SARACENS HEAD FAMILY & COMMERCIAL HOTEL & POSTING HOUSE Pubs of Ashford

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Ashford, November, 2024.

Page Updated Ashford:- Sunday, 10 November, 2024.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1656-

Saracens Head Hotel

1949+

56 High Street (North of High Street 1851)

Ashford

Above postcard, date unknown.

Above postcard, day out, date unknown.

Above photo, date unknown, by kind permission of Ashford Museum.

Above photo, date unknown.

Above postcard, date unknown, kindly sent by Andy Turner.

Above postcard, date unknown.

Above postcard 1911. kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above postcard, circa 1912.

Above postcard showing the building in 1918.

Above postcard, date unknown. The hotel is on the right.

Above postcard, date unknown.

Above photo, date unknown.

Above postcard, date unknown, kindly sent by Andy Turner. Also showing the "Lord Roberts" building centre left on right side of street.

Above showing a card used at the "Saracen's Head" date unknown.

Above postcard, date unknown, from Chris Cleave.

Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo, date unknown, from Mike Bennett.

Above photo, August 2016.

Known as the "Saracens Head Family & Commercial Hotel & Posting House" it can be traced back to 1666 to date, probably older when some tokens were being used, value ½d.

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.)

It is believed that this establishment was the meeting place to found the Ashford Cattle Market Company Limited in 1856.

Above token dated 1666, kindly sent by Mark Reed.

Token reads

O= SAMVELL WOOD 1666 ( centre has A SARACEN'S HEAD)

R= AT ASHORD IN KENT (centre reads HIS HALF PENY)

From an article in unknown paper 1732.

Monday the 14th of January a Match of Cocking will be fought it the "Saracen's Head" in Ashford, between the Gentlemen of Ashford and the Gentlemen of Wye, for Two Guineas a Battle, and Ten the Odd; And the Pit will be feather'd with a Pair of Shakebags for Ten Pounds.

The next Day another Match will be fought at the "Fountain" in Ashford, between the Gentlemen of Ashford and those of Basmore; and as many Cocks will be shewn the second Day as the first: And a Battle Royal of as many Cocks as may be brought by any that place, for as many Crowns as there are Cocks to fight; that is, each Person shall put in his Cock and a Crown, and the surviving Cock shall take of all the Money.

From the Kentish Gazette or Canterbury Chronicle, Wednesday, 21 September to Saturday, 24 September, 1768. Price 2d.

On Thursday next, the 20th Inst. there will be a Card and Dancing Assembly at the “Saracen Head” at Ashford.

September 22, 1768.

From the Kentish Gazette or Canterbury Chronicle, Wednesday, 21 September to Saturday, 24 September, 1768. Price 2d.

ASHFORD DIVISION SEPT 24, 1768

The next Meeting of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace, acting within this Division, will be at the “Saracen's Head” at Ashford, on Saturday the 15th Day of October next; for proofing Accounts of Surveyors of the Highways, and appointing new Officers f9or the Year ensuing, at which Time and Place the Constables are torcsern Lists of Persons named by the Several Parties to be Surveyors, who are likewise to attend and accept the Office, or shew Cause against their being appointed by the Justices.

A. Ingles, Clerk.

From the Kentish Gazette, 13 February, 1773. Price 1½d.

TO BE SOLD BY PUBLIC AUCTION.

On Saturday the third Day of April next, between the Hours of Ten and Eleven in the Forenoon.

At the “SARACEN'S HEAD,” in ASHFORD, in the County of Kent, (If not disposed of by private contract before that Day)

ALL that the MANOR and FARM of FALKNERSHURST, otherwise FALCONERSHURST, situate and being in the Parish of Hurst otherwise Falknershurst, and Bonnington, in the said County of Kent; which said Farm consists of 223 Acres, 1 Rood, and 37 Perches of Arable, Meadow, Wood, and Pasture Land, of which 105 Acrcs, 3 Roods and 15 Perches lye in Romney Marsh, and are let on Lease to John Dunk, at the yearly Rent of £135, of which ten years are unexpired at Michaelmas next. Together with the perpetual Advowson of the said Parish Church of Falkenhurst, otherwise Falconershurst, aftersaid.

The above Estate will be very improvable at the Expiration of the Lease; and the Purchaser will be entitled to all Privileges as a Lord of Romney Marsh.

Any Person desires of treating for the above Estate by private Contract, or for further Particulars, may enquire of Edward Woodcock, Esq. Lincoln's Inn, Mr. Carleton, in Arundell, Sussex, or of Mr. Pattinson, Attorney, at Ashford, in Kent.

Kentish Gazette, 11 May, 1774.

To be sold by Auction, on Saturday the 21st day of May, 1774, at the Sign of the "Saracens Head," at Ashford at 1 o'clock in the afternoon.

A Messuage or Tenement, formerly the "Five Bells" Alehouse, with the Garden, Orchard being half an Acre by Estimation, and one Messuage or Tenement and Piece of Pasture-land adjoining, containing by Estimation three Acres, situate in Hamstreet, and in the Parishes of Orlestone and Warehorne in the county of Kent, and now or late and the occupation of Thomas Winder and Richard Chapman.

Enquire of Richard Elgar at Folkestone.

Kentish Gazette, 13 January, 1779.

On Monday next, the 18th of January, 1779, there will be a Dancing and Card Assembly, at the "Saracens Head," Ashford.

Kentish Gazette, 11 December, 1779.

A few days since died at Ashford, Mr. White, formerly master of the "Saracens Inn, in that town.

Kentish Gazette 5 April 1780.

On Tuesday next, the 11th Instant.

There will be a Dancing and card assembly, at the "Saracen's Head," Ashford.

Kentish Gazette, Tuesday 11 October 1785.

On Wednesday, the 19th instant, there will be a Dancing and Card assembly, at the "Saracens Head Inn," Ashford, admittance to non-subscribers, 3d.

From the 1791 Universal Directory.

SARACEN’S HEAD, ASHFORD.

THOMAS SUTTON respectfully acquaints the Public, that he has taken the SARACEN’S HEAD at Ashford, and is fitting it up in the best possible manner for the reception of company.

His stabling is also undergoing a thorough repair.

And he flatters himself, from the improved accommodation of the house, and from his reasonable charges, that he shall experience the public patronage.

He has laid in a choice assortment of Wines.

Post chaise and Saddle horses.

BAR AND COOK MAID WANTED,

At the Saracen’s Head Inn, Ashford, A COOK MAID, and also a BAR MAID. They may apply either to Mr. Miles, "Fountain Inn," Canterbury, or to Mr. Sutton, at the "Saracen’s Head," Ashford.

It is expected that their characters will be unexceptionable.

At the end of 1798, and in early 1799, there were notices in the Kentish Weekly Post pertaining to the insolvency of Thomas Sutton, Innkeeper, late of Ashford. The Saracen’s Head changed hands, and Thomas senior’s younger sister Elizabeth, and her husband George Walter, became the new proprietors.

SARACEN’S HEAD, ASHFORD.

GEORGE WALTER (having taken and entered upon the above Inn) respectfully informs the Nobility, Gentry, and the Public, that he has fitted up the same for their reception in a neat genteel style, and has laid in a large stock of the very best wines, liquors, &c. which will be sold, wholesale and retail, on the most moderate terms; he begs leave to assure all those, who my please to honour him with their company, that the strictest attention will constantly be exerted to merit their favours.

Fine London porter for private families, either in casks or bottles.

Neat post-chaises, with able horses, to any part of England.

The business remained with the Walter family until their son William Walter retired in 1848.

[Thomas senior's father, Daniel Sutton, yeoman of Tremworth, died in April 1799 leaving his malting and farming business, worth (not more than) ₤5,000, to be divided among eight of his eleven children after the death of his wife Mary. His will made in May 1798 does not mention his son Thomas Sutton senior.]

Kentish Gazette, Tuesday 4 October 1796.

Notice. Mr. John Stewart's Wood Treat will be at the "Saracens Head Inn," Ashford, on October 7th.

Dinner on table at 12 o'clock.

He hopes all concerned in the business will be sure to attend.

John Stewart.

Kentish Gazette, 7 February, 1806.

CAME ASTRAY.

In the Month of September last, A BLACK GELDING, of the saddle kind, about fourteen hands three inches high; is now to the possession of Mr. George Walter, of the "Saracen's Head Inn," Ashford. Any person applying, and proving, to be his property, may have the Horse, on paying reasonable expenses.

N.B. If not claimed previous to the 1st of March, the Horse will be sold to pay the charges.

From the Kentish Gazette, 2nd May, 1810.

Ashford.

GORGE WALTER, having by the advice and request of many very respectable Farmers, Millers, and Dealers in Corn, Hops, and Seeds, appropriated the Great Room, at the "Saracens Head," for the purpose of a CORN MARKET, to be held every Stock Market day, returns his sincere thanks for their attendance on its opening yesterday, and assures them no effort shall he wanting on his part to render it worthy their patronage and support.

N.B. A good ordinary precisely at one o’clock.

Genuine Wines and Spirituous Liquors.

Kentish Gazette, 22 May, 1821.

DIED.

May 17, after a long illness, Mr. George Walter, of the "Saracen's Head Inn," Ashford, aged 55 years.

From the Maidstone Gazette and West Kent Courier, 11 May, 1830.

A public meeting was held, on Wednesday last, at the "Saracens Head Inn," Ashford, for the purposes of forming a Society similar to the Friendly Association at Sittingbourne. A committee was appointed from among persons (who were few in number) to canvas the neighbourhood with a view to the establishment of the Society in Ashford.

From the Kentish Gazette, 9 May 1837.

THE Creditors of Mr. JAMES ADAMS, late of the Parish of Bethersden, in the County of Kent, miller, deceased, are requested to meet at the "Saracen’s Head Inn," Ashford, On Wednesday, the 17th of May, at Eleven o'clock in the forenoon, to adopt measures for the adjustment of the deceased’s affairs. They are also requested to forward to me the amount and particulars of their respective debts Three Days previous to the meeting.

ROBERT TURLEY,

Ashford, May 2, 1837. Solicitor.

From unknown paper 1839.

Death in Kent, 1839.

Feb. 11, at Greenstreet, Mr T H Sutton, formerly of the "Saracen’s Head," Ashford, and the "Angel Inn," Strood, aged 74.

Kentish Gazette, 19 Dec 1843.

DIED.

Dec. 7 - at Ashford, Mr. George CRUX, late head-waiter at the Saracen's Head Inn, in that town, aged 37.

From the Kentish Gazette, 17 October 1848.

Saracen's Head Hotel.

Ashford, Oct. 11th, 1848.

W. WALTER respectfully returns his thanks to the Nobility, Gentry, Commercial Interest, and the Public in general for their favors conferred upon him and his family for the lengthened period of fifty years. In retiring Mr. Walter begs to recommend Mr. RICHARD BARNES, as his successor.

R. BARNES, in succeeding W. Walter in the above Hotel, hopes, by his assiduous endeavours, to merit the same liberal patronage and support conferred upon his predecessor.

Saracen's Head Hotel,

Ashford, Oct. 11th, 1848.

R. BARNES respectfully announces, that in conformity with the wishes of his friends, his OPENING DINNER will take place on WEDNESDAY, October 25th instant.

Mr. R. Greenhill will preside.

Dinner on table at Four o’clock, punctually.

Those Gentlemen who may feel disposed to favor R. Barnes with their company will oblige by taking Tickets on or before SATURDAY, 21st Instant.

Tickets to be had at Mr. Elliott's Library and at the "Saracen’s Head Hotel," Ashford.

Southeastern Gazette, 22 February 1853.

Kentish Gazette, 22 February 1853.

SARACEN'S HEAD HOTEL, ASHFORD.

CHARLES HARRISON RESPECTFULLY announces to the nobility, gentry, and inhabitants of Ashford, and its vicinity, that he has succeeded to the above Hotel, and begs to solicit their kind patronage and support,

C. H. informs those gentlemen who attend the Corn Market (which will in future be holden every Tuesday, at the Assembly Rooms) that he intends to appropriate his Coffee Room for the accommodation of those who may require it on those occasions.

Southeastern Gazette, 3 May 1853.

On Tuesday last the opening dinner took place at Mr. C. Harrisson's, the "Saracen’s Head Inn," when nearly 70 gentlemen attended to partake of the good things wHich were placed on the table in abundance. The dinner and wines, which were of the very best description, were highly creditable to the host and hostess, and gave great satisfaction to the large number assembled on the occasion.

Southeastern Gazette, 28 June 1853.

TO BREWERS AND PUBLICANS. BILSINGTON.

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, By Messrs. BAYLEY & REEVE, On Tuesday, July 12th, 1853, at Three o’clock in the afternoon, at the "Saracen’s Head Inn," Ashford,

A FREEHOLD PUBLIC-HOUSE, called "The White Horse," with a Grocer’s and Butcher’s Shop, yard, garden, stable, and other outbuildings, situate at Bilsington-cross, in the parish of Bilsington, in the county of Kent, on the borders of Romney Marsh, and now in the occupation of Mr. Catt.

For further particulars apply to Messrs. Furleys and Mercer, Solicitors, or to the Auctioneers, Ashford.

Kentish Gazette, 11 April 1854.

The Effects of being Drunk.

William Holdstock, charged with stealing a half sovereign, the money of Thomas Waller at Ashford, on the 1st April, 1854.

Mr. Rose prosecuted — Mr. Wilkinson defended.

The prosecutor went into the "Saracen's Head tap" at Ashford, with a female of the name of Martin, to have a glass of beer. The prisoner was in the room when they entered; after having something to eat and drink, the female left; on her return, the prisoner picked up the prosecutor's purse from the floor and gave it him.

The prisoner was drunk, as well as the prosecutor.

The female left between two and three o'clock.

There were no other person in the room beside the prisoner and prosecutor al that time.

The latter went to sleep, and upon his waking up, missed his money from his purse.

The prisoner was proved to have changed a half sovereign, and upon searching him 7s. in silver was found in his pockets.

Mr. Wilkinson briefly addressed the jury for the prisoner, the chairman summed up, and a verdict of Guilty was returned.

To be imprisoned for 3 months.

The Court then adjourned.

South Eastern Gazette,17 January, 1860.

Narrow Escape from Fire.

Yesternight week, after all the inmates at the "Saracen’s Hotel" had retired to rest, an invalid gentleman residing there was disturbed by a crackling noise, and a smell of burning. He gave an alarm, and the noise was found to proceed from a room adjoining his bed-room, where a fire was raging in and around the chimney to an alarming extent. Mr. Harrison, the landlord, and some of the inmates, were soon on the spot, and fortunately succeeded in subduing the flames, but not until a large mantel glass was destroyed, and other articles of furniture damaged, to the extent of about £20 worth. The fire was caused by an unknown beam in the chimney having become ignited before the fire in the grate was extinguished.

South Eastern Gazette, 31 January, 1860.

Stealing Cakes.

George King, 45, was charged, at the same time as the above, with stealing a quantity of cakes, value 5s. 6d., the property of Mr. Gunner, confectioner; also with stealing a tin case, the contents of which were valued at £1, from the passage of the "Saracen's Head Hotel." Mr. Gunner left his shop about seven o'clock on Thursday evening, and returned about eight, when he missed several cakes of various kinds. He then gave information to Superintendent Dewar, who apprehended the prisoner at the "John Bull," and on searching him found several of the cakes in his pocket. The tin, with its contents, was pawned by prisoner at the shop of Mr. Long, pawnbroker. Mr. Long, suspecting the tin had been stolen, gave information to police-constable Egar, but before he arrived prisoner had made his escape.

Prisoner was committed for trial on both charges.

From the Maidstone Telegraph, Rochester and Chatham Gazette, Saturday 3 March, 1860. Price 1d.

THE RIFLE CORPS

A meeting of the members of this corps was held at the “Saracen's Head Inn,” on Tuesday, at which the nominations of Captain Groves to the command of the corps, Mr. W. P. Burra as Lieut, and Mr. J. Furley as Ensign, were unanimously confirmed. The Chairman stated that in a conversation he had had with the Lord-Lieutenant, he had ascertained that the corps would be permitted to adopt the green or West Kent uniform, instead of the “work-house grey” which had been adopted by East Kent. A pattern of the West Kent uniform was handed round for inspection of the members. A resolution that it be adopted was met by an amendment in favour of the East Kent uniform, but the former was carried by a large majority. It was resolved that the drill should commence in the Assembly Room on Tuesday evening last, and the proceedings then terminated.

South Eastern Gazette, 12 March, 1860.

KENT QUARTER SESSIONS.

An intermediate Session for the trial of prisoners was held at the Court-house, Maidstone, on Tuesday last; J. B. Wildman, Esq., presiding.

Robberies at Ashford.

George King, labourer, for stealing, at Ashford, a tin-case, a table-cover, and other articles, the property of Messrs. Hide and Co., of London. Mr. Barrow was for the prosecution.

It seemed that on the 26th of January Mr. Charles Catterns, traveller to prosecutors, was at the "Saracen’s Head Inn," Ashford, and gave two tin-cases, containing patterns of table-covers, &c,, into the care of the "boots," who placed them outside the house between five and six, to be taken away by the omnibus, as Mr. Catterns was going on to Cranbrook. Soon afterwards one of the cases was missed, and the prisoner being suspected, Mr. Elgar, a constable, went in search and found him at a public-house in the town. In his possession were found a number of the patterns, and also some books in which were the names of Messrs. Hide and Co.

Next day the constable found the case and other missing articles in a field near the church; and it was further shown that on the 26th the prisoner had pledged a table-cover which was in the stolen case, at the shop of Mr. Long.

Guilty.

The prisoner was then charged with having stolen a loaf of bread, and a number of cakes, the property of Mr. Gunner, confectioner, of Ashford, on the same day, of which he was also found guilty, and sentenced to four months’ hard labour.

From the Maidstone Telegraph, Rochester and Chatham Gazette, Saturday 13 April 1861.

Ashford.

On Tuesday the general meeting of the subscribers of the Agricultural Association was held at the "Saracens Head Hotel," to decide whether the society should terminate, or whether a revision of the premiums should be made.

Sir. N. J. Knatchbull, Bart., presided.

A resolution dissolving the society was carried.

From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, Saturday 23 March 1872.

ASHFORD. SALE OF PROPERTY.

A sale by auction took place at the "Saracen’s Head Hotel," on Tuesday, conducted by Mr. Alfred Thomas. There was a large attendance. The property is situated in the town and neighbourhood of Tenterden, and consisted of 14 lots.

The first lot was the freehold premises known as the Tenterden brewery; no offer.

Lot 2, a storehouse and stables, &c., and a cottage adjoining, attached to the brewery, no offer.

Lot 3, a freehold, known as the "Vine" wine, bear, and spirit stores, with two tenements adjoining, and a cottage, situate in High-street, Tenterden; this lot realised £680.

Lot 4. freehold land, having a frontage at 78 feet next the road to the brewery, with 48 feet next the High-street, with a depth of 43 feet; £190.

Lot 5, a similar piece, with 43 feet frontage, depth 134 feet; £135.

Lot 6, land, 43 feet frontage by 129 feet; £140.

Lot 7, land, with frontage to Brewery road of 88 feet by 168 feet; £125.

Lot 8, land, 108 feet frontage by 195 feet, with lodges and piggeries; £130.

The next lot, a freehold public house, the "Crown," Boar's Isle, with two tenements adjoining, realised £760.

The "Bonny Cravat," Woodchurch, was knocked down to Mr. Maile, of Faversham, for £1,100. The pasture land connected with the house, containing 1a. 3r. 34p., fetched £260, bought by Mr. Maile.

Lot 12, the "Ewe and Lamb" public house, Wittersham, fetched £900.

Lot 13, the "Star" beerhouse, at Rolvenden, was bought by Mr. Chapman for £275.

Lot 14, the "Cricketers" beerhouse, Hawkhurst, was purchased by Mr. R. Chapman for £320.

Kentish Gazette, 22 February 1876.

CARRIAGE ACCIDENT.

On Thursday afternoon a driver in the employ of Mr. Edwards, of the "Saracen's Head Hotel," Ashford, was returning home with a carriage and pair, and, stopping at the "Golden Ball" Kennington, left his horses while he went into the house. Some carts which came along rapidly appear to have started the horses and they ran towards Ashford, overturning the carriage and breaking away from it. The body of the carriage was not damaged, and the only injury besides a slight one to the under part of the vehicle was the grazing of one of the horses fetlocks. The animal ran through the town to the railway station before they were stopped.

From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald. 5 January 1901. Price 1d.

PURE BEER AGITATION.

A combined meeting of the local branch of tha N.A.U. and the Hop Growers' Association was heId at the "Saracan's Head Hotel" on Tuesday, Colonel Cheesman presiding. The Chairman adopted the view that it was not desirable for farmers' associations to take up the task of urging the Legislators to adopt a law to assure the provision of pure beer, and that is would be better to leave the agitation to the general public.

Mr. A. Brown urged that the present was an opportunity of which farmers should not omit to taka advantage. Meetings should be held in all parts of the country and there should also be a combined county meeting or a large general meeting in London to be held before the assembling of Parliament. Mr. Brown expressed his utter astonishment at the fact that the sanitary authorities of Manchester and Salford were supporting the brewers in the contention that bear brewed from malt and hops alone might be more deleterious than that obtained from saccharine and other things which had caused so much trouble. He would like to see beer put under the Food and Drugs Act, or else an Act passed compelling brewers to label their concoctions; seeing that it was too much to hope that Parliament should pass a bill preventing the employment of anything but barley, malt, and hops.

Mr. Pledge suggested that every parish council should take up the matter and get petitions signed by everybody, and remarked that the present conjuncture gave the growers of hops and barley an opportunity such as they had never before had, of laying before Parliament the grievances under which they had laboured so long.

Mr. E. Lord, jun., contended that representative bodies should take up the matter from the point of of the public health and the greatest good for the greatest number. What was the good of giving the people pure food, if they did not also give them pure drink. He proposed a resolution to the effect that the Legislature be earnestly entreated to ensure purity in drink as well as in food. This was carried, and it waa decided to send copies to Mr. Hanbury, the Local Government Board, Mr. L. Hardy, Mr. J. Lowther. Mr. Akers Douglas, Col. Warde. Col. Brookfeld, and Sir E. Sassoon. It was decided also to arrange for a public meeting to be held at Ashford.

From the Whitstable Times and Tankerton Press, Saturday 12 April 1930.

LICENSING BUSINESS.

The Court confirmed the granting of the "off" licence and spirits licence granted by the Ashford Division in respect of premises at 57, High Street, Ashford.

From http://www.hobbsparker.co.uk accessed 27 December 2013.

History was made on 8 January, 1856, when graziers and agriculturalists met at the Saracen's Head Inn and founded the Ashford Cattle Market Company Ltd.

Lord of the Manor George Elwick Jemmett agreed to lease a field off Elwick road and the South Eastern Railway Company set out terms to provide a siding for a market site. The following month farmers and graziers signed a document pledging support for a new market. The company was formed with the issue of 250 shares at £10 each, a fair sum of money in those days.

Today, the company is the oldest, surviving, registered company in England and Wales.

The Market is used by some 5,000 farmers and provides direct employment for more than 100 people. It has become one of the most important in the United Kingdom, indeed Europe, with annual turnover of £20 million, which puts it in the top 15.

Open seven days a week, the new market reflects the same kind of vision of those intrepid farmers who set out on this path over 140 years ago.

The Relocation. The High Speed Rail Link.

As far back as 1986 when the Channel Tunnel Bill was in its early stages it was clear to Ashford Cattle Market Company that the Cattle Market would have to make way for the construction of a new railway line.

Between 1986 and 1995 the Market Company struggled under the blight of the High Speed Rail Link to relocate from Ashford town centre to an out of town site. These negotiations involved three abortive deals reached with different developers, each thwarted by problems directly related to the indecision and construction of the High Speed Rail Link.

Eventually, a Bill was to be put before Parliament dealing specifically with the construction of the High Speed Rail Link. This placed the Market Company under the threat of losing its town centre site and, at the very worst, the possibility of the business being extinguished by payment of a lump sum compensation.

The Market Company had originally been set up to provide services for the agricultural and rural community and the Market Company Directors were determined that the Company should continue in this vein. A highly and experienced professional team was put together to negotiate with London and Continental Railways. These negotiations took over 18 months and culminated in the Market Company petitioning the Bill at both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Thankfully, the Chairman of the House of Lords Select Committee supported the Market Company's position and insisted on the very last day of the Select Committee's work that London and Continental Railways should agree terms with the Market Company within the next 24 hours to relocate the Company from the town centre site. London and Continental Railways would provide the Market Company with a 15 acre site on Orbital Park, close to Junction 10 of the M20 together with the funds to build the new facility.

From http://www.hereshistorykent.org.uk assessed 27 December 2013.

THE MANOR

In 1549 the manor of Ashford was sold to Sir Anthony Aucher of Ottenden, and it remained in the family until 1765. The Jemmett family took it over in 1805 and held it until 1951. Until the beginning of the eighteenth century the manor owned much of the town, including parkland, shops, and houses. The "Saracen's Head Inn" was probably administrative centre of the manor, for it contained lodgings for the steward in the Middle Ages and later. Since its demolition at the beginning of the nineteenth century there has been no manorial presence in the town.

From an email received 28 March 2016.

Just a quick note to take the info on the "Saracen's Head" back a little further:

In 1656 Henry Lethbetter was the innkeeper until James Bowling (believed to be son of William Bowling alias Boulden/Boulding a "seperatist from the Church of England" - i.e. a puritan of some sort) hit him on the head with an iron bar.

Arthur Ruderman's A History of Ashford.

p57 In 1656 a coroner's inquest was held on Henry Lethbetter, a keeper of the "Saracen's Head." Evidence was given that "James Bowling, joiner, was moved by the instigation of the Divell to throw an iron file at Lethbetter", hitting him on the head and causing his death three weeks later.

U86 Doubleday Collection Maidstone mentions Coroner's Inquest (probably a reference to the above)

Kent Indictments 1649-59 at PRO

[ref 1541] Trial by Jury for...James Bowling..(amongst others)

[ref 1385] Writ, capias,..James Bowling of Ashford, joiner, 1656

CMB Maidstone

1658 Feb 19 bur Elizabeth Bowling wife of James in jail

James was married to an Elizabeth but I haven't found where and she died in 1658 while he was in jail in Maidstone.

What happened to him afterwards I don't know

Best wishes,

David Boulding.

Built on land owned by the lord of the manor till 1800, on what is probably the site of their manor house. It is said that the original sign had an actual head of a Saracen as its sign. The lord of the manor in the late 13th century did die fighting in the Crusades, and his following could well have brought back such a trophy. The latest building to survive was erected in 1861 and was larger than the one that preceded it, but sadly demolished in 1967.

Canadian Sergeant Paul Bertrand and Muriel Price of Brighton stayed at the Saracen’s Head Hotel in Ashford under the assumed names of Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright. Each defendant was fined £5, for the two offences of making a false statement and assuming a false name under the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act 1943.

Further research tells me the "Saracen's Head Hotel" has been demolished, and used as a Sainsbury's supermarket on closure, but as yet I do not know when. Today (2020) it's footprint is owned by Boots the Chemist.

LICENSEE LIST

LETHBETTER Henry to 1656

WOOD Samuel 1666+

WHITE Mr to Dec/1779 dec'd

SUTTON Thomas Halk 1791-97