PLOUGH AND HARROW Pubs of Bridge

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Sunday, 04 February, 2024.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1839-

Plough and Harrow

Closed Dec 2022

86 High Street

Bridge

01227 506232

http://www.ploughandharrowbridge.co.uk/

https://whatpub.com/plough-harrow

Above magic lantern slide kindly sent by David Wood and taken by his great great grandfather around about 1900.

Above photo, 1910. Kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above photo, 1923, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above photo, circa 1936, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. showing John Friend's cortege (former licensee of the "Red Lion" and fireman) turning from Brewery Lane on the High Street en route to St. Peter's parish church.

Probably safe to believe that the chap in the apron is the licensee. It might be George Ford, or it could be Philip Mullinger.

Above photo, 1938, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Pat & Doreen Mullinger with Wallace Black

Pat and Doreen Mullinger and my father Wallace Black was taken at Bridge in 1944. My father was a surgeon and ship's doctor in the RN during the war. I suspect this might have been taken near the bridge that crossed a small stream down the lane by the pub. It was a popular wander for us if we had a few minutes to spare. Kindly sent by Euan Black.

Above photo, circa 1945, showing licensee Pat and Doreen Mullinger sat at the front with a younger woman next to Pat with both hands on her knees. Pat no longer in the Merchant navy it must be 1945/6/7/8. I wonder if anyone else can recognise others in the picture? Kindly sent by Euan Black (grand son).

Above photo, showing regulars, unknown, circa 1945. Kindly sent by Euan Black.

Above photo, showing licensee Doreen Mullinger (on right) and regulars, unknown, circa 1945. Kindly sent by Euan Black.

Above photo, circa 1945, regulars as yet unknown. Kindly sent by Euan Black.

Above photo, 1946, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

The licensees from c.1936 to c.1948 were the Mullingers. I (Rory Kehoe) was at school with their grandsons and this story comes from them. Apparently, Mrs. Mullinger (I can't recall her first name) was a very savvy lady and didn't suffer fools gladly. During the war, on being offered "real" diamond rings in settlement of moneys owed, she'd test the stones on the pub windows. If they were real diamonds, they'd cut the glass. The scratches can still be seen to this day! I have no idea where Mrs. Mullinger had been to, in order to get a welcome home party in 1946 and I'm not in touch with the family anymore, so I can't ask. Judging by the flags, she may have been called up at some point.

Above card, circa 1955, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above photo, 1965, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above map 1896.

All above photos by Paul Skelton, 22 Aug 2008..

Plough and Harrow sign left October 1991, right September 1993-98.

Above with thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com

Photo taken 27 April 2013 from http://www.flickr.com by Jelltex.

Photo taken 27 April 2013 from http://www.flickr.com by Jelltex.

Above photo 2023.

Above photo 2023.

This premises was home to the brewer William Williams from 1839, although he appears to have been bankrupt in the 1841 census, however his son John probably carried on the business till 1857 when the brewery was offered to let late in that year. This was probably taken over by Richard Mutton, also brewer and he is listed in 1859 but he too became bankrupt in 1866. By 1870 related but not brothers, Edward and Edmund Gibbs appear to have taken over the brewery, and Williams died in early 1871 and the pub and brewery was put up for auction, stating that the two Gibbs had the premises on lease for an annual rent of £58 for a term expiring 22nd July, 1878, and although the premises was bought by a Mr. Henry Stockwell of Dover for £900, the Gibbs' remained there till the end of their lease. However the partnership of Edward and Edmund only lasted till 1873 when Edmund appears to have run the brewery solely himself.

Above sign, 1871, from the John and Mary Ault collection.

Kentish Gazette, Tuesday 2 April 1850.

Tilmanstone. William Sheaff, wagoner to Mr. Sharp, of Tilmanstone, having been on Saturday se'nnight to Mr. Williams's, at Bridge, for a load of beer, on returning home in a state of intoxication, when near Barfrestone church he by some means threw the wagon over, which, falling on one of his legs, fractured and wounded it in a very dangerous manner. As soon as he was found, he was conveyed to the Kent and Canterbury Hospital. It was a first doubtful whether amputation of the limb would not be necessary, but after consultation of the medical offices, the limb was set, and he is at present going on favourably.

Kentish Gazette, 28 September 1852.

ST. AUGUSTINE'S PETTY SESSIONS. Saturday September 25th.

Before Edward Foss Esq; (chairman,) and a full bench of magistrates.

This being the adjourned day for granting public houses licences, many of the publicans of the Home Division were in attendance.

There were 6 applications for licences to additional houses, vis. William Williams, parish of Bridge; George Foreman ("Victoria") and John Giles, ("Rose") Whitstable; Thomas Holtum, Sturry; William and Frederick Wood Herne Bay. The bench refused to grant the licences, as they considered that at present the number of public houses in the different parishes was quite equal to the requirements of the inhabitants.

From the Kentish Chronicle, Saturday, 10 September, 1859. Price 1½d.

ST. AUGUSTINE'S PETTY SESSIONS.

Saturday.

This was the annual general licensing day. All the old licenses were renewed, and the chairman said he was pleased to be able to state that out of the fifty-four licensed houses in the Home division there had been only one complaint made during the year, which was exceedingly creditable to the landlords. There were four applications for new licenses, viz:-

Richard Mutton, for the “Plough and Harrow,” Bridge.

The decision of the Bench upon these applications will not be announced until the adjourned licensing day, the 21st of September.

From the Kentish Chronicle, Saturday, 1 October, 1859. Price 1½d.

ST. AUGUSTINE'S PETTY SESSIONS.

Saturday.

This was the adjourned licensing day.

In the case of the "Plough," Bridge, the application was refused.

From the Kentish Chronicle, 7 March, 1863.

PUBLIC HOUSE OFFENCE AT BRIDGE.

Richard Mutton, landlord of the “Plough and Harrow” public-house, Bridge, was charged with having his house open for the sale of liquor, at half-past 12 o’clock on the morning of Sunday the 10th February.

The information was laid by Supt. Walker, and P.C. Lott proved that the defendant had company drinking in his house between 12 and one o’clock on the morning of Sunday, the 15th.

The Bench fined the defendant 5s. and 10s. costs.

South Eastern Gazette Tuesday 10 January 1865.

BRIDGE.

A most agreeable evening was spent at the "Plough and Harrow Inn," on the occasion of the anniversary of the Odd Fellows society. The members sat down to a bounteous spread, prepared in capital style by Mr. Burch, and a most enjoyable evening was spent, the pleasure being increased by the excellent singing of Messrs. Farrow and Davis, from Canterbury. Most of the leading tradesman of the place were present.

Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald 30 September 1871.

BRIDGE. SALE OF PROPERTY.

The "Plough and Harrow" public-house, with small brewery attached, situate in Bridge, late the property of Mr. Williams, deceased, was sold on Tuesday last by Mr. Henry Stockwell, of Dover, at the Auction Mart, Canterbury, and realised -- after a spirited competition, £900.

Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald 07 March 1874.

BRIDGE. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.

At the St. Augustine's Petty Sessions, on Saturday, George Jordan, was charged with refusing to quit licensed premises, he being drunk at the time, on the 21st inst. P.C. Benjamin Cordery stated that he was called to the "Plough and Harrow Inn," at Bridge, on the night in question, and prisoner was there very drunk and making a disturbance. The landlord (Gibbs) asked him to leave in the constable's presence, but he refused, and used violent and foul language. The prisoner was described as a good workman, but given to drink. He was sentenced to pay a fine of 10s and 8s costs, or in default seven days' imprisonment.

Canterbury Journal, Kentish Times and Farmers' Gazette, Saturday 23 September 1882.

Bridge. Disorderly Behaviour.

Henry Stokes was summoned for having been guilty while drunk of disorderly behaviour at Bridge on the previous Tuesday night.

Sergeant Chaney deposed that there was a row in Bridge Street on Tuesday night, and on going up to the spot he found the defendant, who was drunk and creating a great disturbance. There had been quarrelling and fighting in the street on four nights in succession.

Superintendent Walker informed the Bench that the defendant had been convicted at least four times. There were a certain number of young men in Bridge and Bekesbourne who were a perfect nuisance and the defendant was among them. He was last convicted in July, when he was fined £3 and costs. On the previous occasion he was fined £1. The Bench now imposed the penalty of 30s., including costs, with a choice as an alternative of undergoing 14 days' in prison.

John Brooks was similarly charged, and pleaded guilty. Sergeant Chaney said that at 9 o'clock on Tuesday evening he saw defendant turned out of the "Plough and Harrow" public house, where he had been creating a disturbance. At 10 o'clock he was outside the "Lion" public house, still drunk and noisy. The Bridge butcher came out of his shop and the defendant, thinking it was Stokes, the man previously convicted with whom he had been fighting, rushed at him and knocked him down. The defendant and Stokes afterwards fought in the street.

Defendant denied that he was drunk.

The Clerk:- But you have pleaded guilty.

Defendant:- Yes, but I wasn't drunk, because when Sergeant Cheney told me to go home - when.

Sergeant Cheney:- You did not; you stayed in the street an hour and a half.

The Sergeant added that the defendant lived at Bishopsbourne and frequently came up to Bridge and created a disturbance with his cousins, the Brookses.

Find 5s. and 8s. costs.

Henry Cox, whose mother appeared for him was also charged with being drunk and disorderly at Bridge on the same night.

P.C. Davis stated the facts, which were similar to those in the other cases. He added that sometime after he had got the defendant's out of the street he came across him lying in a gutter, singing. He then picked him up and led him a part of the way home.

The Chairman told the defendant's mother that her son ought to have attended in answer to the summons, and has he had not done so he would have to pay a larger fine, which would be 10s. and 10s. costs.

From the Whitstable Times, 11 January, 1902.

BRIDGE. SHOCKING FATAL ACCIDENT.

The East Kent Coroner (Mr. R. M. Mercer) held an inquest at the “Plough and Harrow,” Bridge, on Friday afternoon, touching the death of Albert Edward Ovenden, labourer, of Brewery Lane, Bridge.

Thomas William Ovenden, labourer, Bridge, stated deceased was his son, aged 32. He was a single man.

William Swan, labourer of Bridge, stated that at 8.55 a.m. on the 3rd January he was working with deceased in the Stone Hole in the field attached to Forge House, Mr. Gilbert’s, at Bridge. They were both at the bottom of a hole about ten feet deep when suddenly the earth slipped in, burying the deceased. He obtained assistance and deceased was got out about 9 a.m., but was then apparently dead. Deceased was caught by his feet and then the fall of granite bent him forward and covered him. Four other men were there—they got quickly to the deceased but they could not, owing to weight of earth on his body, move him to clear his mouth—they were ten minutes before they could do that—they all worked for all they knew how. The fall of earth was very sudden. He was working about a yard away and only just had time to jump aside. They had three boards supplied—they moved them to put them up farther along the trench.

The jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald 06 October 1934.

BRIDGE. WELL-KNOWN HOSTESS.

The death occurred on Sunday of Mrs. Hannah Lydia Brice. wife of the late Mr. William Brice, at the age of 73. A native of Elham, Mrs. Brice came to live at the "Harrow Inn," Bridge, cabala 34 years ago, Her husband died in 1914 and she had been hostess of the Inn until four years ago, when she retired. She came of a family nearly all of whom have been in the licensing trade. Her parents were tenants of the "Sportsman Inn," Barham, 70 years ago and previous to that, 100 years ago, the Inn was managed by a member of the same family. All children have been in the licensing trade, her son, Mr. Harry Brice, being the popular host of the "Prince Albert Inn," Canterbury, and her daughter, Mrs. R. Routley is at the "Cottage Inn," Keenthorne, Somerset. Her youngest daughter, Mrs. J. Friend, was the hostess of the "Red Lion," Bridge, for several years. The funeral took place at St. Peter's Church, Bridge, on Thursday afternoon.

Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald 28 November 1936.

FORMER POLICE SUPERINTENDENT INJURED. SHOOTING ACCIDENT AT PATRIXBOURNE.

Mr. G. F. Ford, formerly Police Superintendent in charge of the St. Augustine's Division, met with a serious accident while out with a shooting party at Bifrons, Patrixbourne, on Monday afternoon. He was accidentally shot in the left eye, and after receiving medical attention he was taken to the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, where an operation was performed. It is feared that he will lose the sight of the eye.

Mr. Ford was Superintendent of the St. Augustine's Division for a considerable period, coming to Canterbury from Broadstairs. Upon his retirement he became licensee of the "Plough and Harrow," Bridge, and later took a house at Broadstairs. He returned to Bridge some months ago.

Above photo 2017, showing licensee Chris McClean, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Always a deeply spiritual man, Chris felt a calling to the ministry and in the summer of 2017, he left the licensed trade to become a Clerk in Holy Orders. After his curacy in Walmer, the now Reverend Chris Maclean took over a cluster of parishes on the Romney Marsh, where (as of Feb 2021) he remains.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Max Chesson, 25 September 2023.

‘No thanks, our village near Canterbury doesn’t need a kebab shop’

Divisive plans to overhaul an old Grade-II listed village pub into a takeaway have been unveiled.

The Plough and Harrow in Bridge, near Canterbury, could be set for a new lease of life as kebab shop bosses eye up the former Shepherd Neame inn.

Fresh blueprints detailing how the 18th-century building in High Street could be transformed – including the removal of walls - have triggered a mixed reaction.

In a bid to the city council, architect Hollaway Studio says: “The proposals seek to re-configure the existing bar space within the front of the ground floor of the building into a takeaway shop. This would include [the] removal of walls and the introduction of a kitchen/food counter.

“Proposals would also include commercial extraction; but this would be taken horizontally beneath the ceiling of the ground floor, in order to not affect the existing fabric of the building.

“This would result in minimal impact to the listed building.”

If successful, it is proposed the new takeaway would operate from midday to 10pm seven days a week whilst employing three full-time staff alongside a couple of part-time roles.

The proposals come from Rustem Aykac who owns Kebab Fish Knight in Marden, Tonbridge.

The former Shepherd Neame establishment, which closed last December, dates back to as early as 1839.

Reaction to the news has been mixed so far, with residents of the area taking to Facebook to air their views about the scheme.

“The Plough hasn’t worked for landlords over the last 14 years, so let’s hope it works for another business,” remarked Tara Pidcock who was more sympathetic to the plans.

Another hoping to see change in the area, Michelle Hollingsbee, said: “Yes please. It would be nice to have a takeaway in the village.”

However, those more critical of the scheme have cited potential issues with smell, anti-social behaviour and the alterations required to a listed building to get the project off the ground.

David Wales said: “No thank you. The building is a listed building. The village does not need a kebab takeaway.”

Both the parish council leader Alan Atkinson and city councillor Mike Sole took issue with the plans with the latter telling KentOnline he had “significant concerns”.

“Firstly the additional traffic it would cause – I don’t believe Bridge is a large enough community to support a takeaway on its own,” began Cllr Sole.

“There would be a significant amount of traffic coming into the village, the village always had difficult parking issues, there will be additional noise from the fan and traffic and potential for additional litter.

“This is a listed, historic building and the application is asking for walls to be removed inside.

“I’m not really sure this is an appropriate building for such an establishment to be in.”

Alan Atkinson, Bridge parish council’s head said: “The members of the public present, and the councillors present on the planning committee in Bridge on Thursday night were quite concerned about a number of matters regarding the Plough and Harrow building.

“They mentioned the loss of a community space, and in exchange for yet another good outlet, it was not thought a beneficial exchange.

“Added to this were the concerns regarding litter, the lack of parking at what is already a problematic junction and the potential for noise and smell - the planning committee probably had no good option but to object to the proposal.”

At the time of its unexpected closure last year the pub enjoyed a 4.5/5 TripAdvisor and Google review rating – it appeared on the market up for sale alongside three other Kent taverns in June.

Hollaway Studios was contacted for a comment but did not respond.

LICENSEE LIST

WILLIAMS William 1839-58+ (also brewer age 40 in 1841)