DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Saturday, 19 October, 2024.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1838-

Leather Bottle

Open 2020+

103 Mongeham Road

(Great Mongeham)

(Sholden Bank)

Deal

https://whatpub.com//leather-bottle

Leather Bottle, Great Mongeham (Studdle)

Above photo of the Leather Bottle, extreme right of picture, date unknown, kindly supplied by Sue Solley.

Leather Bottle, Great Mongeham

Again date unknown but believed to be 30s or 40s. Kindly supplied by Paul Wells.

Leather Bottle 1911

Above kindly supplied by the "Leather Bottle" circa 1911.

Leather Bottle, Sholden

Above picture kindly supplied by Sue Solley, date unknown.

Leather Bottle

Above postcard, postmarked Oct 2007, kindly supplied by Stuart Kinnon.

Leather Bottle, Great Mongeham 2009 Leather Bottle sign, Great Mongeham 2009

Above photos by Paul Skelton, 25 July 2009.

Leather Bottle in Mongeham

 Above photo by Paul Skelton 2007.

Leather Bottle sign in Mongeham

Above photo by Paul Skelton 2007.

Leather Bottle sign 1986

Leather Bottle sign left October 1991, sign right July 1986

Above with thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com

 

From the Kentish Gazette, Wednesday 20 September, 1769.

To be Let.

The "Rose and Crown Alehouse," at West Langdon, and the "Leather Bottle Alehouse" at Shoulden Bank.

Enquire of Mr. Stewart, Brewer, at Sandwich.

 

Kentish Gazette, 30 September, 1806.

SHOLDEN BANK.

To be SOLD by AUCTION, By RICHARD HARMAN, Senior,

AT the Sign of the "Leathern Bottle," at Sholden Bank, near Deal, on Thursday, the 2nd of October, 1806, at five o’clock in the evening.

A Freehold Messuage and Garden, with the appurtenances, in a pleasant and healthy situation at Sholden Bank aforesaid, late in the occupation of the Widow Bowles, and now untenanted; together with two cottages adjoining; one in the occupation of Henry Files, and the other in the occupation of Mary Cock.

For particulars apply at Mr. May’s Offices in Deal and Sandwich.

 

From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, Saturday 7 April, 1838.

Miss M. CHANDLER, died 25 March at Sholden Bank, near Mongeham, of the Leather Bottle public house. (I assume this was the licensees daughter. Paul Skelton.)

 

From the Kentish Gazette 10 April 1838.

March 27, at Shoulden Bank, near Mongeham, Miss Chandler, of the "Leather Bottle" public-house, at that place.

 

Kentish Gazette, 9 May 1854.

Sholden.

On Monday last, Mr. W. W. Eaden, deputy coroner, held an inquest at the "Leather Bottle," on the body of an aged man, named John Marsh, who was found the previous day drowned, or rather suffocated, in a dyke, in which there were only two feet of water, about half a mile from his house.

Evidence was given that he had been in a strange way some three or four months; and a surgeon, who was called in, discovered no marks of violence—he had known deceased many years to be extremely nervous, he having had several attacks of low fever.

Verdict "that the deceased drowned himself, being at the time in a state of temporary insanity." He was 71 years of age.

 

Dover Express, Friday 8 November 1867.

Deal sudden death.

An instance of the great uncertainty of human life occurred at Sholden Bank on Tuesday week in the sudden decease of a man named Sweetlove, a vendor of gingerbread, who had arrived at this place on the previous day in order to attend Mongeham Fair.

The poor fellow had taken up his temporary residence at the "Leather Bottle" public house, and was taken suddenly ill on the Monday night, and a message was accordingly dispatched to Walmer for medical assistance. On the arrival of Dr. Davey it was ascertained that the unfortunate man had ruptured a blood vessel and he was particularly requested to remain in bed and keep himself quiet. The man, however, would not do this, and between 7 and 8 o'clock went to the fair, but very shortly afterwards commenced vomiting blood. With all possible speed he was conveyed back to his lodgings, where, in a few hours afterwards, he expired. It was not considered necessary to hold an inquest, the medical gentleman having given a certificate as to the cause of death. The remains of the deceased were interred on Thursday, and were followed to their resting place by two of his relatives from Folkestone, to which place he belonged.

 

From the Deal, Walmer, and Sandwich Mercury, 16 October, 1869. 1d.

ACCIDENTS

On Saturday morning last an accident occurred near Mongeham. It appears that Mrs. Bedwell, wife of Mr. Bedwell, market gardener, Finglesham, was being driven along the road near the "Leather Bottle" by her son, in a cart drawn by a very spirited pony. the animal suddenly shied at some horses which were ploughing in an adjoining field, and Mrs. Bedwell was thrown out into the road with much force, and sustained a very severe shock to the system, but we are glad to hear that no bones were broken. Mr. Solly, farmer, of Sholden, was passing at the time, and assisted her to the "Leather Bottle," from whence she was after wards conveyed home. She is still confined to her bed. The boy escaped unhurt.

 

From the Deal, Walmer and Sandwich Telegraph, 25 April, 1874

FIRE AT MONGEHAM

Shortly After 10 pm on Thursday night a fire broke out at the "Leather Bottle" at Mongeham, which terminated in the total destruction of the ancient wayside inn. The fire could be distinctly seen at Deal – the origin of the fire was supposed to be occasioned by some sparks falling on to the old and dry thatched roof from the chimney of an out-house in which a pig had been killed during the evening.

The fire engine from Messrs. Hills Brewery arrived at the scene, the hose was quickly attached and connected with the pond opposite the "Three Horse Shoes", and together with the valuable aid from the Marine Barracks, the fire was subdued in about an hour, but not until the entire building was destroyed, together with its contents, the latter being the property of Mrs. Sutton, a widow, and we regret to add, uninsured. The building was the property of Messrs. Hills and Son and was partially insured in the Sun Fire Office.

(Information kindly supplied by Sue Solley)

 

From the Deal, Walmer, and Sandwich Mercury, 17 April, 1875. 1d.

POOR RATE SUMMONS

Mrs. Sutton, landlady of the "Leather Bottle" public-house, Sholden, appeared to answer a summons laid against her by the poor rate collector of Sholden for refusing to pay the second instalment of the poor rate.

It appeared that the rate was made for six months on the 9th, November, but as the defendant did not occupy the premises at that time she was only charged from the 6th January.

The defendant said she was quite prepared to pay from January, but she had understood that she was wanted to pay from the last November; the matter had not been properly explained to her.

Ordered to pay the rate from January 6th, and the cost of the summons.

 

From the Deal, Walmer and Sandwich Telegraph, December 26, 1885

County Police Court

Mary Ann Sutton, landlady of the Leather Bottle Great Mongeham was summoned for using threatening and abusive language towards Sarah Culver, of Sholden.

Mrs. Culver said she lived at Sholden Bank. She was at work for Mrs. Sutton on the 12 December, when she accused her of stealing a bottle of brandy from the bar table. Complainant denied the charge, when defendant used very abusive language towards her, shaking her fist in her face etc. Defendant had been drinking that morning, and complainant thought she was nearly mad. Mrs. Sutton was afterwards bound over to keep the peace, having to pay the costs of 4/6d.

(Information kindly supplied by Sue Solley)

 

 

An outlet for Charrington & Co. in 1974. Library archives 1974

 

From the East Kent Mercury, 29 January, 1998.

THE PUBLIC-SPIRITED PUB

Mongeham Primary School's swimming pool fund has been boosted, thanks to the Leather Bottle pub. Alan and Joan Flynn, from the pub in Mongeham Road, Mongeham, joined forces with customers and raised £500. Nicola Lavell, a parent from Mongeham Primary, handed the cheque to Roger Campling, a teacher at the school, at a presentation at the Leather Bottle. The pub customers also raised £500 to pay for three-course meals, free drinks and presents for pensioners at a Christmas party at the pub.

 

From the https://www.kentlive.news By Lauren MacDougall, 21 December 2019.

The 33 pubs in Kent you have to drink at in 2020 according to CAMRA.

In total Kent has heaps of pubs listed in the guide and, while 33 of these are new entries, others have appeared in previous editions of the guide.

A total of 33 pubs from around Kent make up the new entries that feature in the 2020 edition of the Good Beer Guide.

The guide is produced annually by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the independent guide to the best boozers in the UK that is researched by unpaid and independent volunteers nationwide.

Tom Stainer, CAMRA’s chief executive, said: “For nearly five decades, the Good Beer Guide has been a comprehensive guide to the UK’s breweries, their ales, and the best outlets to find them in across the country.

“What makes the Guide unique is that all the entries are compiled and vetted by a huge volunteer team, based around the country. We work hard to ensure that all areas of the country are covered and, unlike with some competitor titles, inclusion in this book is dependent only on merit, not on payment.

“The Good Beer Guide has always had an important role in acting as a barometer of the beer and pub industry. We believe information gleaned from the Guide is absolutely vital in the drive to save our pubs from closure and campaign for policies that better support pubs, local brewers and their customers.”

This pub is included in the 2020 list.

 

From the Dover Mercury, 16 May, 2013. 80p.

GENERATIONS AT PUB A CENTURY APART

SORTING through old family photos started a project for Christine Eyden, who has supplied the old photograph for this week's Now and Then feature.

She came across the old black-and-white picture of a group of people outside a pub and showed her grandfather and grandmother, with possibly other family members.

After research by her son Phil Eyden the building was identified as the Leather Bottle on the comer of St Richard's Road and Mongeham Road, near her home at Sholden Bank, Great Mongeham.

Mrs Eyden said: “This seemed such a coincidence to me as my family and I have lived just opposite this pub since 1978. The photo was taken in 1907.

Leather Bottle 1907

Above photo kindly sent by Phil Eyden who says:- The picture was taken about 1907 when Thompson and Son, the Walmer brewers, supplied the pub with ales. The chap sitting down holding the baby is Edward Haynes who was in the Royal Marines light Infantry at the time and stationed at Deal. He was onboard HMS Lion at the Battle of Jutland in 1916 and survived the war, eventually becoming a lighthouse keeper in the Romney area. Her grandmother on the left

The baby is my uncle Ambrose Haynes who was born in 1907, so that confirms the date. He is being held by my great-grandfather, Edward Haynes in the centre. Edward served in the Royal Marines Light Infantry in WW1 and was one of the dozen survivors of the RMLI when his ship, the battle-cruiser HMS Lion, was severely damaged at Jutland. To his left, our right, is his wife Mabel. Edward and Mabel lived in Nelson Street so that is a long old haul up from there with a baby in a push-chair! The man in the bowler hat is probably William Jefford, the landlord.

 

“I know my grandparents lived in Nelson Street at that time and it must have been a long walk to Great Mongeham with that lovely old pram with the baby - my Uncle Ambrose - being pushed all the way!

“Perhaps it was meant to be that we live in Sholden Bank.

“My grandfather Edward Haynes was in the Royal Marines Light Infantry at the time.

“He served all over the world, the most notable service that I know of was when he was serving in HMS Lion at the Battle of Jutland in the First World War.

“He was one of the few survivors of the RMLI and was awarded, among the usual medals, The Order of St George, a Russian one!

“My grandfather is seated in the centre of the old photo with the baby on his knee and my grandmother Mabel Haynes is seated on his left holding a parasol. It is strange how our past catches up with us at times.” Dan Warwick is the landlord at the Leather Bottle and its first recorded licensee was Mary Bass in 1807, although a public house was on the site possibly as early as the 17th century, according to The Old Pubs of Deal and Walmer (with Kingsdown and Mongeham) by Steve Glover and Michael Rogers.

In the 1860s the pub advertised “an excellent bowling green and good stabling.”

Fire destroyed the property in 1893 and it was rebuilt, later being owned by Charringtons brewers.

In 1987 Alan and Joan Flynn took the pub and stayed for 18 years, raising thousands of pounds for good causes, including Deal Hospital and the nearby primary school's swimming pool.

Leather Bottle 2013

Christine Eyden, centre, with granddaughter Natalie Starr, three, on her knee, with Mrs Eyden's grandson George Starr, five, her sister-in-law Sandra Haynes, and her daughter Dr Alison Eyden. Back row are landlord Dan Warwick, Mrs Eyden's son Phil, her husband Alan, her brother Keith Haynes and her son-in-law Simon Starr Picture: Tony Fiashman FM2577967

 

From the https://www.kentlive.news By Lauren MacDougall, 21 December 2019.

The 33 pubs in Kent you have to drink at in 2020 according to CAMRA.

In total Kent has heaps of pubs listed in the guide and, while 33 of these are new entries, others have appeared in previous editions of the guide.

A total of 33 pubs from around Kent make up the new entries that feature in the 2020 edition of the Good Beer Guide.

The guide is produced annually by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the independent guide to the best boozers in the UK that is researched by unpaid and independent volunteers nationwide.

Tom Stainer, CAMRA’s chief executive, said: “For nearly five decades, the Good Beer Guide has been a comprehensive guide to the UK’s breweries, their ales, and the best outlets to find them in across the country.

“What makes the Guide unique is that all the entries are compiled and vetted by a huge volunteer team, based around the country. We work hard to ensure that all areas of the country are covered and, unlike with some competitor titles, inclusion in this book is dependent only on merit, not on payment.

“The Good Beer Guide has always had an important role in acting as a barometer of the beer and pub industry. We believe information gleaned from the Guide is absolutely vital in the drive to save our pubs from closure and campaign for policies that better support pubs, local brewers and their customers.”

This pub is included in the 2020 list.

Leather Bottle, Great Mongeham.

What the guide says: "Recent renovations give the large bar room a relaxed, smart, modern feel.

"It is a locals’ pub with no frills, but top ales and good company. Large screen sports TVs and quality ale do not always agree, but they do here."

 

LICENSEE LIST

BOWLES widow to 1806 dec'd

CHANDLER Thomas 1838-42 dec'd Census

CHANDLER Thomas 1842-47+ Bagshaw's Directory 1847

SUTTON Thomas 1871+ (age 57 in 1871Census)

SUTTON Mary Ann Mrs 1874-85+ (age 61 in 1881Census) Deal MercuryPost Office Directory 1882

HALL Mrs Mary Ann 1899+ Kelly's 1899

JEFFORD William 1901-13+ (also builder age 47 in 1901Census) Kelly's 1903Post Office Directory 1913

JEFFORD John W (son of above and bricklayer) 1911-13+ CensusPost Office Directory 1913

GORE Mr H to Nov/1915 Dover Express (On service in the North Sea)

BEARLEY/BEERLING Sidney Nov/1915-Jan/20 Dover ExpressDeal Mercury

HOPPER Alfred G Jan/1920-34+ Deal MercuryKelly's 1934

BATSON Ronald A 1974 Library archives 1974 Charrington & Co

GRAVENELL Paul 1981-87 Next pub licensee had

FLYNN Alan & Joan 1987-2006

WARWICK Dan Oct/2006-19+

 

Bagshaw's Directory 1847From Bagshaw Directory 1847

Post Office Directory 1882From the Post Office Directory 1882

Kelly's 1899From the Kelly's Directory 1899

Kelly's 1903From the Kelly's Directory 1903

Post Office Directory 1913From the Post Office Directory 1913

Kelly's 1934From the Kelly's Directory 1934

Library archives 1974Library archives 1974

Deal MercuryFrom the Deal Walmer & Sandwich Mercury

CensusCensus

 

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

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