FLEUR DE LYS Pubs of Sandwich

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Sandwich, October, 2024.

Page Updated:- Wednesday, 30 October, 2024.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1642

Fleur de Lis

Closed Aug 2024

6-8 Delf Street

Sandwich

01304 611131

https://www.fleurdelishotel.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com

https://whatpub.com/fleur-de-lis

Above photo, date unknown. Central building.

Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo, 1970.

Photos taken by Paul Skelton 17 Feb 2008.

Fleur de Lis sign October 1991.

Above with thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com

Above photo, date unknown.

Photo taken 11 September 2010 from http://www.flickr.com by Jelltex.

Above photo 2023.

The Fleur is located in the heart of Sandwich. It comprises 12-room hotel accommodation, a bar and a spacious restaurant.

The "Fleur De Lys" is named after the emblem adopted during the reign of Edward II into the Royal Arms to back up his claim to the thrown of France. By 1700 this establishment is recorded as being the "Flower of Lewis," and had served as a recruiting post during the Civil War for the Royalists, volunteers to the colours being instructed to repair there "where they will be entertained with drinks and entertainment".

The first recorded mention of the Fleur de Lis was in 1642, when the town crier proclaimed it as a meeting place for volunteers to fight for Charles I.

According to information on a board inside the pub today, the current day establishment was built in 1785 during the reign of George III.

In 1790 it was the coaching office in Sandwich. Coaches could be booked to go to Canterbury, Ramsgate and Dover. A coach house and stable yard ran adjacent to the inn and coaches and horses could be hired to take passengers to the main stops. By the start of the 19th century a stable lad and coach boy were employed here. The Fleur-de-lis operated a coach service until the arrival of the motorcar. It was also at this time that the corn market came to be held at the Fleur. Every Wednesday farmers would meet here to sell their corn and barter and haggle over prices. The prices of corn were displayed on the board inside the Inn and still has the wooden screens where people made their bids and transactions.

Kentish Gazette, Tuesday 23 October 1798.

FLEUR DE LIS and CORN MARKET HOUSE, SANDWICH.

B COLEMAN, late Waiter at the "Bell Inn" begs leave respectfully to acquaint his friends and the public in general, that he has taken the above Inn, and having made very considerable improvements to accommodate gentlemen travellers; &c. by a strict attention he hopes to merit their favours.

It having been the wish of many gentlemen the Corn-market on Wednesday should begin early, he begs leave to inform the public, there will be an Ordinary provided on Wednesdays at one o'clock.

Additional stabling is provided.

Kentish Gazette, 11 September, 1804.

SANDWICH. To be SOLD by AUCTION,

At the "Fleur de Luce Inn," on Monday, the 17th day of September instant, at eleven o’clock in the forenoon.

The following Freehold Estates, in lots, (Unless in the mean time disposed of by Private Contract).

Lot 1. All that old-established and commodious Inn and Market House, known by the name or sign of the "Fleur de Luce," situate in Delph-street, in Sandwich, and now in the occupation of Benjamin Coleman.

Lot 2. A large and commodious Storehouse, situate in the Corn-market, in Sandwich aforesaid, adjoining to the sign of the "Swan," and now in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Bundock.

Lot 3. All that Barn and Yard, with the several buildings and sheds thereunto adjoining and belonging, now used as spinning and weaving rooms, situate at Mote Sole, in Sandwich aforesaid, and now also in the occupation of Mr. Bundock.

Also a piece or parcel of Land or Garden Ground adjoining the above premises, now in the occupation of Benjamin Coleman.

Lot 4. Two Messuages or Tenements, (one whereof hath been converted into and now used as a sail-cloth manufactory) situate in Harnett street, and now in the occupation of the said Mr. Thomas Bundock, and others.

Lot 5. A Messuage and Premises, situate in Delph-street, in the occupation of ---- Kelly.

Lot 6. Three Messuages and Premises, situate in Delph street afordsaid, in the several occupations of ---- Jacobs, ---- Lantry, and ---- Jordan.

Lot 7. A Messuage and Premises, situate in King-street, and now in the occupation of Mrs. Overton.

For further particulars enquire of Mr. Lee, solicitor, Sandwich.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday, 25 February, 1837.

ROBBERY AT SANDWICH

A man, named John Solly, who was discharged from his situation as ostler, at the “Fleur de Lis,” which he had filled for three years, at Christmas last, has been committed to gaol under the following circumstances:-

On Wednesday the 15th inst., a commercial traveller arrived at the “Fleur de Lis;” his portmanteau, boxes, &c., were placed in the commercial room; and on the following morning the gentleman found that his driving box and portmanteau had been broken open, and some wearing apparel and other articles stolen there-from. A close examination of every person employed at the Inn, was instituted; but no discovery was made, it was even supposed that the robbery might have been committed on some previous stage of the journey. Although every exertion was made, nothing was elicited till the evening of Friday, when a lad, named Williams, employed at the stables, heard something among the hay in the loft above, into which he proceeded with a lanthorn, and to his great surprise saw the prisoner Solly standing before him with a bundle. The lad immediately ran down and gave information to Mr. Coleman, his master; but Solly in the mean time escaped at the back of the premises, and proceeded over the tops of the houses, descending and ascending with great ability, pursued by a number of persons. At length he was observed to enter the yard of D. Hodgson, Esq., where after some search he was found completely buried in the dung heap. On this being taken to the “Fleur de Lis,” and there searched, there were found on his person three five pound notes, eighteen pound eleven shillings in gold and silver, and upwards of seven shillings in copper, tied up in a napkin belonging to the Inn; and also several small articles the property of the traveller. The dung heap being searched next morning the wearing apparel, &c. were found near to where he had concealed himself. The prisoner has since confessed that the money was purloined from Mr. Coleman. At the time of his leaving his situation money and other articles had been missed; but no suspicion was entertained of his dishonesty.

From the Kentish Gazette, Tuesday 21 November 1837.

VALUABLE FREEHOLD COMMERCIAL INN AND TAVERN, SANDWICH.

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION by DENNE and HICKs.

On the premises, on Wednesday, December 13th, 1837, at One o'clock in the afternoon, subject to such conditions of sale as will be then and there produced.

All that desirable and substantial FREEHOLD ESTATE, well known as the "FLEUR-DE-LIS INN," situate in SANDWICH, Kent, in full trade, and now for many years in the occupation of the proprietor, Mr. Benjamin Coleman, who is about to retire from business.

The Property, which will be sold in one lot, comprises the very excellent Inn, spacious Market Room, where the long established Corn Market for the district is held weekly. Stabling for 20 horses, and every other convenience for an extensive trade.

The Premises are most eligibly adapted and situated for business. The buildings are all in good repair, and the purchaser will have possession on completion of the purchase.

Further particulars may be known on application to the Auctioneers, Market Place, Sandwich; or to Mr. William Lee, Solicitor, at his Offices in Sandwich, at 15, St. George's Place, Canterbury.

From the Kentish Gazette, 22 May 1838.

FLEUR-DE-LIS, COMMERCIAL TAVERN AND CORN MARKET, SANDWICH.

THOMAS F. CRAMP begs leave most respectfully to acquaint his Friends and the Public, that he has succeeded Mr. Coleman as proprietor of the above establishment, and from the experience in the Wine and Spirit Department and Tavern Business, and having thoroughly studied those essential qualities of a landlord, "civility and attention," he trusts will be a deserving recommendation for a continuance of their support and patronage.

Commercial Gentlemen, Visitors and Families, will find extensive alterations and improvements to facilitate business, interest, and the comfort of guests; entirely new-furnished Sleeping Apartments; superior Beds; newly arranged commodious Sitting, Coffee, and Reading Rooms; the general arrangements of the Inn Department are classified with a careful regard (combined with the introduction of moderate charges and some taste), to merit their approbation and recommendation.

Agricultural Gentlemen, Corn Factors and Dealers, resorting to the Market Rooms, he especially pledges the strictest attention to aid the transaction of business, and afford every accommodation.

On Stock and Corn Market days an Ordinary will be provided.

T. F. C. has selected a Stock of the choicest old Wines, Spirits of the first quality, London and Dublin Stout, Porter. &c. &c., to which he particularly invites the attention of the inhabitants of the Town and neighbourhood, as he shall offer the same at a fair remunerating profit.

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 4 May, 1839. Price 5d

POLYANTHUS AND AURICULA SHOW

On Tuesday last about 30 gentlemen sat down to an excellent dinner, provided by the worthy landlord of the "Fleur-de-Lis," Sandwich, Mr. Cramp; - Thomas Gillow Esq., in the chair. As soon as the cloth was removed the Flowers we shewn and highly commended by the judges; especially the Auricula shewn by Mr. Doorne. The following gentlemen obtained prizes:-

Polyanthus - First Prize. Thomas Gillow Esq. Second ditto, Mr. B. Coleman. Third ditto, Mr. Davis. Fourth ditto, Mr. Cramp.

Auricula - First Prize, Mr. Doorne. Second ditto, V. Hoile Esq. Third ditto. T. Gillow Esq.

From the Kentish Gazette, 15 March 1842.

Fleur de Lis Inn, Commercial House, and Corn Market, SANDWICH, TO BE DISPOSED OF.

A Person devoted to the Agricultural and Commercial Interests, will find this an eligible opportunity of entering into a well established Business. The Corn Market is held at the House every week, and the Cattle Market every alternate week. The Proprietor leaving to join another business.

Immediate Possession may be had.

Apply to R. S. Cramp, Cannon Brewery, Ramsgate.

From the Kentish Gazette, 15 April 1845.

DEATH.

Peake:— April 9, at Sandwich, Mr. Stephen Peake, landlord of the "Fleur-de Lis Inn," aged 49.

Kentish Gazette, 22 June 1847.

Sandwich. TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, By Mr. JOHN HICKS,

AT the "Fleur-de-Lis Inn," Sandwich, on MONDAY, the 19th day of July next at Two o’clock in the afternoon (unless previously disposed of by Private Contract),

A BREWERY, DWELLING HOUSE, AND PREMISES, In Two Lots.

Lot 1:— All that FREEHOLD BREWERY and excellent PLANT, with recent additions and improvements, force-pump, and every convenience for carrying on a profitable trade, situate in SANDWICH, and late the property of Mr. Thomas Deverson, deceased.

The Casks and other Utensils in use with this Lot, and also the Stock of Beer, may be taken at a valuation.

Lot 2:— All that substantial DWELLING HOUSE and PREMISES, situate in Market-street, SANDWICH, late in the occupation of the said Thomas Deverson, by whom it was partially rebuilt, and is therefore now in good repair.

Immediate possession may be had of Lot 1.

For further particulars, and to treat for the sale by Private Contract, apply to the Auctioneer, or to Messrs. Lee and Tapley, Solicitors, Sandwich.

Kentish Gazette, 6 July 1847.

NOTICE.

THE BREWERY and HOUSE advertised to be Sold by Public Auction on the 19th instant, have been DISPOSED OF by PRIVATE CONTRACT.

LEE and TAPLEY, Solicitors. Sandwich, 2nd July, 1847.

The Arrival of the Railway at sandwich in 1847 increased the trade to such an extent the licensing hours were extended on a Wednesday and the inn would open at 5.30am. In the latter 18th century a corn market was held there on Wednesdays and for most of the 19th century a sign displayed outside the Inn read 'Commercial Tavern, Corn Market and general Coach Office.

Today a sign inside the pub adds, "We no longer accept haggling and bartering." But still maintains its wooden screens where traders made their transactions.

From the Kentish Gazette, 12 May 1857.

HOTEL FOR SALE, SANDWICH.

(By Private Contract.)

ALL that well-known and Old-established INN, COMMERCIAL HOTEL and CORN MARKET, called the "FLEUR-DE-LIS," situate near the Cattle Market.

For Particulars apply to Mr. Hicks, Auctioneer, Market Street.

Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 31 October 1857.

Fleur de Lis Inn, Sandwich.

Robert Wanstall begs respectfully to inform the Farmers, Factors, and Others, that the New Market Room will be opened on Wednesday, November the 11th.

A DINNER Will be provided to celebrate the occasion, when the company of any Gentlemen will much oblige.

Dinner on table at half-past Four o’clock.Tickets 4s. each, including Dessert and Waiters.

From the Kentish Chronicle, 19 May, 1860.

THE WEST STREET HARRIERS.

The annual hunt dinner took place a few days since at the "Fleur de Lis Inn," and was well attended by the patrons of the sport in this locality, whose thanks were offered to the esteemed owner of the pack, Mr. M. Nethersole. The Major presided, and the evening was spent most agreeably.

South Eastern Gazette, 14 August, 1860.

FOR SALE,

A First class BILLIARD TABLE, by "Thurston," with cues, balls, butts, rests, marking board, framed rules, &c., complete.

Enquire of T. F. Cramp, Fleur-de-Lis, Sandwich.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 4 August, 1871. Price 1d.

OLD ESTABLISHED HOTEL AND MARKET ROOM IN SANDWICH

Three Freehold Dwelling-Houses and shop in Beach Street, Deal.

To be sold by Auction, by Mr. Geo. Ralph.

At the “Fleur-de-Lis Hotel,” Sandwich, on Wednesday, the 9th of August, 1871, at three for four o'clock in the afternoon.

IN ONE LOT

All that Well-Known Old-Established, Market and Commercial Hotel, known by the sign of the “Fleur-de-Lis,” in a central position in the town of Sandwhich, close to the Cattle Market, which is held on alternate Mondays, and also the Spacious and Newly-built Market Room, adjoining the communication with the Hotel, and in which the Corn Market is held weekly.

The Hotel contains on ground floor, Large Entrance Hall, Glass-Fronted Bar, Larder, Two Store Cupboards, Porters' Room, Large Billiard Room, Coffee Room, Kitchen, Washhouse, and Scullery, with Large Wine, Beer, and Spirit Cellars. On the first floor, Seven Bedrooms, Commercial Room, Sitting Room, W.C., and Lumber Room. And together with the Coach-house, and Eight-stall Stable, adjoining the Hotel.

Immediate possession may be had, and a portion of the Purchase Money can remain on Mortgage.

Kelly's Directory of 1899 stated that a corn market was held at the premises every Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and an extensive cattle market every alternate Monday from 8 to 12 p.m. and was also known as a "Family and Commercial Hotel."

From the Whitstable Times, 16 June, 1900.

SANDWICH. PROPERTY SALE.

Messrs. Baker and Giles held a very successful sale at the "Fleur-de-Lis" on Wednesday, each of the lots offered being disposed of. A freehold cottage in the Butchery, Sandwich, was purchased by Mrs. Hurst for £90; a freehold dwelling-house with bakehouse, in Harnet Street, by Sir. Charles Lee for £205; The King’s Wharf, with dwelling-house and shop adjoining, by the East Kent Brewery Company for £240; and The "Old Drum" by Mrs. Hurst for £100.

From the book "Inns of Kent", Whitbread & Co. Ltd., published 1948.

In the centre of Sandwich will be found The Fleur de Lis, an inn having rooms to let and catering for lunches and dinners. The Fleur de Lis is a straggling building or buildings of rose-coloured brick with associations from the Continental weavers some centuries ago.

Dover Express 15th July 1949.

£130 RATIONING FINES. PIG KILLED WITHOUT LICENCE.

Thomas Edward Quested of the "Fleur de Lis Hotel," Sandwich pleaded guilty at Sandwich Magistrates’ Court to obtaining 90lbs of pork in contravention of the Food Rationing Order 1948 and to contravention of the Live Stock Restriction on Slaughtering Order by causing the slaughter of a pig without a licence.

Mr. C. H. Lewes (Treasury Solicitor’s Department) prosecuted and Mr. J. Albert Davies appeared for Quested.

Outlining the case, Mr. Lewes said the story opened on December 21st 1948, when Ministry inspectors visited the "Fleur de Lis Hotel," where defendant, who incidentally was a butcher, was a resident. They spoke to Quested, who was behind the bar, asked to see Mrs. Shewell, who was the licensee, and then went to the kitchen. In “a lower region” they found a meat safe which contained a side of pork in two pieces. The safe was locked, Quested said he had lost the key, but invited them to break it open. He told the inspectors he had slaughtered the pig under licence for Mr. Hulme of Pedding, but it was found Mr. Hulme had had the whole of his pig. Quested said it was for Mr. Ted Hulme of Adisham, but the complete carcase was found at Adisham.

Mr. Lewes said that Quested refused to say anything further about it, but, in some way, the pork was obtained illicitly. On the same day the inspectors went into the hotel yard and found the complete carcase of a pig, except the head, in a trailer. Quested said he had slaughtered if for his cook ----- Mrs. Davidson ---- under licence. Subsequent investigations revealed that Mrs. Davidson’s pig was slaughtered on December 13th and that raised the question of why the pig was being driven about in the car eight days later, instead of being in a refrigerator or in Mrs. Davidson’s possession. Quested continued to insist the pig in the car was Davidson’s, so there was still a doubt as to its ownership.

Mr. Davies said Quested had very foolishly promised a number of people pork at Christmas time. Having done it, he tried to make explanations. The meat was taken from him, so he had derived no benefit from it at all. “He has simply been a good-natured fool.”

Defendant was fined £30 and £100 respectively and ordered to pay £10 costs and an order was made for the disposal of the side of pork in possession of the Ministry.

Information received November 2011 tells me the pub is currently for sale with the leasehold asking price of £150,000. The pub is currently closed as of the end of 2011.

The pub opened again in July 2013 and was doing well in 2014 till it closed its doors yet again in early September 2014.

Latest news, 17 October 2014:- To reopen - Opening date is unknown but there are posters in the window indicating it is expected to open soon and staff are being recruited.

Opened again August 2015.

From the http://www.kentonline.co.uk 19 August 2015 by Emily Stotte.

The Fleur de Lis in Sandwich is re-opening after a year.

The Fleur de Lis in Sandwich has opened under new management after a year of standing empty.

Jan Fisher and general manager Matt Cross have taken on the venture in turning the Fleur in Delf Street into a lively pub and restaurant with live music, a function room and hotel.

It will open tomorrow (Thursday) at 5pm after weeks of preparation.

Mrs Fisher explained that more than £10,000 has been spent on the refurbishment and it has created eight to 10 jobs for the town, including opportunities for young people.

She said: “I'm really excited. Even though we haven't opened yet everyone is really friendly and welcoming. I've been encouraged by the enthusiasm people are showing for the opening.”

Mrs Fisher has worked in hotels and restaurants all her life, starting out as a chambermaid and later running a hotel at the Princess Grace Hospital in London.

She said: “We want to offer a warm welcome, traditional locally sourced food cooked on site and in a really friendly environment.”

Mr Cross ran the "Valiant Sailor" pub in Folkestone and this was where the pair first met and struck up a friendship and a business partnership with the dream of transforming an empty pub.

He will now live on the premises and deal with its day to day running.

He said: “We've got the experience and we know how important customer service is. It's just something that started out very small and it's grown bigger very quickly.”

They initially had their eyes on the Market Inn in Sandwich but this wasn't to be. However, chef Paula Johnson, formerly of the Market Inn is now part of their team.

The bar will be serving snacks from today and the restaurant will open in early September.

The hotel, with 11 en-suite bedrooms are available from £80 a night, including breakfast.

Closed again August 2024.

LICENSEE LIST

CLAIREBUT Daniel 1790 (Universal British Directory)

COLEMAN Benjamin 1798-May/38