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6 Fort Road (1 King Street
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Margate
Above photos
1870s. |
Above showing the original "Fountain" date unknown.
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Apparently there have been two "Fountain Inns" in their time in Fort
Road. The earliest being on the corner where the former Bank now stands.
(Now 2009, Margate Media Centre.)
The original building can be traced back to 1768 as indicated in the
following passage below.
The Thanet Williams Directory of 1849 identifies this as a Family and
Commercial Inn and Charles Barham being the victualler as well as wine,
spirit, ale and porter merchant.
One time Cobbs tied house. Cobbs were founded in 1673, but Whitbread took
them over early 1968 and closed the brewery later that year.
Later, when the original was demolished, a new "Fountain Inn" was erected
next door to it. Unfortunately, even that one has now closed and the
building demolished.
Above photo, date unknown. |
Above photo, 1950s. |
Above photo showing the latter day "Fountain Inn" 1970.
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Photos taken date unknown.
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Above picture from Google Maps, March 2009. |
Above shows O S Map 1873. "Fountain Inn" is in RED.
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 Above shows O S Map 1966. "Fountain Inn" is in RED.
"Fort Brewery Tap" is
YELLOW. |
Above pictures shows an amalgamation of the different "Fountains" that
have existed. The original was on the corner of King street and was
demolished and replaced by Cobbs Bank, later to be taken over by Lloyds.
Round the corner in Fort Road, Cobbs brewery used an old wooden building
as a replacement.
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Above amalgamation showing the replacement "Fountain." |
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From the Kentish Gazette, Wednesday, 1 June to Saturday, 4 June, 1768. Price 2d
PRO BONO PUBLICO
The Flying Machine from Margate to London on One Day, sets off from the
“Fountain” at Margate inns at the “Red Lyon” Canterbury, and returns
early in the Evening. Those who are pleased to favour this Machine may
depend on the Business being performed with Care and Dispatch.
By Beale and Co.
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From the Kentish Gazette or Canterbury Chronicle, Wednesday, 5 October, to Saturday, 8 October, 1768. Price 2d.
MARGATE
The Race for the Silver Urn, which was to be Run for on Tuesday the 4th
inst, is postponed, till Tuesday the 11th inst. upon the Account of the
Corn not being got off from the ground.
N.B. A Good Twelve-penny Ordinary, at One o'Clock; at Mr. Biles's the
“Fountain Tavern.”
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From Kentish Gazette 1 July 1769.
As a scandalous Report has lately been propagated by some malicious
Persons, That
THE FOUNTAIN-INN, AT MARGATE,
Is not open for the Reception of Company. This is to acquaint the Nobility, Gentry, and others, who intend to
visit the Town this Summer, That at the said Inn they may be
accommodated with the best of Provisions. Wines, Brandy, Rum, Lodgings,
and Stabling, on the lowest Terms, By their humble Servant,
JOHN BILES. |
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Kentish Gazette 16 April 1819.
Died.
April 18th at Margate, Miss Harriet Creed, sister to Mr. G. Creed,
of the "Fountain Inn," age 13 years.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 7 January 1834. Price 7d.
A Grand Ball will take place at the “Fountain Tavern” on the 15th inst.
under the direction of Mr. J. Robinson, assistant conductor of the
dancing at the Tivoli Gardens.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 26 September 1837.
DEATHS.
Louisa, daughter of Mr. W. Read, of the "Fountain Hotel," Margate, in
her 21st year.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 13 August 1839.
DEATH.
August 3, of consumption, Sarah Anne, daughter of Mr. William Read,
"Fountain Hotel," Margate, in her 17th year.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 8 March 1842.
Accident.
On the afternoon of Monday last, Mr. Austen, painter, of High-street,
Margate, was assisting in pulling down the wall of the "Fountain Inn,"
about to be rebuilt, when the portion of the wall on which he was
standing gave way, and he was precipitated to the ground and dislocated
his ankle.
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Kentish Gazette, 27 July 1847.
TO Let with Immediate Possession, the "FOUNTAIN HOTEL," and Commercial
Tavern, with the Tap and Stabling, furniture and
fittings to be taken at a valuation.
NOTICE:— Unless the above Premises are disposed of immediately, the
whole of the Household Furniture, Stock in Trade, &c., will
be Sold by Auction under an Assignment on MONDAY the 2nd day of AUGUST,
and following days.
J. STANER. Auctioneer, 121, High Street.
Margate, July 22, 1847.
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Kentish Gazette, 3 August 1847.
MARGATE, KENT.
TO INN KEEPERS. FAMILIES FURNISHING, AND OTHERS.
The whole of ike Modern HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, Concert and Coffee Room
Fillings, PLATE, LINEN, GLASS, STOCK IN TRADE,
Oxenhom’s Patent Mangle, and other Effects, of the "FOUNTAIN TAVERN,"
WILL BE SOLD BY AUCTION, By Mr. J. STANER, (Under an Assignment).
ON the Premises, King Street, MARGATE, on MONDAY, AUGUST 9th, 1847, and
two following days, at 10 for 11 o’clock precisely each
day.
The FURNITURE and FITTINGS consist of twenty-four superior feather beds,
stout hair and wool mattresses, quilts and
counterpanes; carved mahogany-pillar four-post, tent, and French
bedsteads, with hangings; mahogany-circular and straight-fronted chests of drawers, wardrobe, wash-stands, dressing-tables and
swing glasses, rush and cane-seat bedroom chairs, carpets,
chamber services, commodes, superior linen sheets. damask table cloths,
doylers, towelling, &c., &c.; Oxenhnm’s Patent Mangle,
handsome pattern Brussels, Kidderminster, and Venetian carpets; sets of
mahogany dining-tahles, two flap ditto, card and Pembroke
ditto; sets of mahogany and cane seat chairs; chimney and pier glasses;
mirror, an excellent eight-day dial; mahogany sofas and
couches; cabinet pianoforte, China ornaments and fittings; mahogany
sideboards; an excellent assortment of dinner and and tea
services, quantity of superior glass, metal tea-pots and coffee biggins;
12 dozen of knives and forks; capital kitchen utensils, in
copper and tin ware, pair of scales and weights, clock, deal tables,
chairs. &c.; about 100 ounces of Plate, and a variety of superior
Plated Articles.
In the CONCERT and COFFEE ROOMS — Sixteen mahogany-top tables, 41
rush-seat chairs, stools, music stands, and three screensThe STOCK comprises — Quantity of old Port, in bottle and wood; Sherry,
ditto, ditto; Champagne, Claret, and Madeira; quantity of
Cognac Brandy, Rum, Gin, and Whiskey, choice compounds, &c, &c; about
20lbs. of Cigars, of a superior character; pint and quart
bottles, bottle crates, and baskets.
In the STABLE and YARD — Two hogs, quantity of fowls, three sign boards,
porter’s barrow, three corn bins, shelves, horse-rugs,
sash and panel-doors, &c.May be viewed on the Saturday previous, and on the Morning of the Days
of Sale, and Catalogues had on the premises, or of the
Auctioneer, 121, High Street, Margate.
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South Eastern Gazette, Tuesday 1 May 1849.
Margate.
The catch club at the "Fountain Tavern," on Thursday evening last, was
exceedingly well attended, on the occasion of Mr. Barham's benefit.
Several visitors and gentlemen from a distance was present, to testify
their approbation of a spirited manner in which the affair has been
conducted throughout the winter. The gentleman of the orchestra headed
by Mr. Pettman, volunteered their services, and right well was their
kindness appreciated by all present when the health of Mr. Pettman was
proposed. Hiss excellent singing and pianoforte playing need no comment.
Without him and his Ramsgate band the club could not have been
established. In the course of the evening the club was announced to be
in the prosperous state and would resume again early next winter. If
such should be the case, property qualification for favourite seats must
be dispensed with.
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Kentish Gazette, 12 August 1851.
Margate. Sudden Friendship.
On Thursday last, a commercial traveller stopping at the "White Hart," in
Margate, while spending the evening at a convivial meeting at the
"Fountain Tavern," entered into conversation with a foreign gentleman,
apparently a German. Both parties sitting late, they agree to sleep at
the "Fountain" rather than cause a disturbance at their respective Inns.
About 9 o'clock in the morning, the commercial gentleman awoke after a
most lengthy refreshing slumber, and proceeded to dress himself,
discovered to his dismay that someone had rifled his pockets of their
contents.
On enquiry, the German gentleman was seem to leave the house about 6
o'clock, and it was afterwards discovered that he paid his bill at the
"York Hotel" from the very purse he had purloined from his friend's
pocket. Taking his bag under his arm, he left by the early train, where
all traces of him ceased. The lost to the victim in this transaction is
£46 11s. 3d.
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Southeastern Gazette, 13 September 1853. Margate
An inquest was held on Friday last, at the "Fountain Hotel," before
G. Thompson, Esq., coroner for Dovor, on the body of W. J Greenland,
aged 21, a theological student of King's College, and son of Wm.
Hughes Greenland, Esq., barrister-at-law. It appears that the
deceased and his brother went out to bathe from a gateway near J.
Friend's, Esq., Northdown, on Wednesday last, when he was taken out
of his depth by the sea. His brother made every effort at the peril
of his own life to save him, but without success. The jury returned
a verdict of "Accidentally drowned." It is highly dangerous for
persons who are not expert swimmers to bathe off the rocks so far
from assistance. The set of the tides with some winds is very great.
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Kentish Gazette, Tuesday 15 July 1862.
Margate Borough Police Court.
Wednesday:- (Before the Mayor, T. Blackburn Esq., W. T. Gilder, Esq., R.
Jenkins Esq., and the Rev. G. W. Sicklemore.)
A Batch of Publicans.
Charles Frederick Winch, landlord of the "Fountain Inn," was charged
with opening his house on Sunday, the 29th ult. at 12:30.
Fined 10s and costs 8s. 6d.
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From the Whitstable Times, 2 March 1867. Price 1d.
DRUNK AND RIOTOUS.
Rebecca Lambert a pauper, was charged by P.C. Harlow with being drank
and riotous in Broad Street, on Friday, the 22nd instant. P.C. Harlow said; Yesterday afternoon I was on duty at the Police
Station at a quarter past one, when I was sent for by Mr. Plant to go to
the “Fountain Hotel,” where, he said, a woman was drunk and also refused
to leave his house. I went and put her out, and she then laid down in
the street; I lifted her up, and requested her to go away, which she
refused to do, and commenced Holloaing and screaming in the street, so I
took her into custody; she was so very drunk that I was obliged to carry
her to the Station-house. She was discharged, with, a caution. |
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East Kent Times and Mail, Wednesday 23 September 1970.
Time gents, please.. and the Fountain ‘runs dry’.
Soon the "Fountain" will be just a 'mention' in Thanet’s history
books.
A PUB believed to be the oldest in Margate closed its doors for the
last time on Tuesday night. Once the headquarters for many of the
island’s smugglers the "Fountain Inn" in Fort-road, has had a
colourful and chequered career stretching back over three centuries.
But when landlord John Lincoln called last orders at the old
wood-built tavern just after 11 p.m. on Tuesday he meant it. Time
and the developers have caught up with the picturesque little
harbour inn and spelt out it's end.
But though the doors may be closing the "Fountain" will long have a
place in the history of Margate.
Its story began way back in the 17th century, maybe earlier, at a
time when smuggling was almost considered a legitimate business in
the town.
Standing only a few hundred yards from the beach the pub was an
ideal haunt for fishermen and the contraband carriers.
Secret tunnels.
And if, as often happened, the 'preventive men' decided to raid the
premises there were more ways out than by the front or back door.
The smugglers, no doubt with the full blessing of 'mine lost' of the
day, more often than not made good their getaway through the complex
honeycomb of secret tunnels below the pub.
Below ground in this part of Margate is a gigantic 'rabbit warren'
of escape tunnels and entrances through which contraband was
smuggled in by the seafaring rogues of yesteryear.
Though today this vast underground network has been firmly blocked
up it originally extended for a radius of something like a 1/4 mile
from the old pub.
The "Fountain's" history has also been closely tied up with that of
Cobbs, the old Margate brewery which finally shut down last year.
One of the 40 houses originally owned by Cobbs its land backs on to
the old brewery site. But even before Francis 'King' Cobb began his
business in about 1780 the pub's beer was brewed on this land.
‘Home’ breweries.
Then it was supplied by a number of 'home' breweries set up in
houses on the land. Now time has finally caught up with the old pub
and it has been closed for demolition and eventually redevelopment.
John Lincoln and his wife Hettie who have been mine hosts for the
past two years have moved to the "Flag and Whistle" opposite Margate
station.
• Mine hosts John and Hettie Lincoln take over the "Flag and
Whistle."
Said John:- "I knew this shut own was coming for a long time. We
realised the "Fountain's" life would be limited after the take over.
"But it's still sad when it comes. It marks the end of an era in a
town when a pub as old as this and with as much tradition finally
shuts.
''As far as I know the "Fountain" is the oldest pub in the town and
it has been used for just about everything. "The smugglers and the
Fishermen made it their head-quarters in the early days, when it was
a coaching inn at one time, a cafe at another.
"When the soldiers left for Waterloo many of them drank their last
pint here before going off to die fighting.
"Of course I'm a bit more sentimental about the old place than most
people. It's the first pub I've ever had. Before coming here I was a
bookmaker in London.
"But despite the short amount of time I've held the licence I've
grown very attached to it.
"One thing I would particularly like to do is say thank you to the
brewery for the way they've treated us. Whitbreads couldn't have
done more to help us in this move. I'm very grateful to them for
everything."
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The 1861 census shows William Henry Rowe age 26 as
servant at the Inn, by 1871 he was licensee of the "Queen's
Arms."
LICENSEE LIST
BILES John 1768-69+
STEVENSON James 1792+
CREED George 1819-32+
READ William 1826-41+
READ Susan 1841+ (age 87 in 1841 )
BARHAM James (Charles) 1849+
MANTELL John 1851+ (age 61 in 1851)
HOLMANS Henry Cox 1851-58+ (age 26 in 1851)
WINCH Frederick Charles 1861-67+ (age 32 in 1861)
VICKERS William 1874
DOUGHTY John Henry 1874-82+
(age 38 in 1881) 
HARKLOW Michael 1881+ (Licensed Victualler, also Superannuated Policeman
age 54 in 1881)
JOHNSON Charles William 1901-22+ (age 42 in 1901)
  
HORSLEN George 1930+
AVIS W M Mrs 1938+
STUART Ron & Bett 1960s
https://pubwiki.co.uk/Fountain.shtml
http://www.closedpubs.co.uk/fountain.html
Fountain Tap (Fort Road)
GRANT Alfred Henry 1867+
DOUGHTY John Henry 1881-91+
JOHNSON Charles William 1901-03+
Kentish Gazette
From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34
From Melville's Directory 1858
From the Post Office Directory 1862
From the Post Office Directory 1874
Census
From the Post Office Directory 1882
From the Kelly's Directory 1903
From the Post Office Directory 1913
From the Post Office Directory 1922
From the Post Office Directory 1930
From the Post Office Directory 1938
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