BEAR AND KEY Pubs of Whitstable

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Whitstable, November, 2025.

Page Updated:- Friday, 14 November, 2025.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1739

(Name from)

Bear and Key

Latest 1990+

3 High Street/Middle Wall/Cheapside

Whitstable

Above photo circa 1900, showing the Norfolk Union Insurance manual fire appliance and Whitstable Fire Brigade. The appliance was housed at High Street and the horses kept at the "Bear and Key" stables. Photo from Douglas West book.

Above photo circa 1900.

Above postcard 1906, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. It's probably fair to presume that the folks on the wagons had taken a train down from London, all set for a couple of weeks hop picking. Odd though, in that the most direct route from the railway station to Borstal Hill and the farms south of Whitstable, would not pass along the High Street. Still, the camera never lies and the photograph shows the hoppers' wagons passing the "Duke of Cumberland" and "Bear and Key Hotel."

Above advert 1909.

Above photo showing the exact same clock as shown in the 1909 advert, now owned and renovated by Stuart Axford who says he bought the clock in 2012 and added the wording to the face after having it all renovated.

The "Bear and Key" is shown on the right. The building on the left is the "Duke of Cumberland." Circa 1910.

Above photo, circa 1920, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above photo, date unknown, by Douglas West.

Above postcard, 1960, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above sign, August 1990.

With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

According to the Canterbury City Council Appraisal of Whitstable the pub was originally known as the "New Ship Inn" as early as 1730, the pub changed name to the "Bear and Key" in 1739, but was rebuilt in the 1790s.

I believe renumbering occurred around about 1881 and the premises has also been addresses as Number 1.

Situated just to the right of the "Duke of Cumberland."

The name refers to Baron's Quay, where some local Baron tied up his ships.

The licensee William Brannan, in 1898 was also described as a wind and spirit merchant.

By 1940 the pub was owned by Flint Ales and Co.

From Kentish Gazette 1 June 1768.

ADVERTISEMENT WHITSTABLE, KENT. HOCCLESS's BATHING MACHINES.

Now in full Perfection, Are ready for the Reception of Ladies and Gentlemen, at his House at the "Bear and Key." Good accommodations, with the best of Wines, etc., and the Favours of those, who please to honour him with their Company, will be gratefully acknowledged. By T. Hockless.

N.B. Lodgings, Coach-house, Stabling, etc. and Horses to any Part of England. A good Turnpike Road from Whitstable to Canterbury.

Kentish Gazette 9 January 1844.

CANTERBURY.SHERIFF'S COURT, WEDNESDAY,JAN. 3.

An action in which Mr. T. Fairbrass, timber-merchant, of Canterbury, was plaintiff, and Mr. J. Pettit, bricklayer, of Wingham was defendant was brought before Mr. Palmer, the Under Sheriff, yesterday, at St. Augustine's Sessions-house, which occupied the court and jury for a considerable time. The action was for the recovery of £5 16s. 8d., being the value of a quantity of laths supplied in the repairing of the "Bear and Key" public-house at Whitstable, in September, 1842. The debt was denied by defendant, who pleaded he was never indebted to Fairbrass for the laths charged to him.

Mr. Delasaux, of Canterbury, appeared as solicitor for Mr. Fairbrass, and Mr. Lee, of Sandwich, for Mr. Pettit.

After Mr. Palmer had gone through the whole of the evidence adduced on each side, and clearly explained the points at law thereon, the jury consulted for a short time, and returned a verdict for the plaintiff. Damages £4.

Kent Herald, 28 August 1845.

Third Day Sale.

At the "Bear and Key," Whitstable.

Lot 1. A Freehold Public House, called the "Pearson's Arms," with yard, formerly used as a coal store, situate near the Quay, in the parish of Whitstable, occupied by Thomas Barnes. Also one Freehold Cottage adjoining, in the occupation of James Sheaf.

Kentish Gazette, 21 January 1851.

Whitstable.

On Thursday evening last, there was a very fashionable soiree dossiate at the "Bear and Key Inn."

The stewards were Messrs. Ames, Williams, Ginder, Reid, Reeves and Collens.

Dancing was kept up to my late hour, and the party separated highly satisfied with the evenings amusement.

It is only justice to the worthy post to state that the refreshments were on the most liberal scale.

We understand that it is intended to hold balls in the same Assembly Rooms monthly during the season.

Kentish Gazette, 25 November 1851.

A lecture on Bloomorism (Support for equal rights for women; an early form of feminism) was delivered at the "Bear and Key Inn," on Saturday evening last, by Mrs. Franklin, the attendance at which was very meagre.

From the Kentish Gazette, 11 August 1857.

IMPORTANT SALE, WHITSTABLE.

TO BREWERS, CAPITALISTS, AND OTHERS.

The Executors of the late Mr. James Daniels have instructed MR. T. REEVES TO SELL BY AUCTION, ON THURSDAY, the 20th of August, 1857, At Two o’clock, p.m.. precisely, At the "BEAR AND KEY INN." WHITSTABLE.

Lot 1:— All that valuable FREEHOLD PROPERTY, comprising a very compact BREWHOUSE with Plant, Dwelling House, and Garden, Coal Yard, Stables, Cart Lodges and Out Houses.

The BREWHOUSE is an old established one, with ale and porter cellars, is in excellent condition, and fitted with a FOUR-HORSE-POWER STEAM ENGINE, With mashing and sparging apparatus, a powerful refrigerator, and barrel copper, wrought iron wort back, a malt mill with all modern appliances necessary for carrying on an extensive business, and now in full trade.

The DWELLING, a respectable substantial brick building with double front, contains 10 rooms, out houses, and other appurtenances, with flower garden in front and a large kitchen garden at the back, and adjoins the brewhouse; the whole commands a frontage of 152 feet, and stands on an area of 63 perches. The Utensils and Stock to be taken at a valuation.

Lol 2:— A FREEHOLD PUBLIC HOUSE, the "Rose Inn," situate in Preston Street, FAVERSHAM, now in the occupation of Mr. H. Chapman, doing a good trade.

Lot 3:— 21-64 parts of the Schooner "Equivalent," in very good condition.

Lot 4:— 24-64 parts of the Schooner "Mark Breeds," in good condition.

Also on the Following Day, on the Premises, TWO excellent HORSES, a capital COLT, nearly thorough bred, 3 1/2 years old, 2 light Spring Carts, light Chaise Cart, Dung Cart, 2 Drays, Spring Waggon, Truck, sundry Harness, Ploughs, Shims, harrows, and other Implements of Husbandry, &c.

Further particulars may be had on application to Messrs. Daniels, Holden, and Stephens, Executors; and of the broker, Whitstable.

From the Kentish Gazette, 1 September 1857.

SEASALTER, KENT.

DESIRABLE FREEHOLD PROPERTY, TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, BY MR. POUT, AT the "BEAR AND KEY INN," WHITSTABLE, KENT, On WEDNESDAY, the 16th day of September, 1857, At Three o’clock in the Afternoon precisely.

IN THE 3 FOLLOWING LOTS.

Lot 1:— All that FREEHOLD MESSUAGE, TENEMENT, or PUBLIC HOUSE, called the "Rose and Crown," situate on the "Wall," in the parish of Seasalter, in the county of Kent, together with the Ninepin Alley and Outbuildings thereunto belonging, now in the tenure of occupation of Mr. Gardner, or Mr. George Angel, his undertenant, at the yearly rent of £17, payable quarterly.

Lot 2:— All those TWO newly erected MESSUAGES, TENEMENTS, or COTTAGES, with the appurtenances, situate in the said parish of Seasalter, lying at the back of the last lot, and now in the tenures or occupations of — Pattenden and the Widow Rigden, at the aggregate weekly rent of 8s.

Lor 3:— All those FOUR newly erected MESSUAGES, TENEMENTS, or COTTAGES, with part of the yard adjoining the next Lot as now staked out, and the well of water and appurtenances thereunto belonging, situate and being on the "Salts," in Seasalter aforesaid, now in the tenures or occupations of Samuel Warner, Thomas Warner, Wm. Hook, and — Holness, at the aggregate weekly rent of 11s. 4d.

Lot 4:— All that MESSUAGE or TENEMENT, in THREE DWELLINGS, contiguous to the last Lot, with the piece of Building Laud thereunto adjoining, as staked out, now in the tenures or occupations of James Shingleton, Richard Wilkinson, and John Rigden, at the aggregate weekly rent of 9s. 3d.

To view the premises apply to Mr. Thomas Warner, Whitstable, and all further particulars can be had on application to the AUCTIONEER, High Street, Canterbury; or to MR. ROBERT GEE,

Solicitor, Canterbury.

South Eastern Gazette, 31 January, 1860.

WHITSTABLE. Assault.

Charles Brannon, landlord of the "Bear and Key" at Whitstable was charged, at the St. Augustine’s petty sessions, on Saturday, with having assaulted Wm. Morgan, on the previous Sunday evening. There was a second complaint against the defendant, of having damaged the complainant’s hat to the amount of 5s. It appeared that complainant had a dispute with the defendant’s ostler, and was subsequently pushed out of the house by the defendant, who also kicked and struck him several times. Defendant said he merely pushed him out.

Fined 1s. for the assault and 20s. costs, and for the damage to the hat 1s. and 10s. costs.

From the Kentish Chronicle, 4 February, 1860.

SATURDAY.

(Before William Delmur, Esq., Capt. Slarke, and William Plummer, Esq.)

Charles Brennan, landlord of the "Bear and Key Inn," Whitstable, was charged with assaulting William Morgan. A second charge was also preferred, for damaging Morgan's hat, to the amount of 5s.

The complainant stated that his employer, Mr. Hatton, had a horse, which he kept in the defendant’s stable. On Sunday, he had the horse, to go to Canterbury with, and on his return, in the evening, he proceeded to put it in the stable us usual. Having some cause of complaint against the ostler, he afterwards went into the house to speak to the defendant. Without any provocation, the latter struck him on the face, knocked his hat off, and pushed him out of the house.

The defendant said:— The complainant came home on Sunday evening in a state of intoxication, and proceeded to put a horse, belonging to Mr. Hatton, in my stable. I heard him cursing and swearing at the boy, because he would not bring a light. He then accused me about my ponies being fed with cut meat belonging to Mr. Hogben, upon which I pushed him out of the house. Mr. Brennan called his ostler, and a boy who was engaged in the stables in the night in question. They both gave corroborative evidence. The boy said that Morgan was very much the worse for liquor at the time, and charged the ostler with stealing his corn to feed Mr. Brennan's ponies. The bench were of an opinion that an assault had been proved, but considering the provocation, they would make the penalty as light as they could. The expenses amounted to £1, and they would only add to that a fine of 1s. In the other case, for damaging the complainant’s hat, the bench ordered the defendant to pay 1s. and 10s. expenses. The fines and costs in the two cases amounted to £1 12s.

South Eastern Gazette, 17 July, 1860.

BEAR AND KEY COMMERCIAL & FAMILY HOTEL, WHITSTABLE.

THE Proprietor, Mr. CHAS. BRANNON, having completed the extensive alteration to his premises, takes this opportunity of tendering his best thanks to his patrons for the liberal support he has received during a period of upwards of twelve years, and begs to assure them that his best endeavours shall be used to secure a continuation of their support.

July, 1860.

From the Kentish Chronicle, 4 August, 1860.

WHITSTABLE. OPENING THE NEW RAILWAY.

The new line of Railway between Faversham and Whitstable was opened on Tuesday, by the Directors. The town was decorated with flags, and the day was observed as one of general festivity and rejoicing. In the evening the directors and their friends dined together at the "Bear and Key Hotel." The next day the line was opened for public traffic. The works continuing the line to Herne Bay and thence to Margate are in active progress.

From the Kentish Chronicle and General Advertiser, 25 January, 1862. Price 1 1/2d.

ST. AUGUSTINE’S PETTY SESSIONS.

Charles Brennan, landlord of the “Bear and Key Inn,” Whitstable, was charged with suffering gaming with cards in his house, on the 24th December last. The charge had been permitted to stand over several weeks on account of the defendant being unable to attend the Court through illness. The offence was admitted and the Bench fined the defendant 5s. and 10s, expenses.

South Eastern Gazette 14 July 1863.

BEAR AND KEY INN. WHITSTABLE. GEORGE BOURNE.

Having taken this old-established Inn, solicits a continuance of the patronage so long bestowed upon his predecessors by the inhabitancy of Whitstable and its neighbourhood, and by the visitors. G. B. also takes this opportunity of thanking his numerous friends and customers who supported him in his late business at the "George Inn," Shalmsford Street.

Whitstable 6th July, 1863.

From the Kentish Chronicle, 3 October, 1863.

THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH AT SEASALTER.

The adjourned enquiry look place on Monday, at the “Bear and Key,” Whitstable, respecting the death of the gentleman Found dead in the parish of Seasalter, as mentioned in our last, when the medical evidence showed that there was an effusion of blood on the brain of deceased, causing apoplexy, and a verdict of "Death from natural causes” was returned.

From the Kentish Chronicle, 18 June, 1864.

Cole v. Brannan.

Mr. Delasaux appeared in support of the claim, amounting to £16 3s. 6d. for printing the “Bear and Key Inn,” Whitstable, in the year 1860, and Mr. Towne defended the action on the ground of excessive charge.

By the evidence it appeared that plaintiff had agreed to paint and grain the front of the house for £6, and the remaining charge was for extra work done by order of the defendant and Mr. H. Marshall, acting as Surveyor to the works then going on on the premises. An attempt to settle the affair by arbitration had been made without success; but defendant since the action commenced made an offer of £l2, winch the plaintiff refused to accept, but said he was still willing to abide by a fair valuation. Mr. Shrubsole, builder, of Canterbury, and Mr. Marsh had on one occasion gone over the work, but no satisfactory conclusion was come to nor any award made. Mr. Shrubsole was examined in support of the claim, and gave evidence that the extra charge beyond the contract was a fair charge for the extra work done. On the other hand Mr. Marsh said he considered the charge for the painting inside the house was excessive, and that was all he had surveyed.

His Honour eventually awarded the sum of £13 10s. in discharge of the demand made.

From the Kentish Gazette, 16 May 1865.

WHITSTABLE. TO BREWERS, CAPITALISTS, AND OTHERS. VALUABLE

FREEHOLD PROPERTY, TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, By Mr. T. Reeves.

AT the "Bear and Key Inn," WHITSTABLE, on THURSDAY, the 25th day of May, 1865, at half-past Three o’clock in the Afternoon to a minute, by order of the Devisees in Trust of the late Mr. William Wacher, IN FOURTEEN LOTS.

Lot 1:- A MESSUAGE and HEREDITAMENTS situate on the Valley Wall, WHITSTABLE, and lately occupied by Mr. Wacher.

Lot 2:- A MESSUAGE and Hereditaments adjoining Lot 1, and occupied by Mr. Goodwin.

Lot 3:- A MESSUAGE and Hereditaments adjoining Lot 2, and occupied by Mr. Waters.

Lot 4:- The "Alma" BEERHOUSE and Hereditaments adjoining Lot 3, and occupied by Mr. Beal.

Lot 5:- A large WORKSHOP and SAW-PIT, TWO COTTAGES, and GROUND, situate near Lot 4, and facing the sea, in the occupation of the Vendors and others.

Lot 6:- A MESSUAGE and Hereditaments, situate in Whitstable-street, in the parish of Whitstable, and occupied by Mr. Hammond.

Lot 7:- A MESSUAGE and Hereditaments adjoining Lot 6, and occupied by Mr. Knight.

Lot 8:- A MESSUAGE and Hereditaments adjoining Lot 7, and occupied by Mr. Mingey.

Lot 9:- A MESSUAGE and Hereditaments adjoining Lot 8, and occupied by Mr. Bashford.

Lot 10:- A MESSUAGE and Hereditaments situate on the Valley Wall aforesaid, and occupied by Mr. Parker.

Lot 11:- A MESSUAGE and Hereditaments adjoining Lot 10, and occupied by Mr. Pattenden.

Lot 12:- A MESSUAGE and Hereditaments adjoining Lot 11, and occupied by Hr. Madams.

Lot 13:- A MESSUAGE and Hereditaments adjoining Lot 12, and occupied by Mr. Norris.

Lot 14:- A very desirable small FARM, situate at Bogshole, in the parish of Whitstable, comprising a Messuage, barn, stable, waggon lodge, and Six Acres of LAND, in the occupation of Mr. Hadlow, at the yearly rent of £30, under a Lease which will expire at Michaelmas next.

For further particulars and Conditions of Sale apply to the Auctioneer, Whitstable; or to Messrs. SANKEY, SON, and FLINT, Solicitors, Canterbury.

From the Kentish Gazette, 6 June 1865.

St. Augustine’s Petty Sessions. Saturday. (Before Wm. Delmar, Esq., Wm. Plummer, Esq., and Peter Marten, Esq.)

Charge of Nonpayment of Toll.

George Bourne, landlord of the "Bear and Key Hotel," Whitstable, was charged with passing through the Whitstable gate, on the Canterbury and Whitstable Turnpike Road, on the 18th May. Mr. A. Fielding appeared in support of the information, which was laid by John Burman, collector at the gate in question. It appeared that on the day in question Mr. Bourne and a friend were proceeding from Whitstable to Canterbury in a light cart drawn by one horse. Affixed to the cart was a four wheeled chaise, which Mr. Bourne was bringing to Canterbury to be repaired. The toll for the one horse and two vehicles was 9d., which amount the collector demanded. Mr. Bourne objected to pay the amount on the ground that it was too much and drove on. The collector stated that he offered to show the defendant the Act to convince him that the amount was right, but the defendant refused to wait.

Mr. Bourne said that when he questioned the amount of the toll demanded, the collector told him to go on and pay at the next gate. He did so, and when he got to St. Thomas’s Hill the woman there only charged him 6d., which he paid. Two days afterwards the woman told him she had made a mistake, and that she ought to have charged him 3d. more. He then made inquiries, and finding that 9d. was the proper toll he paid the woman the additional 3d.

The Magistrates, taking all the circumstances into consideration dismissed the case.

From the Kentish Gazette, 13 June 1865.

WHITSTABLE. Fatal Accident.

On Thursday T. T. Delasaux, Esq., coroner, and a respectable jury, of which Mr. F. Whorlow was foreman, held an inquest at the "Bear and Key Hotel," on the body of John Warman, labourer, who had been killed while loading a truck in the harbour. It appeared that the deceased, who was in the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company, was at work on Monday afternoon loading some trucks with coals. A truck which was being shunted ran into the one on which he was at work, and he was crushed between the buffers. His ribs were fractured and he sustained other internal injuries from the effects of which he died on the following morning.

The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death."

From the Southeastern Gazette, 8 May 1866.

WHITSTABLE. A Schooner Sunk. Loss of Three Lives.

On Friday morning considerable excitement prevailed in this town by the news that a schooner named the Jane had sunk, and that three men on board had perished with her. The accident occurred in a gale which had prevailed for several days, and was the cause of either the Jane, or a vessel which was moored alongside her, the Venus, breaking from her moorings. Two of the bodies, those of a boy named George Pilcher, an apprentice, and a seaman named James Montague, were washed ashore on Friday. Mr. T. T. Delasaux, coroner for East Kent, opened an inquest on the two bodies at the “Bear and Key Hotel,” on Friday afternoon. The Rev. J. P. Alcock, vicar of Ashford, attended at the inquest on behalf of the friends of the lad Pilcher, who reside at Ashford. The following evidence was adduced:

William Carvell stated that he lived at Whitstable, and was master of the schooner Jane. Last saw deceased alive on Wednesday, The 25th, at Shellness, on board the Jane, which was lying at anchor there. George Pilcher was an apprentice and James Montague an ordinary seaman.

Morgan Rees, ordinary seaman, stated that he had an engagement on board the Venus, and continued in that capacity. Last Wednesday week they anchored off Shellness with one anchor down. She never had but one anchor down. When they first anchored there were five men and two boys on board, bat in the afternoon of the same day all went ashore except witness and an able seaman. The latter, however, left on Friday, and witness was alone on Monday. In fact, no one came on board between Friday and Monday. The Jane anchored near on Wednesday or Thursday. She was about a quarter of a mile off. Saw several men on board her, but had no communication with them. On Saturday night last it began to blow hard, and continued up to Tuesday. On Tuesday morning, at about three o’clock, one of the vessels was breaking away, but he could not say which of the two. The wind was eastward, and it would be calculated to drive the Venus into the Jane. When he was awakened at the time named it was from a noise proceeding through the Jane and Venus coming into collision. If the Jane had started, looking at the position of the wind, it would have driven her away from them instead of into collision. Immediately on hearing the noise witness went on deck, and called out as loudly as he could, but did not see any one. They remained foul about three quarters of an hour, when the Jane got clear, but sank half an hour afterwards. At about 4 o'clock the same morning a coast guardsman came on board. Witness was never aboard by himself like that before. The Venus out down the Jane midships, and was herself damaged a little. Shellness was not a safe place to anchor when it is blowing eastward. If they had had the whole of the crew on board at the time of the mishap, one of them would have kept watch. If they had been on board, and the men attending to their duties, this occurrence might have been prevented.

By a Juror:— Was 17 years of age. Could not say which vessel was drifting. The Venus had one anchor down. Was afraid to let go the second anchor, because she might lay upon it at low water. When the vessels came into collision it was ebb tide. The collision might have been prevented if there had been a watch on board the Jane. There was no light on board the Venus, but there was on board the Jane.

William Dyer, a seaman on board the Venus, stated that he continued on board up to last Friday. He came on shore to see his sister, thinking he was free to go ashore as the rest of the crew. When he left the Venus he considered her quite safe; it was calm. When he saw her after the mishap she was shifted to the westward about a quarter of a mile. It was not the custom to leave a vessel in the hands of a boy 17 years of age.

A Juror:- Then why did you leave him?

Witness:- I went to the captain as soon as I came ashore. If I had been on board at the time of the collision, I should have dropped the second anchor.

Examination continued:— The wind rose from Friday to Monday, and the sea was so rough that they could not get a boat to reach the vessel. Did not tell the captain that he intended to leave the vessel.

John Lissenden, mate of the Venus, deposed to having left the vessel on Wednesday, the 25th, with Dyer and Rees on board. It was quite safe to do this, but not so for a boy alone to be left in charge. Dyer was taken out of the vessel by another ship’s boat. Should not have left, but had no personal knowledge of directions being given him either to remain with the vessel or go ashore. On Monday he knew there was but one hand on board, but made no attempt to go off to her, notwithstanding that the owners asked him to do so. The weather was so rough that it prevented him.

By a Juror:- I daresay there is a boat in Whitstable harbour that would have carried mo safely to the Venus, but I did not try. If I had been on board on Monday night I should have lowered the second anchor.

Villy Rule, the officer in charge of the coastguard station, stated that on the morning of Tuesday last one of his men informed him that the Jane had gone down. He immediately ordered the boat to be manned, and accompanied his crew to the wreck with a view to save human life. He searched around the wreck but failed to find any one alive. He then boarded the Venus, and questioned the boy Rees as to the crew of the Jane, but he was unable to give him any information. It was decidedly unsafe to leave such a vessel as the Venus in charge of a lad like Rees. He had always had his doubts as to whether it was even safe to leave a vessel with two hands. The Venus was to the westward of the Jane when he boarded her. Would not go so far as to say that the accident might have been prevented had more hands been on board the Venus, because the anchor might have been let down and not hold. If some one had been the on deck of the Jane and slipped a chain in time, the collision might perhaps have been prevented.

At this stage of the proceedings the inquiry was adjourned until Monday afternoon, the coroner expressing a hope that by that time the missing body would be picked up.

From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 20 April, 1867. Price 1d.

WHITSTABLE. SALE OF A BARGE.

On Wednesday last, Mr. T. G. Browning offered for sale by public auction at the “Bear and Key Hotel,” the sail-barge “Agenora,” and she fetched £250.

From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald. 19 October 1867. Price 1d.

LACAL MARITIME INSURANCE ASSOCIATIONS.

On Tuesday last the annual meeting of the Whitstable Mutual Maritime Insurance Association took place at the "Bear and Key Hotel." There was a large attendance of members, and the usual business was transacted. On the same day the annual meeting of the Whitstable Star Insurance Association was held at the "Duke of Cumberland Inn," at which there was a full attendance of members. All the retiring officers were re-elected, and the ordinary business was disposed of. We understand this club has been very fortunate daring the past year, the averages amounting to only £3 5s. 0d. per cent, in the first class, and £3 18s. per cent, in the second class. Only one total loss was sustained during the whole year. This state of affairs is exceedingly favourable as compared with other clubs of a kindred nature.

Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 23 April 1870.

PARISH DINNER.

The annual parish dinner took place at the "Bear and Key Hotel" on Easter Monday. The Vicar of Whitstable occupied the chair, and was supported by most of the parish officers, and several of the leading inhabitants of the town. After dinner — which was admirably served up by Mr. George Bourne — various toasts were drunk, and a variety of topics concerning the parish were discussed. The utmost harmony and unanimity prevailed, and a pleasant evening was spent.

Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 16 July 1870.

GARDEN ROBBERY.

During the night of Wednesday last two gardens—one belonging to Mr. Bourne, "Bear and Key Hotel," and the other to a man named Attwood—were entered, and about a sack of potatoes stolen there from. Unfortunately there is no clue to the perpetrator of this depredation.

Kentish Gazette, 29 February, 1876.

ROBBERY BY A BOY.

At the St. Augustine's Petty Sessions, on Saturday last, before Captain Hilton (chairman), and R. E. Thomson, T. G. Peckham, P. Marten, and J. B. White, Esqrs., Alfred Butcher, a boy, was charged with stealing, on the 12th inst., a pipe, value 1s., the property of John Thomas Reeves.

The lad was employed in the billiard room at the "Bear and Key" Hotel, Whitstable, and on the pipe, which had been left in that room by the prosecutor, being missed, inquiry was made and it was found in the prisoner's possession. He was given into custody on the charge, when he said, I did take it, from off a book.

Mr. Bourne, the prisoner's employer, said he had no reason to suspect the prisoner of robbing him before, although he had been robbed a good deal. He wished the Bench to deal leniently with the case and was willing to take the boy back into his service if he would be a good lad.

The Bench therefore fined the lad 10s. and discharged him with a caution.

From the Farmer's Gazette, Saturday 24 June 1893.

Strawberry tea.

About 50 members and friends of the Congregational Church had a most successful outing on Thursday in last week. They drove in three brakes and a wagonette, supplied by Mr. Brannan, of the "Bear and Key Hotel," to Preston near Wingham, where they were entertained to a sumptuous strawberry tea. The occasion of the visit was a services in connection with the anniversary of the Wingham Congregational Chapel. The weather was delightfully fine, and it is needless to say the drive was much enjoyed.

Canterbury Journal, Kentish Times and Farmers' Gazette, Saturday 10 September 1898.

Delicate Ground To Move Upon.

Before the meeting terminated, Mr. J. R. Daniels said it had come to his knowledge that Mr. James Fielding, of the "Bear and Key Hotel," was about to apply for a licence to erect a hotel at Tankerton which would cost £10,000. Such a hotel, to his mind, seemed highly desirable for the development of the place, and he did not know whether he dared to move a resolution for the council to support the application at the licensing sessions.

Mr. Solly:- You have 40 or 50 drinking shops in the town now, are they not sufficient?

Mr. Daniel said he knew he was moving on a delicate ground, and he should always be ready to support or any action wich would set machinery into motion to do away with houses in the town where the tenants could not possibly be getting a living. There was no doubt there were too many public houses in the town, but they had not reached the millennium when they could do away with such places.

Mr. Camburn said he considered Mr. Daniels was out of order in bringing this subject before the meeting.

Mr. Daniels pointed out that by supporting the application they would be supporting something which was for the benefit of the visitors to the town.

Mr. Kemp said that he had seen the plans and there was not a bar shown in the whole place. The hotel would excel the County at Canterbury. It would be the means of getting more houses built on the estate, while the rateable value of the town would be increased.

No definite decision had come to on the matter as the Chairman hurriedly left the meeting in order to keep an appointment, and the proceedings abruptly terminated.

From Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald 3 August 1912.

Mr. W. Trueman, who for some time past has been the landlord of the "Bear and Key Hotel," Whitstable, has taken the old "Falstaff Hotel," Westgate, Canterbury. His many friends will wish him all success in his new enterprise.

Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, Saturday 23 July 1949.

"Bear and Key Hotel, Whitstable, Kent.

Mr. Cecil. C. Cadle, F.N.A.A. has been favoured with instructions to sell by public auction the surplus hotel equipment and effects, on the premises on Thursday, 4th August, 1949, at 11 a.m. precisely.

Including in the sale are:- Mahogany Sideboards, Chairs, Tables, Electric Gramophone, Loud Speaker, All Mains Amplifier, Pianos, Carpets, Stair Carpet, Coco Matting, Bedsteads, Mattresses, Gas Cooker and numerous other items.

Goods on view between 2 and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, 3rd August, and morning of sale.

Catalogues (price 3d.) may be obtained from the Auctioneers Offices, "Moorgate House," 134-136 Tankerton Road, Tankerton-on-Sea. (Phone Whitstable 2277.)

Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, Saturday 18 March 1950.

Plans for structural alterations at the "Bear and Key," Whitstable, were approved.