DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Monday, 19 August, 2024.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1778-

Red Lion

Open 2020+

2 High Street

St. Peter's

01843 861402

https://whatpub.com/red-lion

Red Lion 1800s

Above engraving, 1800s, kindly sent by Michael Mirams.

Red Lion 1865

Above print, circa 1865 by C. P. Nicholls.

Red Lion 1883

Above photo, circa 1883, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Red Lion 1907

Above postcard, 1907, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

From the Early Broadstairs & St Peters in old photographs collected by Barrie Wootton.

Red Lion 1919

Looking down St Peter’s High Street, c. 1919. On the left hand side is Creasy’s slaughterhouse, followed by their grocery store, the only grocery store in the village allowed to sell wines and spirits.

From the Early Broadstairs & St Peters in old photographs collected by Barrie Wootton.

Red Lion

Above picture, date unknown. Note the three doors and the flag-pole which has since disappeared along with the two lamps over the doors.

Red Lion

Above photo, date unknown.

Red Lion 1950s

Above photo circa 1950. Red Lion building on right, supplied by Tomson and Wotton. The other building in centre of picture is D T Evans the Chemist.

Red Lion 1972

Above photo, circa 1972, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Red Lion rear 1981

Above photo 15 August 1981, by David Burrin.

Red Lion 2007

Above photo 2007.

Red Lion 2009

Above picture from Google May 2009.

Red Lion

Above photo, date unknown.

Red Lion 2022

Above photo 2022.

 

The "Red Lion" in St Peter's village was trading in the late eighteenth century. In 1810, a committee was formed for the Royal Jubilee celebrations of George III, and a dinner was held at the inn, where ‘all hearts and voices united in singing God Save The King'. The landlord of the Red Lion, Charles Newbolt, later purchased three acres of land nearby, and opened the popular Ranelagh Pleasure Gardens.

The licensee Charles Newbolt is also listed as being the licensee of the "Ranelagh Gardens," in 1823.

 

Kent Gazette, 30 September, 1778.

To be sold by auction, at the "Red Lion" in the parish of St. Peters in the Isle of Thanet, on Thursday the 8th day of this instant, October, at 4 o'clock in the Afternoon, if not sold before by private contract.

All that freehold Farm, called Beards Hill, in the parish of St. Peter's, consisting of a Dwelling House, Barn, Stable, Orchard, and about 28 acres of good arable land, with the appurtenances, now in the occupation of Mr. John Hills.

N.B. Some of the said land is in an excellent situation to build on.

Enquire of Mr. Fagg, Attorney, at Ramsgate.

 

Sussex Advertiser 20 February 1826.

At the sale of the public houses and other estates, situate in the eastern parts of the County of Kent, which took place at the "Bell Inn," Sandwich, on Monday last, Messrs. Pott and Denne knocked down the following lots, at the sums affixed to them, viz.:—

The "Bull," at Eastry, £1,190.

"Three Colts," Tilmanstone, £500.

"White Horse," Eythorne, £575.

"Red Lion," Frogham, £455.

"Rose and Crown," Womenswould, £166.

"Duke of Cumberland," Barham, £910.

"Charity," Woodnesborough, £710.

"Three Crowns," Goodnestone, £620.

"Admiral Harvey," Ramsgate, £1,150.

"Ship," Ramsgate, £1,250.

"Red Lion," St. Peters, £1,100.

"Crown and Thistle," St. Peters, £705.

"Crown, or Halfway-house," Sarr, £940.

"King's Head," Walmer Road, £425.

The "Duke of York," Walmer Road, £310.

The sale-room was most numerously attended.

We understand that the "Ship," at Ash, and "Crispin," at Worth, have since been sold by private contract, the former for £750, and the latter for five hundred guineas.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 8 February 1842.

THE RANELAGH GARDENS at ST. PETER’S,

In the Isle of Thanet, with the "Red Lion Inn" adjoining, a most valuable FREEHOLD PROPERTY.

MR. GEORGE ROBINS is instructed to SELL BY AUCTION, at the Mart, LONDON, on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, at Twelve, by direction of the Assignees of Mr. George Hudson, with consent of the Mortgagees, and most peremptorily, a singularly attractive FREEHOLD PROPERTY for the speculator, it presents a source of immense pecuniary gain;— the well-known RANELAGH Gardens, at St. PETER’S, in the Isle of Thanet, midway between Margate and Ramsgate, and which at an enormous cost have recently been much improved, and rendered worthy the patronage of the numerous visitors at these favoured watering places.

THESE DELIGHTFUL GARDENS, which are most beautifully laid out, and planted with valuable trees and shrubs, and ornamented by alcoves, rustic seats, and refreshment saloons, have so long been the universal theme of panegyric, it will, in the short space of an advertisement, be unnecessary to state more than that on gala days the most perfect and complete arrangement they possess has enabled the conductor to present ENTERTAINMENTS OF THE HIGHEST CHARACTER not only by day but of an evening, whilst for flower shows, private fetes, societies, and clubs, several of whom hold their meetings at these Gardens, a wide scope is offered to a spirited proprietor. The gardens occupy about two acres of ground, having a carriage entrance, a commodious bar, and every convenience for conducting this extensive business; A NOBLE GOTHIC BALL-ROOM, capable of dining 100 guests, with six boxes underneath, to accommodate a large company, numerous other boxes, a capital smoking room, two excellent kitchen gardens fully planted, a spacious bowling green, adorned by beautiful trees, two extensive platforms, supported by iron columns, forming A SPLENDID SALLE DE DANSE for upwards of 300 votaries of Terpsichore, with raised orchestra in the centre; likewise A BEAUTIFUL COSMORAMA, arranged at a great expense, by the late proprietor, offers its attractions; and though last not least in importance, may be named THE RED LION INN, AT ST. PETER’S, a most capital and thriving public, having a large club-room and every accommodation, with excellent cellarage for conducting an extensive wine trade, good stabling, &c.

The Gardens may be viewed until the sale; and particulars had on the premises, 21 days previous; also of Messrs. Mercer and Edwards, solicitors to the assignees, Ramsgate; of Messrs. Austen and Hobson, solicitors, 4, Raymond-buildings, Gray’s-inn; at the Auction Mart; and at Mr. George Robins’ Offices, Covent Garden, where a plan and drawing of the gardens may be seen.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 8 March 1842.

ST. PETER’S, THANET.

On Thursday last the "Red Lion Inn" and Gardens, better known as the "Ranelagh Tea Gardens," St. Peter’s, Thanet, in consequence of the bankruptcy of Mr. George Hudson, the late occupier, were offered for sale at the Mart by Mr. G. Robins, but did not realise the amount advanced on mortgage upon them, unfortunately for the numerous creditors. The last purchase of the estate was for the sum of 3,000 guineas.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 21 February 1843.

TO LET, With immediate Possession,

THE well-known RANELAGH GARDENS and "RED LION INN," ST. PETER’S.

For particulars, apply to Mr. R. S. Champ, Cannon Brewery, Ramsgate.

 

Kentish Gazette, 5 March 1844.

The annual dinner of the St. Peter’s Amicable Association, took place at the "Red Lion Inn" on Thursday, week, Mr. W. Manser in the chair, when the members present partook of an excellent supper, served up by Cramp, in that prince of landlords’ well known style, whose qualities as a caterer were exerted on this occasion to the marked satisfaction of all present. After the removal of the cloth, the health of the Queen was drank with the usual honours, and the National Anthem sung by Messrs. Moss, Busbridge, and Hills, in their well known masterly style. Several other toasts were drank, and wit and good humour were kept up, enlivened by songs, until a late hour.

 

Kentish Gazette, 14 May 1844.

ST. PETER'S.

The proprietors of the Ranelagh Gardens met on Friday last at the "Red Lion Inn," when the gardens were let for the season to Messrs. Walton, R. Mercer, of Margate, and Thos. Busbridge, of St. Peter’s. From the spirited manner in which the undertaking has been entered upon, with a view to cater for the public amusement, a good season may be anticipated.

 

From the Kentish Gazette, 21 January 1845.

ST. PETERS, THANET.

On Thursday evening last Mr. T. F. Cramp, of the "Red Lion Inn," "gave" to a large party of his fiends an excellent of beef "supper," from a round of 80lbs. Harmony and good fellowship prevailed over the social bowl. On the following day the worthy host generously distributed the remainder of the beef, &c., with bread, to his poor surrounding neighbours.

 

Kentish Gazette, 10 August 1852.

TO INNKEEPERS, PUBLICANS, & OTHERS.

To Be Let.

The old established "Red Lion Inn" St. Peter's, in the Isle of Thanet, with immediate possession.

For particulars apply to Mr. Robert S. Cramp, Cannon Brewery, Ramsgate.

 

From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald. 5 October 1867. Price 1d.

ST. PETER'S. FATAL ACCIDENT TO A CHILD

On the 20th alt., an inquest was held at the "Red Lion Inn," before W. H Payne, Esq., Coroner, on the body of William Setterfield, who met with his death under the circumstances detailed in the following evidence:—

Jane Elizabeth Setterfield said:- I am the wife of George Setterfield, of St. Peter's, labourer. The deceased William Setterfield, my youngest son, was nineteen months old. On Tuesday morning last, about a quarter-past five o'clock, my husband and myself were just going to take out breakfast, and the deceased child was standing at my knee. Just as I was reaching over the table to cut a piece of bread my elbow touched the teapot, which had just been filled with boiling water, and upset it. The water ran on the child's shoulder, and down its back. My husband immediately seized it, while I tore off the bed-gown with which it was dressed. I then bathed it with rain water and whitening. I sent to Broadstairs for a medical man. Mr. Taylor came about eleven o'clock. He told me I was applying the proper remedies, but said also that I was to give it a spoonful of brandy every four hours. I did so until it died, which was about eleven o'clock at night. It was convulsed very much, and sank gradually.

Mr. William George Taylor said:- I am a surgeon residing and practising in Broadstairs. On Tuesday last I was sent for to see a child at St Peter's belonging to Mr. Setterfield. I went to the house and found that the child was suffering from a severe scald over the right shoulder. I told the mother to go on with the same remedies she had been applying, and to give it all the nourishment possible, as I was fearful exhaustion might come on. The child gradually sank, collapse coming on from the effects of the burn, and the severe shock to the nervous system.

The Jury returned as their verdict, “That the deceased child died from injuries accidentally received by being scalded.”

 

From the Kent and Sussex Courier, 17 October, 1873.

MARGATE. IMPORTANT TO PUBLICANS.

On Friday, George Henry Hawkes, of the "Red Lion," St. Peter's, was summoned before the Cinque Ports Magistrates, at Margate, on the charge of keeping his house open for sale of intonating drinks, during prohibited hours, on the 25th ult.

P.C. Axon (No. 180 K. C. C.) proved the offence.

Mary Ann Taylor, the defendant’s step-daughter, said the house was closed at 25 minutes past eleven, and that no drink was drawn after that time. The bar was locked, and the persons seen in the house were in the parlour. The defendant said he was away from home at the time, and left the last witness in charge of the house. At his request one of the men seen by the Constables visited the house every night, and remained in it till after it was closed for her protection. Another of the men was mending a pipe for him: and the third was a friend from Ramsgate. He denied that they were drinking after hours. A man named Friend corroborated this statement; but the Bench inflicted a fine of 40s. and 13s. 6d costs. The defendant said he should appeal. Magistrates present were Mesrs. Blackburn, Friend, and Flint, but the latter gentleman left the court immediately before the decision was given.

 

Thanet Times, Tuesday 15 December, 1964.

They're a friendly lot in the "Red Lion."

Peter Price 1964

After 15 years in the same public house, Mr. Peter Price, of the "Red Lion," St Peter's, can claim to know a bit about the village and its people.

And his opinions are very complimentary.

"It is one of the most pleasant places I know," he said. "Everyone is so friendly. I have never had any trouble in the pub with arguments or fights. They are a good, friendly crowd.

Mr. Price moved to Thanet at the end of the war after spending a hectic 6 years as a full-time fireman in Hell-fire Corner - Dover.

He was first manager of the "Clarendon Hotel" in Broadstairs, High Street and moved to the "Red Lion" just 15 years ago.

One event he does particularly remember is a sunny Sunday morning in 1952 when an American jet fighter from Manston crashed on St. Peter's High Street only a few yards from his pub.

"I have never known a pub empty as fast as it did that day," he said.

Mr. Price's oldest son, who was about 10 at the time, saw the whole thing as it happened, and another young boy, a holiday visitor in the village, who was badly burnt by the exploding fuel tanks, still visits the pub each year on his holidays.

Mr. Price has three sons, one in London, another a prefect at Charles Dickens School and the youngest at the St. Peter's Church of England School.

 

East Kent Times and Mail, Wednesday 19 January 1977.

Pub playing not fit for area.

A plan to demolish a house in Vicarage Street, St. Peter's, to make way for an extension of the "Red Lion" public house has been turned down by Thanet council.

Members of the Planning Committee had a site meeting and decided the scheme would not be in keeping with the area.

The plan had been put before the committee by Whitbread Fremlins Ltd, and included an extension to the saloon bar with toilet facilities.

Planning director Peter Bingham said the existing building did have some architectural merit but it was in a poor state and could be demolished.

 

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Joe Wright, 22 July 2022.

VW Passat smashes into Red Lion pub garden in Broadstairs.

A pub garden has been obliterated after a VW Passat veered off the road and smashed into a seating area.

Bosses at the Red Lion in St Peters, Broadstairs, say it was lucky no one was killed in last night's incident.

Red Lion car crash 2022

The crumpled car ploughed into the pub garden.

Police were called to Vicarage Street at about 7.30pm, where officers arrested a 37-year-old man on suspicion of dangerous driving.

A major clean-up operation was conducted and the historic pub, which sits on the junction with St Peters High Street, has had to undergo structural repairs as a result of the damage.

Long-term manager Sarah Richmond, who came rushing downstairs to see debris scattered across the ground following the crash, said: "If anyone was sitting out in the garden they wouldn't be alive.

"Usually, if the sun was out everyone would be out there as that is the sun-trap side.

"But thankfully no one was sitting outside at the time."

Red Lion car crash 2022

A door of the pub suffered significant damage. Picture: Natalie Stephens.

Ms Richmond says damage has been caused to a car, a bollard, and the pub's garden furniture and door - which has "potentially made the building structurally unsafe".

"Everyone was shocked by it and we all had to leave and close the pub early," she added.

"I wasn't allowed back in until 2.30am as they needed to make it structurally safe by putting in a metal pole to support where the door was damaged.

"I can't fault any of the locals - they came out and made tea and offered beds if needed.

"I've been here I don't know how many years and have never experienced anything like this."

The pub remains shut as it awaits another inspection before customers can make a return.

Damage to the pub is set to be covered by insurance.

 

From the https://theisleofthanetnews.com By Kathy Bailes, 22 July, 2022.

‘Miraculous’ no-one injured as car crashes into front of The Red Lion pub in St Peter’s.

Red Lion car crash 2022

Thankfully no-one was hurt in the crash (Image Leon Rouge).

Police, the fire service and council attended the scene yesterday (July 21) after a car crashed into the front area of The Red Lion pub in St Peter’s.

The impact of the car caused damage to brickwork, fencing and outdoor furniture as well as to the supporting door lintel and another vehicle. A man has been arrested for dangerous driving.

Red Lion car crash 2022

Photo ‘Leon Rouge’.

Pub landlords Paul and Melvin say it was lucky yesterday’s weather had cooled down or there would likely have been injuries to customers.

They added: “The building is secure. Much of the wrought iron fence and ornamental work created by Mark Metalwork has been destroyed as have the benches and tables. The door has gone and the brickwork on the corner of building at the door surround.

Red Lion car crash 2022

Photo ‘Leon Rouge’.

“Ongoing is the work to repair the building and replace all the fencing and garden equipment. If the railings hadn’t slowed the car down considerably it would have ended up where the pool table is. Had it been the day before in the hot weather there would have been many people sitting outside and there would undoubtedly been at least one fatality.

“Thank goodness the weather had changed and miraculously there was no one outside at the time of the accident.”

Red Lion car crash 2022

Photo ‘Leon Rouge’
A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called at 7.39pm to reports that the property had been struck by a vehicle.

“One fire engine attended along with the technical rescue unit. No-one was trapped but crews evacuated the premises and closed the road while they assessed the damage to the property. A building surveyor from Thanet council also attended.”

Duty of care was left with the council and Kent Police at 10.36pm.

Red Lion car crash 2022

Photo ‘Leon Rouge’.

A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Kent Police was called to a report that a car had collided with a building in Vicarage Street, St Peters, near Broadstairs at 7.35pm.

“Officers attended along with Kent Fire and Rescue Service and a 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.

“The road was closed while the incident was responded to and reopened at around 2am on Friday 22 July. No serious injuries were reported.”

 

LICENSEE LIST

NEWBOLD/NEWBOLT Charles 1826-39+ Pigot's Directory 1828-29Pigot's Directory 1832-34

HUDSON George 1839-42 bankrupt (age 30 in 1841Census)

CRAMP Thomas Fisher 1844-47+

HURST Joseph 1851+ (age 39 in 1851Census)

HAWKES George Edward 1858-74+ (age 62 in 1871Census)

GORE James D 1881+

BRIDEN William 1890-91+ (age 28 in 1891Census)

MUIR John Browne 1899-03+

SUMMERS Frederick William pre 1910 Next pub licensee had

CUTLACK Thomas Edward 1913-22+

HARRIS Gus ????

MOORE Sidney S 1934+

SAPWELL Harry V 1938+

Last pub licensee had PRICE Peter 1949-64+

https://pubwiki.co.uk/RedLion.shtml

 

Pigot's Directory 1828-29From the Pigot's Directory 1828-29

Pigot's Directory 1832-34From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34

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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