1908

New Hythe Lane, Larkfield

Another one found by Rory Kehoe.

Rory says that the person who gave this to him says that it's around 1900 and taken on New Hythe Lane, Larkfield and that it was a Maidstone pub/brewery.

Rory thinks the sign may read Mountfield but it could just as easily be a seed merchant.

Peter Moynihan doesn't list anything like this for Larkfield.

Is there anyone out there who can identify this building?

Debbie Birkin says the following:- "It was opposite the "Bull Inn," London Rd, Larkfield on the corner of new Hythe lane.

Kent Photo Archive has it labelled as "The old brewery."

It appears in several postcards but only the corner of the building but the architecture is so distinctive there is no mistaking it.

I enhanced the sign above the door but can only make out MOUNTFIELD so must be the owners name. I can't find any reference to a brewery there and wonder if it was either a beer depot for the area or wine importers but I think it was just a temporary use.

The building looks very much like it started life as a catholic school or girls college, catholic schools always have those arched doors and windows its their gothic style they like so much anyway, I've sent a separate picture and will see if I can find out what it was on some old maps.

Above photo, date unknown, showing the corner of the building opposite the "Bull."

Above photo, date unknown, showing the corner of the building opposite the "Bull."