dewdop Inn” at 10.45 a.m. with a pint of beer in her hand, and Mrs.
Coade came along with her sister and pulled witness down to the ground
by her hair, so witness threw the beer over her. Defendant called
witness names, and said her children were brats. Defendant was her
sister-in-law, and witness would not have summoned her if she had not
threatened. There have been several scenes in Tower Hamlets Street over
family affairs. Witness's children could not walk down the street
without the other children spitting at them. She could not summon both
the women as her husband was on the relief.
Fined 2s. 6d. and bound over for 12 months.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday,
16 June, 1935. Price 1½d.
TOWER HAMLETS STREET JUBILEE TEA.
The residents of Tower Hamlets Street provided a Jubilee tea on
Monday afternoon for the children in the street. At 2.30 p.m. the
children, numbering 170, assembled outside the "Dewdrop Inn", and
marched through Tower Hamlets, headed by Mr. and Mrs. Turner's band.
Most of the children were in fancy dress. At 5 o'clock, tea was
provided, and a telegram from the King was read to the children. After
tea, there was another march through the streets with the band and a
party of nigger minstrels, who caused a great deal of amusement. The
entertainment finished at 9.30 p.m., when each child received a present
of fruit and sweets. Mrs. Cadman and Mrs. McKeen wish to thank all who
assisted in the organisation of the treat.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News. 20 January 1939.
Royal Navy Old Comrades Association-
Next meeting, Saturday 21st, Dewdrop Inn, Tower Hamlet, at 8 p.m.:
all ranks and ratings R.N. and R.M. (Past and Present) invited.
Also Saturday, August 5th, 8 p.m.
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Dover Express 27 April 1945.
ORDER OF LADIES GLADES. (R. A. O. B.)
Unity Glade, No. 45, held their eleventh birthday anniversary at the
"Dewdrop" Inn, Tower Hamlets Street, Dover, on Thursday last week. The
ceremonial portion was attended by sisters of Acorn and Maple Leaf
Glades. Sister Smith was raised to the 3rd Degree, the installing
officer being Grand Dame Commandant Dame Elliott, assisted by her
officers. The soloist was Sister Wright, and the pianist Sister Sisley.
The refreshments included the participation by seventy in a birthday
iced cake, with eleven candles, made by Sister Sisley.
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From an email received 15 December, 2012
Dear Paul,
I've just had some info given to me, and it contains reports that
Reginald Maltby, (Jan/1940-1943) who was the landlord of the "Dew Drop Inn," and before
that the "Five Alls," was awarded the George Cross (he was originally
awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal, in 1926, for saving a little girl
from drowning in a well while he was serving in the forces in India, and
later this was swapped for a George Cross). It was Mrs Beatrice Maltby,
his wife, who took over the licenseeship of the "Dew Drop Inn" after her
husband died. Reginald was born in Fulham on 24 January 182 and died in
Dover, at the "Dew Drop Inn," on 17 December 1943. The family had moved to
Dover in 1939.
If you happen to be around the library, there's a funeral report for him
in the Dover Express of 31 December 1943 (he's buried in Charlton SJ 14), and also a death announcement in that paper. There are also a couple
of reports in local papers (sorry, not exactly sure which ones, but one
may be the Dover Express of 8 January 1998) of a headstone being placed
on his grave on 6 January 1998, with funds raised from his Regimental
Association. I'm sorry, I haven't got the copies, otherwise I'd send
them to you, but I hope this might be of some interest/help!
All the best, and Happy Christmas!
Maggie Stevenson
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From the Dover Express. 18 June 1948.
DOVER MAGISTRATES.
Dover Magistrates on Friday approved the following applications for
alterations to licensed premises:-
The removal of the partition separating the jug and bottle and the
private bar at the "Dewdrop Inn," Tower Hamlets Street.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 1
November, 1963.
Customers at the "Dew Drop," at Tower Hamlets, held their annual
harvest festival at the week end.
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Derek Imrie emailed me on 12 December 2007 with the
following recollections of his time in the pub.
My father, William Imrie was a retired
naval officer who became licensee of the Dewdrop with his wife Lily
Patience and his in-laws. E. A. Elliott and wife.
On the outbreak of
war he intended to return to the navy, but unfortunately became ill
with TB, from which he died in Feb. 1940.
Although I was only 4 in
1940, I do have some vivid memories of the pub, particularly my
brother Frazer and I riding our bikes and toy cars around the first
floor Clubroom, but not on those days when the room used for meetings
of either the Ancient Order of the Buffaloes or Ladies Glade.
Bunk beds were built for my brother and I
in the cellar, amongst the beer crates, and when there was an air raid
warning we had to sleep done there.
We moved towards the end of 1940
to Heathfield Avenue on the other side of Town. My mother spent the
war driving an ambulance for the Civil Defence, by brother went with
the Grammar school to Wales, and when Barton Road school reopened in
1942 I went there and subsequently joined my brother at the Grammar
school.
I trust this information is useful, I have plenty more
memories, so do come back to me if you need help. Regards Derek Imrie.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News. 22 October, 1965.
A record £43 5s. 5d. was raised for the Kent Blind at the annual
Harvest Festival at the Dew Drop Inn in Tower Hamlets on Sunday.
Customers and local tradesmen gave the produce which was auctioned.
Raffles were also held.
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From the Dover Mercury, 8 September, 2011.
70p
YABBA DABBA DOO! THE DEWDROP WINS AT WALK
PUB landlords and customers raised money at the 38th annual Dover
Lions Club Publicans Walk on the seafront. Seven pubs took part, with
teams going up and down the seafront three times, a distance of three
miles.
Sponsorship money will help organise the club's Christmas dinner for
the elderly, held at "Club Dover" (formerly the "Harbour Board Club") on
Saturday December 3.
Winner of this year's fancy dress was the Flintstone family, complete
with a Flintmobile, from the "Dewdrop Inn." The "Park Inn" took second
place with its 'Nauticoo' theme and the "White Horse" came third as the
Smurfs.
Trophy for the best individual entry went to Betty Rubble from the
"Dewdrop," Popeye and the Mermaid from the "Park Inn" were awarded
second and third places respectively.
The "Carpenters Arms," Coldred, the "Flotilla," "Dover Sea
Angling Club" and the "Bull" also supported the event.
Sponsorship money is still coming in a trophy will be awarded for the
most money raised.
• For more information about Dover Lions Club and its fundraising and
community service activities, call 0845 8339908.
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Sadly closed in June 2023.
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From the
https://www.kentonline.co.uk
By Sam Lennon, 15 April 2024.
Plans approved to turn The Dewdrop Inn in Tower Hamlets, Dover, into HMO.
Neighbours fear converting a former pub into a 12-bed HMO will
exacerbate parking chaos in their “already overcrowded” road.
Dover District Council’s planning committee has narrowly approved
plans for a home for workers in the closed-down The Dewdrop Inn in
Tower Hamlets Street.
The Dewdrop Inn in Tower Hamlets Street, Dover, is to be converted
into a 12-bed HMO
But opponents worry the scheme “just won’t work” as they sometimes
have to park several streets away from their own homes.
Parking is only on one side of the single-track road, and there are
concerns the scheme put forward by MJ Real Estate of Wolverhampton
will be an “overintensification” of the area.
Twenty-nine people objected to the plans on DDC’s planning portal,
but the scheme was waved through by five votes to four on Thursday
night.
Resident David Jones, who sent a letter to the authority, says the
project is “just a bad idea”.
“We live in an already overcrowded area and parking is a nightmare
as it is,” he said.
An interior image of one of the planned HMO rooms on the site of The
Dewdrop Inn in Dover. Picture: MJ Real Estate.
“I struggle to park on my own street and quite often have to park a
long way away.”
Neighbour Carol Chaplin agreed, saying: “There are just too many
cars in a small place like this already and I don’t think there can
be room for any more.”
Brian Williamson, who lives a few doors away from the former pub,
says traffic from the school run is also “horrendous” with children
being transported to and from three nearby schools: Dover Grammar
for Boys, Dover Grammar for Girls and Priory Meadow Primary.
“Parking is already atrocious. There is a garage up the road and the
boss can hardly park outside,” he said.
"The litter problem around here is already terrible and drains
around here are always flooding.”
Dover Town Council is also against the project, saying it would be
an over-intensification of the area “bearing in mind Tower Hamlets
is the most densely populated ward in Dover”.
But MJ Real Estate says the two-storey building will have a
dedicated HMO manager, and has reduced the size of the scheme from
14 rooms to 12 following amendments to the internal layout.
Kent County Council’s highway officials studied a parking survey
provided by consultants for the application and from that raised no
objections.
In recommending the scheme for approval before Thursday’s meeting,
DDC planning officers said there is a “need to accommodate tenants
in shared accommodation”.
They added: “While it is accepted that there may be a minor increase
to parking pressure, this is not significant to warrant refusal of
the application.”
An image submitted to Dover District Council showing the HMO plan.
Picture: Blackrock Architecture Ltd.
Not all locals were against the development.
Neighbour Gary Bivens said: “People have to live somewhere. It’s
tough getting on the housing ladder and people need a roof over
their heads.
“There was a rumour going around that the place was going to be used
for ex-offenders but I couldn’t find anything from the documents on
the planning portal to say that.”
The untrue gossip had been circulated on Facebook and some
commenters on the planning portal also raised that fear.
But the management plan by MJ Real Estate states: “The bedrooms will
be marketed to working professionals and blue-collar workers.
“With the help of a local letting agent, the rooms will be marketed
on property portals such as Rightmove and OpenRent to secure,
suitable tenants who will go through a vigorous referencing
procedure to ensure they’re suitable.”
And company director Gareth Dominique stressed: “This rumour is
completely false. The development is created for local people such
as port staff and nurses.
“There is a need for this development and it is high quality.”
Justifying the project overall, he said: “There is a real shortage
of accommodation in Dover and this development will provide
much-needed quality accommodation for local people.
“We have acknowledged the local concerns which we have addressed in
the management plan and it’s in our mutual interests that the
property operates positively within the community.“
The Dewdrop Inn closed last year, following the trend of declining
small neighbourhood pubs as customers’ habits have changed.
The pub, a tavern since the early 1880s, was the last in Tower
Hamlets to go.
The "King Edward VII," "Havelock Arms,"
"White Lion," "Imperial Crown,"
"Tower Inn" and "Carrier’s Arms" had all vanished in the last decade.
(You mean century. Paul Skelton.) |
LICENSEE LIST
RUSSELL John Robert Jan/1874-79+
 
SWAIN George May/1881-Jan/1905+
     
(age 42 in 1891 )
CASTLE William Frederick Jan/1905-Oct/4/1916 dec'd (age 41 in 1911)
CASTLE Mrs E J to Apr/1917
MANTELL/MANTEL Charles Apr/1917-June/24
  
late of Dover Engineering Works.
CAIRNS James Robinson June/1924-May/29
HAWKINS James Frederick May/1929-Dec/36
 
HAWKINS Mrs Henrietta M Dec/1936-37 end
IMRIE Lieut. William Alexander Richie 1937-40 dec'd
 
ELLIOT E A 1940
IMRIE Mrs Lily Patience 1940 end
MALTBY Reginald Jan/1940-1943 dec'd
MALTBY Mrs B M 1943+
CAIRNS James Robinson 1944
CAIRNS Albert 1948-50
 
McPHERSON John Robertson 1953
MATTHEWS William John or J W 1953-56 dec'd
MATTHEWS Mrs Lavinia Jean 1955-78 end
BALDWIN M W P 1958-71 end
MARSHALL Joseph N 1971-84
Fremlins
WARR R 1987
GIORDANI Caspare 1992
HORTON Derek & Angie 1996-2000
PAGE Chris 2000-20+
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From an email from Anthony "Tosh" Marshall, 9 December 2009.
My father was indeed Joseph Marshall, landlord of the "Dewdrop
Inn," Tower Hamlets Street, where he was landlord from 1971 to 1984 when
he retired. He passed away in Worksop in 1990.
Tosh Marshall. |
From the Post Office Directory 1874
From the Post Office Directory 1882
From the Post Office Directory 1891
From the Kelly's Directory 1899
From the Post Office Directory 1901
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 Pikes Dover Blue Book 1923
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1924
From the Post Office Directory 1930
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1932-33
From the Post Office Directory 1938
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1938-39
From Pikes Dover Blue Book 1948-49
From the Kelly's Directory 1950
From the Kelly's Directory 1953
From the Kelly's Directory 1956
Library archives 1974
From the Dover Express
Census
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