10 Bench Street

Dover

Not to be confused with the "George Hotel". I have also found reference to a "New George" as well in 1713. I wonder if indeed that is the same as this or the other mentioned.

Reputedly to be the name of the "Vine" before 1720 and most popularly known as the "Shakespeare Hotel" or "Crypt Tavern" which have all operated at different times above the same foundations.

Some coinage tokens which circulated in the past were thought to be related with the "George". They bore the inscription, 'IEC 1652' and I am inclined to associate them with the Bench Street premises, (See "Shakespeare Hotel") not that of the Snargate Street "George Inn" or hotel.

Robert Garrett, mayor of Dover in 1608, 1614 and 1621 kept the "George Tavern" and John Garrett, mayor of Dover in 1850 and 1851 was also an inn keeper but I was never able to connect him with a house. In 1669, Thomas White looks to be the host.

LICENSEE LIST

GARRETT Robert 1608+

WHITE Thomas 1669+