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Snargate
Greatstone-on-Sea
01797 344648
https://theromneymarsh.net/redlion
https://whatpub.com/red-lion
Above photo, date unknown. |
Above photo, circa 1948, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above photo kindly sent by Chris Excell, date unknown. |
Above painting, date unknown by Michael Richardson. |
Above photo kindly sent by Chris Excell, date unknown. |
Above photo kindly sent by Chris Excell, date unknown. |
Above photo kindly showing the inside of the bar sent by Chris Excell,
circa 1980, showing Chris Excell. |
Kate and Doris Jemison, date unknown. |
Bar area circa 1987. |
Above photo 1992. |
Above photo, June 2003, kindly sent by Philip Dymott. |
Above photo, June 2003, kindly sent by Philip Dymott. |
Above photo, 2024, kindly sent by Michael Harris. |
 
Above sign sign, July 1991, sign right, November 2007.
With thanks from Brian Curtis
www.innsignsociety.com. |
According to Michael David Mirams 1987 book "Kent Inns and Inn Signs",
two hundred years ago, this lone village pub was known as the "Shepherd and
Lamb;" it was a coaching inn, built c.1650, but when the name was changed is
not certain. The pub is also the village shop, and there is a telephone
kiosk in the back garden, for which British Telecom pay the princely sum of
5p for a year's rental. In fact, the landlord has framed, and hung in the
bar, a Postal Order for 25p, which represents five years rent! The "Red
Lion" has been in the same family for 74 years, the present licensee being
born on the premises. Formerly a Style & Winch property, it was purchased
from Courage Limited and is now a free house. The charm of the pub is in its
tiny, rustic nineteenth century interior, decorated much the same as a
century ago. As with so many parts of Romney Marsh, time has stood still
here.
The building gained its Grade II listing status on 23 April 1985 and the
interior hasn't changed since 1911, and it's still owned and run by the same
family (2014).
This pub is on the National Inventory of the 17 most historic public
houses in England. Known locally as “Doris's” on account of Mrs D. Jemison
being owner, ably assisted by her daughter Kate, and Robert, the music
maestro who gives some very good extempore piano renditions from time to
time. This Pub is absolutely magic – a safe haven from the lousy times in
which we live. Extremely friendly atmosphere, and loveable boisterous
Dalmation dogs named ‘Sooty' & 'Scampi'. Large selection of real ale (you'll
NEVER get a bad pint in here!) from the best Breweries in the country;
constantly changing selection including Milds and Stouts. This place is
unbeatable, and the Guild uses it at every possible opportunity, and members
of the Leeds Society of Handbell Ringers play tunes here at Christmas.
Any further information or indeed photographs would be appreciated.
Please email me at the address below.
This page is still to be updated.
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Kentish Gazette 16 January 1801.
A freehold Estate to be sold by Private Contract. On the premises, by
John Mott, Appraiser, of Cranbrook.
On Wednesday the 28th instant January, 1801, in the afternoon, unless
disposed of in the interim, in which case due notice will be given.
The "Red Lion" public house, at Snargate, in Romney Marsh, now
incomplete repair, being newly beautified, and put in a style desirable
for a Gentleman of independency, having a large brick court in front of
the house, and a pleasant green court at the back, and adjoining a very
extensive complete garden, in full cultivation, and furnished with
choice fruit trees; likewise adjoining is a pleasant grove, and a large
fish pond, with a serpentine walk, situated in a cherry orchard; and
also a very convenient barn, stable, cow-close, wood and cart lodge, and
about 60 acres (more or less) of the most improvable, fertile, and
desirable land in the whole Marsh, being on an eminence it is never
flooded, whereof out of which number of acres 11 are enclosed, and 2
acres and a half sown with wheat, now bears a capital complexion, being
sown on good fallow. The extent of the lands comprises 3 miles and a
half, and most advantageously situated for wild fowl shooting, being in
the centre of the flight; likewise for fishing, having the commands of
the sewer on one side, and a deep dish on the other, on which two sides
will be very suitable for the fast growing willow, which will be in one
respect very accommodating for travelling, being a good shelter, and,
second, for the stock grazing. Moreover will be an advantageous annual
income, as the production will furnish the whole Marsh with fuel and
fence poles, which is a necessary advantageous article to grow, as
woodlands and agriculture are strangers in that part. The whole is land
tax free, and very moderate taxes.
The estate may be viewed 3 days previous to the sale, and facts
explained by R. Eason, on the premises, (to an agriculturist it is the
land of Canaan) and in all probability may be supposed a religious
country, having 13 churches within 3 miles and a quarter of the house.
(This will be advertised no more.)
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Kentish Gazette, 27 September 1803.
FOR SALE,
For the good of the community at large, and for the convenience of
such Persons that are non-suited for comfortable situations, the
public are hereby acquainted, that the "Red Lion" at Snargate, and
Lands thereunto belonging, (the same as was advertised for sale the
21st inst.) is not yet disposed of, and is now for Sale by either R.
Eason, (on the premises), or Mr. Butler, auctioneer at Dymchurch,
who has instructions to treat for the same, till Saturday October
the 9th, after which time all applications whatever will be
fruitless.
Snargate, Sept the 25th, 1803.
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Kent Gazette Reports 9 August 1805.
A Public House and Marsh Land for Sale.
TO BE SOLD by AUCTION, By Mr. BRAZIER.
AT the "Red Lion Inn," Snargate, on Thursday the 27th August, 1805.
between the hours of 3 and 4 o’clock in the afternoon, unless in the
mean time disposed of by private contract, of which, if it happens,
the earliest notice will be given.
All that MESSUAGE, bearing the sign of the "Red Lion," with
out-buildings; also a large garden and orchard, (planted with choice
fruit-trees, and in high cultivation;) and also several pieces of
land, containing altogether by admeasurement 12a. 3r. 21p, (of which
10a. 2r. 17p. are enclosed), situate in Snargate, in Romney Marsh,
and in the possession of Mr. Easton, the proprietor.
The premises are freehold; and exonerated from the said tax —
Possession may be had at Michaelmas next.
For particulars inquire of Mr. Easton; or of the Auctioneers; or at
the office of Mesrs. Curties, Woollett, and Dawes, Rye, where a man
may be seen.
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From the Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal, 29
September, 1815.
NOTICE TO EDWARD PALMER'S CREDITORS.
Edward Palmer, of Appledore, in the county of Kent, farmer, having
executed a Conveyance and Assignment of his real and personal Estate and
Effects, unto Samuel Brown, of Appledore, aforesaid, carpenter, and
Stephen Tolhurst, of Snargate, in the said county of Kent, victualler,
in rest for the benefit of themselves and the rest of the creditors of
the said Edward Palmer. Notice is hereby given, that the Deed of Trust
will lay for signature by the Creditiors at the house of the said Samuel
Brown, in Appledore, aforesaid, until the 8th day of October next, and
after that period at the Office of Messrs. Fowle and Stringer, of New
Romney, at either of which places the Creditors are requested to call
and execute the same on or before the 1st day of November next, or they
will be excluded from the benefit thereof, and at the same time to bring
them the particulars of their respective demands.
27 Sept. 1815.
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From the Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal, 20 February, 1818.
On Saturday evening last a Coroner's inquest was held on the body of Mr.
Richard Foord, or Warehorn, who was found dead in a ditch between that
place and Sandgate, early the same morning. It appeared that the
deceased had been to Lydd the day previous for medical advice, and not
finding the Doctor at Lydd, he came by Brookland on his way home, at
which place he got intoxicated, and left about half-past five o'clock -
at six he was found by W. Stace, lying on his back in the middle of the
road near Brenzet, and with difficulty conveyed to the "Red Lion," at
Snargate, the landlord of the house, Mr. S. Tolhurst, particularly
requested that he might take care of him; the deceased however left
there about half-past eight - and melancholy to relate, did not produce
more than a mile before he fell into a ditch and was drowned. The Jury
returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."
The deceased was a respectable farmer, and was upwards of eighty years
of age.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 9 April, 1833.
DEATHS.
At Snargate, April 2, Mr. Stephen Tolhurst, many years landlord of
the "Red Lion" at that place, aged 77.
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From the Title Deeds of East Kent (1608-1945) Freshmarsh called Six
Acres, with from 1853 messuage called "Red Lion" formerly "Shepherd
and Lamb" and 120 acres in Snargate, Brenzett Kenardington and
Appledore.
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From local paper, date circa 1971.
87 and landlord Alf still rides a motorbike
MR. ALFRED JEMISON, aged 87, who has been running the "Red Lion,"
Snargate, for the past 60 years, is believed to be Kent's oldest
landlord.
A carpenter by trade, he moved from Appledore to Romney Marsh after
his marriage and took over the 300-year-old pub in 1911.
Since the death of his wife 12 years ago, he has run the pub with its
small bar and tea room single-handed.
"I couldn't see any sense in moving," he said. “It's a very friendly
place down here. In winter it gets a bit lonely, but I don't take any
notice of that.
Treasure
“There's a great summer trade — that's why we made the tap room into
a tea room," he added.
Besides the old marble-topped bar and obsolete brass pumps, is
another tacit reminder of bygone days.
In the cellar, next to the empty tea room, Mr. Jemison smiles at one
of his most treasured possessions — a Silver Prince motorcycle he has
had for 50 years.
With enthusiasm he says: “It was made in Birmingham and only six were
made. I've only ever seen one other. I started to take it to pieces to
do it up, but I've given up for a while.”
Until fairly recently Mr. Jemison rode the 'bike (top speed 40 mph)
everywhere to see Ashford FC play, but bad weather and cold have kept
him at home. |
LICENSEE LIST
EASON Robert to Apr/1807 dec'd
TOLHURST Stephen 1815-Apr/33 dec'd
TOLHURST Peter Apr/1833-51+ (age 50 in 1841 )
BOURNE John 1847-51+ (age 46 in 1851)
(Listed as White Hart in 1851)
MORGAN John 1858+
NORMAN William 1861+ (age 49 in 1861)
WELSTEAD Stephen 1871-74 (age 31 in 1871)
HAYTER William 1891-1903+ (age 66 in 1891) 
EADE Alfred 1911+ (age 45 in 1911)
JEMISON Alfred James 1911-60
JAMISON Alfred (son) & Doris 1960+86
JEMISON Kate & Doris 2013+
From the Post Office Directory 1874
From the Kelly's Directory 1903
From the Post Office Directory 1913
Census
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