MARQUIS OF GRANBY Pubs of Alkham

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated Alkham:- Monday, 02 September, 2024.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1774-

Marquis of Granby

Open 2023+

Alkham

https://www.marquisofgranby.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com

https://whatpub.com/marquis-of-granby

Above postcard circa 1904, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe, shown in the livery of Alfred Leney's Phoenix Brewery, Dover.

Above print, 1918.

Above photo circa 1919, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above photo circa 1960, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Painting of Marquis of Granby, date unknown, artist M Knowles.

Photo kindly sent by Joan Allen. Circa 1970. John Richards says the people may be his cousin Alan, himself and his younger brother Michael.

Above picture of The Marquis of Granby 1989. By kind permission of Dover Library.

From an email received 24 January 2011.

The ornate wrought iron decoration above the sign was the work of my grandfather Richard Norris of Dover. I am trying to find out what happened to it when the sign was changed by the present owners. They have the original sign but not the decoration.

Susan Fish.

Above sign left, date unknown. Sign right, 2022.

Photo above and below by Paul Skelton 9th Sept 2007.

Above picture show the Marquis of Granby circa 1800's. Showing the Fox and Goose in the distance.

Above is shown the village well at the foot of the Forstal before 1918 when it was closed.

Above photograph kindly sent by Kathleen Hollingsbee, circa 1905.

June 1963 and the wedding procession of Captain Timothy Eastwood o The Kings Troop, Royal Horse Artillery.

Above photo 2022.

The above picture shows a receipt dated 1880, sent to Ambrose Collard for part payment for wood auctioned at the Marquis.

From the Dover Express, 2 March 1951.

With the Drellingore Nailbourne starting to flow towards the end of last month the Alkham cricket ground is once again flooded, and ducks from a neighbouring field have been enjoying the opportunity s much that they scorn their usual feed. [Photo: Lambert Weston]

February 1995.

Above photo showing the Marquis of Granby in the background across the flooded cricket pitch in February 1995 when the Drelingore decided to flow again.

Above advert appeared in the Dover Express 5 July 2007.

As from September 2008, the pub changed name to the "Marquis."

The information below was kindly supplied by The Marquis of Granby.

Brief History of the Marquis

The present day Marquis of Granby was built in 1810 by John Collard replacing the old Ale house which he owned on this site. That, was established as an inn as early as 1774. The Marquis stayed in the Collard family until 1928 when it was sold to the Fremlin's Brewery. For many years the Twist family were in occupation and part of that premises at that time was used as the village shop. Animal feeds was sold to the villagers, all of who had their chickens or rabbits, sticky buns were also enjoyed by the school children, the latter made in the old brick oven that once stood in the now restaurant.

The village Inn has always been the meeting place and was as we know in the past used to provide refreshments after Courts Barron. Auctions of wood and properties were also conducted here and we are told land changed hands here on a more unofficial basis when gambling debts had to be paid off.

From the Post Office Directory of 1874, the licensee is still given as John Collard, but whether this is the same John that built the establishment in 1810 is unknown.

Kentish Gazette, 5 January, 1774.

To be sold by auction, in two lots at the "Marquis of Granby Inn," Alkham, on Monday the 24th day of January 1774 about two o'clock in the afternoon.

Lot 1. A piece of Woodland called Lockeringe Wood containing by estimation 16 Acres more or less, with the Timber and Underwood thereon, lying in the Parish of Alkham in Kent.

Lot 2. A piece of woodland called Full-Poole Wood containing by estimation 2 acres more or less, with the Timber and Underwood thereon, in Alkham aforesaid.

Mr. Adam Hammond of Alkham will shew the wood.

Inquire of Mr. Mercer in St. James's Street, Dover or of Mr. Matson attorney-at-law at Sandwich.

From the Dover Telegraph 26 Nov 1836 p.8 and 3 Dec 1836 p.8 col.4

Mr John COLLARD aged 72 yrs, died 20 Nov at Alkham of the "Marquis of Granby."

Canterbury Weekly, 3 December, 1836.

Death.

Nov 20, Mr. John Collard, of the "Marquis of Granby," Alkham, in his 72nd year.

From the Kentish Gazette, 4 October 1842.

On Wednesday last, an inquest was held at the "Marquis of Granby," before T. T. Delasaux, Esq., County Coroner, at Alkham, on the body of James Moselin, aged 50, a labouring man, lately resident in that parish, and who bore a good character, and was esteemed by his neighbours for his kind disposition. The deceased left his home on the 22nd ult., telling his wife he was going to seek for work. It was his custom to return at night, but not doing so his wife became alarmed, and when the two following days passed by she communicated her fears to the neighbours. On Monday, hearing no tidings of deceased, several persons went to search the woods and fields where he was last seen, but their labours were fruitless till about 4 o’clock, when one of the parties passing an old chalk pit, near St. Radigund’s Abbey, which is nearly 100 feet deep, thought he saw a hat, but the rest thought he was mistaken. On returning home suspicion of the hat was noised about, when it was determined to explore the pit; and when the other persons returned from their search, it is impossible to describe the sensation that prevailed in the village, all the parties agreeing to join in this last attempt. This descent was a work of danger; to a long ladder was attached a rope, which a son of Mr. Finch, farmer, undertook to go down, and having divested himself of his coat and waistcoat, he grasped the rope and slid down to the ladder, when he discovered the body of the deceased. It was shortly afterwards raised, when it was found to be but little mutilated or disfigured, and carried to the public-house. The Jury, after hearing the evidence, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." Some nuts being found in the pockets of the deceased, and several Hazel-bushes growing at the edge of the pit, it is supposed he fell in accidentally.

Dover Chronicles 31 January 1846.

County Magistrates Office. Monday.

(Before H. Russell, Esq., and Aretas Akres, Esq.)

William Davies alias George Gibbs, and James Grores, were brought up for re-examination, on a charge of offering counterfeit coin.

Mr. Powell, solicitor for the Mint, attended to conduct the prosecution.

Richard Collard deposed:- At half past 12 o'clock last Wednesday noon (the 21st instant), the two prisoners came to the public house which I keep at river, called the "Marquis of Granby," and had a pint of beer for which the one calling himself William Davis gave me a shilling in payment, and I gave him the change. They had several more pints of beer afterwards, and for the last of three of these Davis tendered me half a crown. I gave him 2s. 4d. change, and they left shortly after. The next morning the constable came to my house and asked me if I had taken any bad money. I took out my money, and found that the half crown I had taken off Davis was counterfeit. It was the only one I had.

Sarah Bourn deposed:- I am the wife of Thomas Bourne, who is the landlord of the "Plough," Ewell Minnis, Alkham parish. On Wednesday last, about 12 o'clock, the two prisoners now present came to the house and called for a pint of beer, for which the one called William Davies gave me, as I thought, half a crown. I gave him 2s. 4d change, and put the coin into the drawer, where there were only sixpences. On the same evening my husband went to Dover, and took some money with him. When he came back, he said the half crown was bad. It was the only one we had.

The husband of last witness deposed that he tendered the said coins to Mr. Phillips, of the "Salutation," who discovered it to be bad.

Sarah Powell daughter of Mrs. Powell River, deposed:- On Wednesday last, about half past 11 o'clock, the prisoner calling himself William Davis came to the shop, where I am in the habit of assisting, and ask for one ounce of tobacco. He gave half a crown in payment, and I gave him the change - 2s. 3d. When he was gone I suspected it was bad, but was not sure. I gave it to our man for change previous to his coming to Dover, without telling him my suspicions; but he brought it back.

John Johnson, journeyman to Mrs. Powell, deposed to receiving the half crown (now produced) of last witness, with some silver, as change, and bringing it back again.

There being no direct evidence against Groves, the Magistrates directed his acquittal; and he was not long, in consequence, making his exit from the office. Mr. Powell, however, had a remembrance of a former case in which Groves had been concerned.

Mr. Coulthard, governor of Dover gaol, deposed that the person now calling himself William Davis was, in the session of December 1841, sentenced, by the name of George Gibbs, to 12 months imprisonment in Dover gaol for issuing counterfeit coin in the parish of St. Mary.

By the 34th George the 3rd, the first offence of this kind is a misdemeanour, and the second a felony, which renders the perpetrator liable to transportation. In consequence of the present being a second offence, the prisoners was committed to Maidstone gaol, to take his trial for felony.

From the Dover Telegraph 24 January 1846 Page 1 col.4, also 14. March 1846 Page 8.

Richard COLLARD, Landlord of Marquis of Granby, Alkham. A Witness - 30 Line report.

South Eastern Gazette, 11 September, 1860.

ALKHAM. Death though a Fall.

On Wednesday last an inquest was held at the "Marquis of Granby," in this parish, before T. T. Delasaux, Esq., coroner, touching the death of Ann Finch, who died from having injured an artery in the head. The father of the deceased said that at about eight o’clock on Sunday evening the deceased went from the front room into another room, with a baby in her arms. He heard a noise, as if produced by a fall, and on going into the room he found the deceased lying on her side, and bleeding profusely from the head. Edward Pine, police-constable, said that he went to the house of the deceased, and in the pool of blood which the jury had viewed he found the comb and scissors produced. Mr. William Bateman, surgeon, of Folkestone, deposed to attending the deceased, whom he found dead. Her clothes were saturated with blood, and on examining her head he found a contused wound about half an inch in length. He was clearly of opinion that one of the arteries was wounded, from which he believed she died. The injury he described might, and most probably was, caused by a fall upon the crock which the jury had been.

A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned.

From the 1875 Sinnock Kent Directory p.313

John COLLARD Prop “Marquis of Granby” Alkham - advertisement.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 25 February, 1887. Price 1d.

ALKHAM CRICKET CLUB

The annual general meeting of the Alkham Cricket Club was held at the “Marquis of Granby” on Wednesday last, and the following officers were unanimously elected – President, Rev. J. C. W. Valpy; Vice-President and Captain, Mr. J. Collard; Treasurer, Mr. F. A. Tunbridge; Secretary, Mr. W. A. Harman.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 20 February, 1891. Price 1d.

ALKHAM CRICKET CLUB

The annual general meeting of the members of the Alkham Cricket Club was held at the “Marquis of Granby,” on Tuesday last. A fairly good attendance was present, and a contingent of Dover friends helped to swell the company. The Secretary's and treasurer's reports were then read, the Treasurer's report being most favourable, and showing the Club to be in a better financial condition than it has been for some years past. The following officers were then unanimously elected, viz.:- President, Rev. J. C. W. Valpy; Vice-President and Captain, Mr. F. A. Tunbridge; Secretary, Mr. W. A. Harman; Treasurer, Mr. F. A. Tunbridge; Committee, Messrs. C. Valpy, H. Harvey, E. heritage, J. Collard (sen.), M. Seath, P. Prebble, G. Tonsett, J. Collard (jun.), F. Solley, and G. Burkett. The meeting was a very successful one, and augers well for the continued properity of the Club. A vote of thanks to the Chairman brought the meeting to a close. The Committee will shortly meet for the purpose of arranging matches for the ensuing season; and if any clubs in the district are desirous of making any arrangements with the Alkham Cricket Club, they are requested to, at once, communicate with the Secretary.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 4 January, 1901. 1d.

FIRE AT ALKHAM

Yesterday an alarm of fire at Alkham was received at the Dover Police Station at 9.30. the fire engine at Queen Street was at once harnessed with horses from Mr. Baldwin's, and a quick start made for Alkham. The fire proved to be, however, only a small stack on Hogbrook Farm, in the occupation of Mr. Jammed Fagg, and close to the “Marquis of Granby.” It had been alight for some time before the Dover Fire Brigade were sent for. After two hours' work they succeeded in putting the fire out, there being a good supply of water, as the stack was situated between two ponds. The brigand end engine returned to Dover at 1. p.m. Inspector Knott, Police Sergeant Scutt, Police Constable Smithen, and Mr. W. I. Newman were the members of the Fire Brigade that accompanied the engine to Alkham.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 20 January, 1922. Price 1½d.

Percival Richard COLLARD of "Marquis of Granby", Alkham. Summons - whiskey under proof - interesting case - believed that the family held the licence here since 1815. (Fined 10s.)

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 22 Sept, 1922. Price 1½d.

LICENSING

A temporary licence was granted to the "Marquis of Granby" to sell intoxicants on the occasion of a farm sale at Capel Court Farm.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 17 July, 1925. Price 1½d.

AN ALKHAM DRUNK

John Shorten was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Alkham on June 24th.

P.S. Fry, K.C.C., Alkham, said that on the 24th of last month he was called to a 'bus in which defendant was drunk. The 'bus driver eventually made a special journey to take him home. At 9.30 the same evening he was called to the "Marquis of Granby" to eject defendant. He was disorderly and his language was very bad.

Defendant's wife said that her husband did not remember anything for two days.

Fined 40s.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 22 January, 1926. Price 1½d.

COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS

The "Marquis of Granby," Alkham, was granted an extension from 10 to 11.30 on January 28th, on the occasion of a Conservative concert and dance at the School.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 21 July, 1932. Price 1½d.

LICENSING

The "Marquis of Granby," Alkham, was granted an extension until 5 p.m. on 7th August, on the occasion of the annual Village Fete.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 26 April, 1935. Price 1½d.

JUBILEE EXTENSIONS

The "Marquis of Granby," Alkham, was granted an extension from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the occasion of a fete.

Above photo kindly sent by Joan Allen and John Richards, showing the inside of the "Marques of Granby" in the early 1960s. Who says her dad, Harold Richards, is at the back, and in the front of his is her brother's friend Duggie. Her Uncle Doug Richards and John's father is sitting at the bar. Behind the bar are Landlord Graham White and his wife Betty and their daughter, Pam who married Charlie Moss, between them. The other two regulars are Calvert Scopes and Bob ????

In September 2008 it changed name to the "Marquis."

April 2019 after a short time closed for renovation, it reopened again with the old name, "Marquis of Granby."

From the https://www.kentlive.news By Victoria Chessum, 18 January 2019.

The Marquis at Alkham has shut until March as it undergoes a major refurbishment.

The restaurant has not yet opened for 2019 - but says it will look to take bookings for the end of March.

A countryside restaurant and hotel has closed its doors to diners while work to revamp the premises goes ahead.

The Marquis at Alkham, nestled between Dover and Folkestone , announced its closure on Monday, January 14.

Bosses said they had not opened to diners from the start of the year.

It has also been confirmed that the 200-year-old venue will undergo a name change this spring.

A statement from the Marquis said: "The Marquis is currently closed while undergoing an extensive refurbishment.

The Marquis is currently closed whilst undergoing an extensive refurbishment! Work is underway and we hope to reopen Friday 29th March as The Marquis Of Granby. Updates and pictures of the refurbishment to follow!

"Work is underway and we hope to reopen Friday, March 12 as The Marquis Of Granby.

The premises had a major refit back in the spring and summer of 2008 and has featured in the Michelin guide in 2016.

TripAdvisor gives it four stars out of a possible five with one reviewer commenting on "outdated decor" back in September.

Kent Live has approached the owners for more information on its transformation.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Chris Britcher, 8 April 2019.

Marquis at Alkham pub reopens as Marquis of Granby.

An historic village pub has been officially re-opened - under a new name.

The 200-year-old Marquis at Alkham, near Dover, was bought by Ashford's GSE Group last year.

It has subsequently undergone a major refurbishment and is now open once more under its original name - the Marquis of Granby.

Will and Nadine Sheldon celebrate the reopening of the Marquis at Alkham - now known as the Marquis of Granby (8355207)

Cutting the ribbon was Dover's mayor, Cllr Sue Jones.

The pub's new landlords are Will and Nadine Sheldon.

Mr Sheldon said: "After months of hard work getting this historic building just how we want it, we are excited to be opening our doors and look forward to meeting our new customers over the coming weeks and months."

The mayor helps officially open the village pub (8355201)

The pub is named after Lt-Gen John Manners who lived from 1721-1770 and was overall commander of the British troops on the battlefield in the Seven Years War before becoming Commander-in-Chief of the Forces.

Eldest son of the 3rd Duke of Rutland, he did not outlive his father or inherit the dukedom and so took his father’s subsidiary title, the Marquess of Granby.

Mrs Sheldon added: "This building has been a focal point for the village and surrounding area for more than two centuries. We are very aware of its history and importance and are proud to be continuing its story into a new era.”

Above photo showing one of the bedrooms, circa 2019.

Please be warned, if you aren't deemed to be upper or middle class, the head of house who stands by the door instead of welcoming you and enquiring what she can do for you will treat you like something she's picked up on her shoe. At least that's the way I was treated on both Thursday 25th November and again on Saturday 27th 2021. And to think, all I wanted to do was to speak to the manager/licensee with some historical information regarding the pub I had found that I thought they would be interested in. Oh, and also to offer some FREE advertising via a Radio Station I am currently doing some work for, for them for a Christmas broadcast.

Their loss, but you can't judge a book by its cover, they might just upset someone with a bit of clout who could put out some true facts one day that they don't like.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Alex Jee, 26 April 2023.

The Marquis of Granby in Alkham, near Dover, named best pub in Kent at The Pub and Bar Awards 2023.

A historic village pub has officially been named the best in Kent.

The Marquis of Granby, in Alkham near Dover, has beaten all other pubs in the county to give its landlords a second consecutive title.

Husband-and-wife team Will and Nadine Sheldon took over the 200-year-old site – then named the Marquis at Alkham – in 2019, and have transformed it under their Contemporary Pubs Ltd business.

Mr Sheldon, managing director of the company, says he is “incredibly pleased” with the award, which is the company’s second in two years with two separate pubs.

“The team have worked in complete synergy both front and back of house and I certainly feel that this wonderful accolade is an amazing achievement for all involved,” he added.

“It’s clear that everyone is 100% committed to the success of the company, which is wonderful.

“This is a huge honour for us, and we are so grateful to our staff, customers and suppliers for their support.”

The team will now look ahead to the national awards, where they will compete against 93 other pubs for the top awards.

Group manager Hugh Thompson added: “We are absolutely over the moon, we’re very lucky to have a team both front and back of house who are full of good eggs.

“The awards are a nice pat on the back and they prove that we’re doing something right!”

The eldest son of the 3rd Duke of Rutland, he did not outlive his father or inherit the dukedom and so took his father’s subsidiary title, the Marquess of Granby.

Mr and Mrs Sheldon won the award last year with their other pub, the "Tiger Inn" in Stowting, between Ashford and Folkestone.

The family-run company has leased and managed the business since its purchase by the Marquis Hotel Group in March 2021.

Following a six-figure refurbishment, it reopened in June under Mr and Mrs Sheldon's care and taking just 10 months to land the prestigious county award.

LICENSEE LIST

COLLARD John 1810-Nov/36 dec'd

COLLARD Richard 1841-74+ (age 61 in 1851)