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5 High Street
Ashford
Above photo, 1910, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above photo, date unknown. |
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In 1869-70 the pub was part of a consortium who were advertising their
goods of selling tea in response to grocers' selling beer and wine. (Click
for further details.)
Not to be confused for the "Royal Oak"
in Mersham. I believe this pub closed at the end of 1912 and was sold in
1914 to become Lee and Sons Furnishings.
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From the Kentish Gazette or Canterbury Chronicle, Wednesday, 7 September to Saturday, 10 September, 1768. Price 2d.
TO THE HOP PLANTERS
Thomas Purssord at the “Royal Oak,” Ashford, buys Hops as usual, and
will always be at Home Thursday's and Saturday's.
Saturday 5, 1768.
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From Kentish Gazette 27 February 1770.
THOMAS PURSSORD, At the ROYAL OAK, in ASHFORD,
Having determined to quit the said House at Lady-day
(25 March) next ensuing, takes
this Opportunity to return his best Thanks to his kind Customers for
their many past favours; and to beg the Continuance of them to Mr. JOHN PILCHER, who will enter upon the said Inn at Lady Day next ensuing. And
begs Leave further to inform them, that as he has for some time past, so
he still continues, to carry on the Trade of a common Brewer and
Maltster in ASHFORD. He hopes to have the Continuance of former Favours,
which, with those of others in future, will be equally and gratefully
acknowledged by; Their greatly obliged, and very humble Servant,
THOMAS PURSSORD. Ashford, Feb. 24, 1770. ..... He has several large and
useful Cart and Saddle Horses to dispose of immediately. Followed by this report:- JOHN PILCHER, Begs leave to acquaint the Public, That he purposes
entering upon the ROYAL-OAK INN, in ASHFORD, at Lady-day next ensuing,
now in the Occupation of Mr. THOMAS PURSSORD, where he hopes for the
kind Encouragement of the Publick in general, and of late Friends and
Customers of Mr. PURSSORD in particular; all of whom may depend on
being accommodated with the best of Liquors, with every other Article of
Entertainment, and their Favours will ever be gratefully acknowledged. By their most obedient humble Servant,# JOHN PILCHER. Neat POST-CHAISES to be Lett, with the best Horses, and very careful
Drivers. |
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Kentish Gazette, 12 March, 1783.
On Sunday last a man who lived in the capacity of Ostler at the
"Oak," at Ashford, was found hanging in a stable at the said Inn.
The Jury brought in their verdict Lunacy.
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From the Kentish Gazette, Friday 17 April, 1784.
STEPHEN TUNBRIDGE,
Late Butler to John Lade, Esq; Humbly begs leave to acquaint his friends
and the public at large, that he has taken the "Royal Oak Inn," in the
town of Ashford, which he has fitted up in a general manner, with good
beds, and every other Accommodation fit for Ladies and Gentlemen.
His utmost Endeavours will be to merit the kind Encouragement of his
Friends and the Public, by the greatest Civility and Diligence in his
Business, and by providing the very best provisions and Liquors for the
Entertainment of Company.
Whose Favours will oblige their humble Servant.
Steven Tunbridge.
There is a large Yard and good Stable Room.
A good Ordinary every Saturday at One o'clock, likewise on every Stock
Market Day.
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From the Kentish Gazette, Friday 16 March, 1790.
ROYAL OAK, ASHFORD.
Sarah Tunbridge (Widow of Stephen Tunbridge) begs leave to return her
sincere thanks to the public for their
past favours. And as she continues the above Inn, humbly solicits their
future support, which she hopes to
merit by her strict attention to their Accommodation and Entertainment,
Post-chaise, neat wines, and choice liquors. March 16, 1790.
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Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal 22 April 1796.
To be Sold by Auction, by Richard Hammon, at the "Royal Oak Inn," in
Ashford, in the county of Kent, on Wednesday the 4th day of May, between
the hours of Three and Five o'clock in the afternoon, (by order of the
Assignees of John Mascall, the younger, a bankrupt:-
A New-built Messuage, being a Public-house in full trade, called the
"Half-Way House," with stables and suitable out-buildings, and two acres
of land, more or less, thereto belonging, situate in the parish of Wye,
and adjoining the turnpike road leading from Faversham to Ashford, now
in the occupation of Thomas Austen.
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Kentish Gazette, 1 April 1803.
Monday rooming about six o’clock, George Tadhunter, who was formerly
a hair-dresser, in this city, was found hanging in a room, at the
"Royal Oak Inn," Ashford.
Coroner’s verdict — Lunacy.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 6 February 1810.
Accident.
On Wednesday night last, a post chaise belonging to Mr. Potts, at
the "Oak Inn," Ashford, on its return from Romney was overturned on
the land side of Brockman's Barn Wall and much damaged. Fortunately
there was no person with-inside, and equally fortunate is it that
the accident did not happen on the sea side of the wall, as in that
case it is to be feared both driver and horses would have narrowly
escaped with their lives.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 6 February 1810.
Last Wednesday night, a post chaise belonging to Mr. Potts, of the
"Oak Inn," Ashford, on its return from New Romney, was overturned at
the land-side of Brockman’s barn wall, and much damaged; had the
accident occurred on the sea-side, the driver and horses would have
been in great danger of losing their lives; we are happy to hear
there was no person in the chaise.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 11 May 1810.
ROYAL OAK, ASHFORD.
JAMES POTTS begs leave to inform the Gentlemen Farmers, Millers, and
Corn Facters, that the CORN MARKET Mill still continues to be held
at his house every Thursday as usual.
J. P. returns his sincere thanks to those Gentlemen who have honoured
him with their favours, and hopes by attention to merit a continuance
of their support.
Ashford, May 9, 1810.
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Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal, Tuesday 15 May 1810.
ROYAL OAK, ASHFORD.
James Potts begs leave to inform the Gentlemen Farmers, Millers, and
Corn Facturs, that the CORN MARKET still continues to be held at his
house every Tuesday as usual.
J. P. returns his sincere thanks to those Gentlemen who have honoured
him with their favours, and hopes by attention to merit a continuance
of their support.
Ashford, May 9, 1810.
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Originally in the London Gazette, taken from Caledonian Mercury (Edingburgh,
Scotland ), Thursday, May 15, 1817; Issue 14895.
BANKRUPT.
C. Christian, "Royal Oak Inn," Ashford, Kent, Victualler.
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Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal, Friday 16 September 1814.
Capital Inn for Sale.
With immediate possession, the "Royal Oak Inn," in the town of Ashford.
As an Inn, it is well known and much frequented. The house and premises
are in good repair; so constructed and well fitted up with every
requisite, as will enable the purchaser considerably to enlarge the
present extensive business already attached to it.
The proprietor only quit in consequence of having engaged himself in
another concern, and will accommodate his successor with all or any part
of his stock, furniture and fixtures.
For particulars apply to Mr. Potts, upon the premises.
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From the Kentish Gazette 13 November 1838.
ROYAL OAK INN, ASHFORD.
CHARLES GIBSON begs to acquaint the Gentlemen, Farmers, Corn
Factors, and the Public in general, that he has OPENED a SPACIOUS
ROOM at the above Inn, for the better convenience of transacting
business. In gratefully acknowledging the honour of past favours begs
to solicit a continuance of them — to deserve which it will be his
unremitting and assiduous study.
N.B. A good ORDINARY every TUESDAY, at Half-past ONE o'clock.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 19 April 1842.
ASHFORD, CANTERBURY, and FOLKESTONE, in KENT To brewers, Innkeepers, and Capitalists.
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, By Messrs. BAYLEY and REEVE,
ON WEDNESDAY, the 4th of May, 1842, at Two o’clock, at the "Royal Oak
Inn," Ashford (by the direction of the Proprietor, who is leaving the
county).
Lot 1. All that highly respectable old-established INN and MARKET HOUSE,
called the "Royal Oak," with the stables, coach-houses, yard, and
premises thereto belonging, and a detached and lucrative TAP, situate in
the HIGH-STREET of the Town of ASHFORD, in the county of Kent, and now
in the occupation of Mr. Charles Gibson, as tenant from year to year.
This Estate is Freehold, with the exception of a small portion of the
yard, which is Copyhold. The business is extensive and well conducted,
and it is the nearest Inn to the intended station of the South Eastern
Railway.
Printed Particulars and Conditions may be had ten days preceding the
sale, of Messrs. Robert and George Furley, Solicitors, and of the
Auctioneers, Ashford.
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Dover Telegraph 23 April 1842.
Advertisement extract: To Brewers, Innkeepers and Capitalists: To be
sold by auction by Messrs. Bayley and Reeve, on Wednesday the 4th of
May, 1842, at two o'clock, at the "Royal Oak Inn," Ashford.
Lot 3: All that freehold public house called the "British Lion,"
situate on The Bayle, in the town of Folkestone, in the occupation
of Mr. Richard Fowle.
Lot 4: All that copyhold public house called the "True Briton," with
the ground and appurtenances, desirably situated fronting the
Harbour and South Street, in the town of Folkestone aforesaid, and
now in the occupation of Mr. John Andrews.
Printed particulars and conditions may be had 10 days preceding the
sale of Messrs. Robert and George Farley, Solicitors, and of the
Auctioneers, Ashford.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 4 August 1846.
Royal Oak Inn, ASHFORD.
Messrs. Gibson and Andrews beg to inform their Friends in the Trade,
that they have taken out a, WHOLESALE AS WELL AS RETAIL SPIRIT AND WINE
LICENSE, and that they intend keeping a large Stock of the best Articles
in BOND as well as in their own STORES, and which they can now offer to
the Public at the LOWEST PRICE FOR CASH.
Punchrons, Hogsheads, and Quarter Casks permitted from the Docks, if
required.
July 6, 1846.
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Kentish Gazette, 9 February 1847.
Mr. EDWARD TERRY, Deceased.
THE Creditors of Mr. Edward. Terry, late of the parish of Ruckinge, in
the county of Kent, farmer, deceased, are requested to meet
at the "Royal Oak Inn," ASHFORD, on TUESDAY, the 23d instant, at Twelve
o'clock at noon, to audit the Trustees’ Accounts, and
make a first and final Dividend.
FURLEYS and MERCER. Solicitors to the Trustees.
Ashford, Feb. 8, 1847.
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South Eastern Gazette Gazette, 13 December 1853.
David Boorman was charged by Mr. Rose, of the "Royal Oak Shades,"
with being drunk and using abusive language.
Fined 10s., including costs; allowed a week for payment.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 26 May 1857.
TO BREWERS AND OTHERS.
A FREEHOLD LICENSED BEER-HOUSE, AND SEVERAL PIECES OF PASTURE LAND,
IN BRABOURNE.
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, BY MR. ROBERT THOMPSON, AT the "Royal Oak
Inn," ASHFORD, on TUESDAY, the 16th day of June, 1857, at Three
o’clock in the afternoon:—
All that MESSUAGE or TENEMENT called "The Plough," for many years
used as a Licensed Beer House, with the Garden and several Pieces of
PASTURE LAND, containing Five Acres, more or less, situate in the
parish of BRABOURNE, in Kent, and now in the occupation of George
Sackree.
Also, a MESSUAGE or TENEMENT, in Three Dwellings, and Gardens,
immediately adjoining the last mentioned property, and now in the
occupation of Thomas Thornbee and others.
The above Property is well worth the attention of Brewers and
others, as an excellent Beer Business has been carried on there for
several years past by the present highly respectable tenant.
For further particulars, and for conditions of sale, apply to the
Auctioneer; or to Mr. Edward Watts, Solicitor, Hythe.
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South Eastern Gazette, Tuesday 9 November 1858.
To Publicans and Others, To Be Let.
The "Royal Oak Tap," Ashford, with immediate possession.
For particulars apply to Mr. Rose, on the premises.
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From the Kentish Chronicle, 18 June, 1864.
LETTING OF HAMSTREET TOLLS.
A meeting of the Trustees of the Hamstreet Turnpike Road was held at the
“Royal Oak Inn,” Ashford, on Friday, when a scene of somewhat unusual
occurrence took place. These tolls have for many years been held by Mr.
Alfred Smith, of Canterbury, at about £400 per annum, by means which are
well known to these initiated in these matters. On this occasion these
means were thwarted by an unusual attendance of bidders, and the tolls
soon ran up to after which the biddings continued at £1 each up to £550,
two minutes and upwards being allowed to expire between each bidding,
after which they jumped to £690. This showed that there was some dodge
on the part of the bidders to keep the trustees so long as to compel
them to adjourn without letting, but the third glass unexpectedly sunk
at £656 to Mr. Husted, of Larkfield, which he and his opponent, Mr.
Gooding, of the Borough Market, denied being the third glass, but the
rough Market, domed being the third glass, but the chairman and trustees
decided it was, and called on Mr. Hasted for £30, the fixed deposit. He,
however, refused to pay, and probably law proceedings will be necessary
to decide the matter. The conditions were not stringent enough for such
bidders, and the usual deposit of £2 at the first bidding too small to
deter such parties from pranks of this kind. The trustees declared £4
forfeited, and the gates must be advertised again or taken in hand.
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From the Maidstone and Kentish Journal, 1 April, 1867.
Ashford Accident.
On Monday after noon, Mr. George Lee, horse dealer, of Ashford, was
driving out of the "Royal Oak" yard in a light cart, when one of the
wheels struck against the curb and turn the cart over. Mr. Lee who was
standing up arranging the seat at the time, was thrown out and his leg
broken below the knee.
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From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald. 21 April 1900. Price 1d.
ASHFORD PETTY SESSIONS, TUESDAY.
Talbot John Medley, landlord of the "Royal Oak Inn," at Ashford, was
charged with permitting gaming on his licensed premises. Mr. Drake appeared on his behalf, while
Mr. Bracher prosecuted. The evidence of P.C. Jones was to the effect that he heard tossing for
whiskey and cigars going on in a room at the Hotel at one o'clock on the
morning of March 14th, and, on being admitted, he found three commercial
travellers and one resident of Ashford in a small room. The Ashfordian
declared that he was staying the night as his wife was away from home.
The fact of the tossing was not denied, but Mr. Drake minimised the
seriousness of the offence and suggested that it was not as bad as
playing cards, or pitch and toss, adding that the defendant, as a young
hand at the business, really did not know what was done was illegal. The Bench inflicted a penalty of £3 and 10s. costs but did not
endorse
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From the Whitstable Times, 18 January, 1902.
ASHFORD DEATH FROM TAKING SPIRITS OF SALTS.
The East Kent Coroner (Mr. R. M. Mercer) held an inquest at the “Royal
Oak,” Ashford, on Monday, respecting the death of Florence Ann Kemp.
It appeared the deceased was the wife of Harry Frank Kemp, and died on
the 12th January at 10.30. On the 16th May last she took some spirits of
salts—her husband had it in the house for soldering. She had seen him
use it. The deceased had suffered from a bad head-ache. Dr. Cave was
called in, and treated the deceased. About a month afterwards she went
in the hospital, and remained there nine weeks. She then came out and
went to Dover and Sittingbourne for a change of air. The deceased told
the doctor when she took the salts she was mad with pains in her head.
The jury returned a verdict that death was due to peritonitis following
perforation of the bowel, in consequence of a dose of hydrochloric acid
being taken in ignorance of the poisonous contents of the bottle.
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From the Folkestone Express, Saturday, 17 August, 1911.
EAST KENT LICENSING COMMITTEE
THE RENDEZVOUS, FOLKESTONE
A meeting of the East Kent Licensing Compensation Authority was held
at the Sessions House, Longport, Canterbury, on Wednesday, under the
chairmanship of the Right Hon, Lord Harris. No objections were raised to
the abandonment of the following licenses, the renewals of which were
accordingly refused:- “Royal Oak Hotel,”
Ashford (John Arnold Bacon.)
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Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald 10 February 1912.
LICENSING.
At the annual licensing sessions for the Ashford petty
sessional division held on Tuesday Superintendent Jones submitted his
report which showed that there had been a decrease of two ale-houses mid
two sweet licences. Twenty-five persons had been proceeded against on
charges of drunkenness, a decrease of nine persons (eight residents, and
one non-resident), as compared with the last twelve months. The Chairman
(Captain Down) said all the licences would be renewed with the exception
of the "Royal Oak," Ashford, the "OId English Gentleman," Ashford, and
the "White Horse," Egerton, on the grounds of redundancy.
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Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald, Saturday 09 May 1914.
ASHFORD. THE OPENING OF THE ROYAL OAK GALLERIES.
A few months ago the famous old Posting House and historic "Royal Oak
Hotel," Ashford, came into the market and was purchased by Messrs. Lee
and Son; extensive alterations and decorations have been carries out
(certain apartments of the hotel, which date back some 300 years, being
retained) and the premises adapted for carrying on the extensive
furnishing business established in the county by this firm, who have
during the past 22 years, by efficient and economy, competed, as they
have to do, with the large London houses, made well deserved progress.
Their motto "We lead," has been well maintained, and under the personal
management of Mr. Herbert Lee, assisted by a capable and experienced
staff in the many-sided business, they command the confidence of all
classes as the efficient and economical "Furnishers for Cottage or
Mansion." Their experience enables them to carry out decorative and
artistic schemes for Furnishing in the styles of the later periods.
The artisan's house is also a great feature in their furnishing, and
good medium class furniture, dependable in quantity, is supplied to suit
the needs of those with a moderate income, who wish to spend £15 to £30.
There is also a well stocked second-hand department, whist fortnightly
auction sales of furniture, etc., are held in the firm's well known
Wellesley Hall.
Within the commodious rooms of the new Galleries, Model Rooms for
artisans will be arranged suggesting economical ideas for cottage
furnishing. Antique reproductions will be arranged, perfect in quantity
in the old rooms.
The premises are now open and the Exhibition is an exceptionally good
one, and we are given to understand that Messrs Lee and Son are most
anxious that the public generally shall feel free to walk in and out
without feeling compelled to purchase. A room will be placed at the
disposal of ladies for rest, interviews or correspondence, whilst
gentlemen may have the use of a writing room and telephone.
This up-to-date enterprise should command the appreciation and support
of the inhabitants of the County, and save the expense and inconvenience
of those who have hither to felt compelled to furnish in London.
All goods will be plainly marked, and the Model Rooms will be priced
complete.
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LICENSEE LIST
FRENCH William to 20/July/1719 dec'd aged 53
FFRENCH Alice (widow) July/1719-18/May/20 decd aged
FRENCH Barnabus (son) May/1720-10/Apr/1730
FRENCH John (brother) Apr/1730+
PURSSORD Thomas 1768-Mar/1770
PILCHER John Mar/1770+
TUNBRIDGE Stephen Apr/1784+
TUNBRIDGE Sarah (widow) 1790+
POTTS James 1810+
CHRISTIAN C to May/1817
GIBSON Charles 1832-40+
COE William 1841+ (age 55 in 1841 )
("Royal Oak Tap")
GIBSON Martha (widow) 1851+ (age 66 in 1851)
DIBSON & ANDREWS 1858
ROSE Edwin 1853-70+ (age 45 in 1861)
BRIDGE Benjamin William 1874+
HAITER James 1881+ (also Chelsea Pensioner age 47 in 1881)
MEDLEY Talbot John 1900+
OWER Walker William 1901+ (age 45 in 1901)
BACON John Arnold 1911-Aug/1912 (age 25 in 1911)
APPS Elizabeth 1939+ (age 63 in 1939)
https://pubwiki.co.uk/RoyalOak.shtml
From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34
Census
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