5 Butchery Lane
Canterbury
01227 463252
https://www.shakespearecanterbury.com/
https://whatpub.com/shakespeare
Above postcard, circa 1906, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. Also showing the
"City Arms." |
Above photo, circa 1910, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above photo, 1945. |
Above photo, 1948, kindly sent by Tim Timpson. |
Shakespeare sign left August 1990, right July 1992.
Above with thanks from Brian Curtis
www.innsignsociety.com |
Above photo, circa 1950. Kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above postcard, circa 1954, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. |
Above photograph by Edward Wilmot in 1965. |
Above showing the Shakespeare Inn circa 1988. |
On the licensing list of 1792, and in an 1867 directory the inn was
listed as a Tavern with billiard room
The Inns of Canterbury by Edward Wilmot's, 1988, mentions a document, date
circa 1945 that gives the description of clientele at the pub as being "Commercial,
farmers, shoppers, regulars."
Latterly this was a Shepherd Neame house.
The pub changed name by 1995 to "Casey's"
but in 2013 this too closed, underwent some renovations and reopened again
under its original name.
The "Shakespeare" had the ghost of William Corkine who was slain in Angel
Yard – which is now the beer garden. He was murdered by Christopher Marlowe
during a Sunday morning duel in 1594. Both men were fined for disturbing the
peace. Corkine survived for three hours but bled to death from his injuries.
Kentish Gazette, 29 June, 1780.
Notice.
The creditors of the late Henry Bateman, of the "Shakespeare's
Head," Butchery Lane, Canterbury, are requested immediately to
deliver in an account of their respective demands, at the said
"Shakespeare's Head." This will not advertised any more.
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Kentish Gazette 14 July 1801.
On the 1st of February died, in Russia, Mr. George Lacey, formerly
of the "Shakespeare Tavern," in the city.
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Kentish Gazette, 23 August 1803.
Thursday was married at Woolwich, Mr. John Elgar, of the
"Shakespeare Tavern," in this city, to Mrs. Lacey, widow of the late
Mr. George Lacey.
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Kentish Gazette, 11 November 1803.
SHAKESPEARE. CANTERBURY.
J. C. ELGAR, at the particular request of his Friends, has fixed his
HOUSE WARMING on Monday, Nov. 14, 1803.
N. B. The Company of any Gentleman will be esteemed a favour.
Dinner on the table at three o'clock.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 4 May 1810.
SHAKESPEARE, CANTERBURY.
J. Cox respectfully informs his friends, that the day fixed for
settling the HOP DUTY BETS, is on, Monday, May 14, 1810.
The company of any Gentlemen will be esteemed a particular favour.
Dinner on table at two o'clock.
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Kentish Gazette, 2 November, 1821.
DIED.
Oct. 30, after a long illness, Mrs. Caroline Cox, wife of Mr. Joseph
Cox, of the "Shakespeare Tavern," Butchery-lane, Canterbury, aped 56
years.
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From the Kentish Gazette 6 May 1834.
SHAKSPEARE TAVERN, BUTCHERY LANE, CANTERBURY.
J. ROBERTS,
(Late of the "Prince of Orange," in Orange Street),
IN acknowledging with gratitude the very liberal favors of his friends
and the public, begs respectfully to inform them that he has REMOVED to
the "SHAKSPEARE TAVERN," where he pledges himself to use every exertion
to merit a continuance of their patronage."
Genuine Wines and Spirits. - Good Beds.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 9 January 1838.
Kings Head Tap, Canterbury.
J. Roberts, late of the "Shakespeare Tavern," in Butchery Lane, begs to
return his grateful thanks to his friends, and the public
generally, for the kind and liberal support which he has received these
last 7 years, and begs respectfully to inform them that he is
taking the above house, and respectfully solicits a continuance of their
favours.
Wines and spirits of the best quality; genuine London Porter and fine
ale.
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Kent Gazette, 15 January 1839.
E. C. Rayner, "Shakespeare Tavern." Butchery Lane, Canterbury.
Begs to return thanks for the kind patronage he has received since he
entered the above-named House, and to assure the Public that every
attention shall continue to be paid to the accommodation of his
friends.
The Billiard Room has been newly renovated, and the Table fitted in the
first style.
January 14, 1839.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 16 July 1839.
The first quarterly meeting of the Canterbury £50 Burial Society, was
held at the "Shakespeare tavern," on the 1st inst. The report of the
state of the society was very favourable.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 26 May 1840.
DEATH.
May 24, Mr. James Roberts. aged 35, late of the "Shakespeare Tavern,"
Butchery Lane, Canterbury.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 13 October 1840.
£50 Burial Society.
The members held their Quarterly meeting yesterday se'nnight at the
"Shakespeare Tavern." The accounts which were very satisfactory, were
laid before the meeting and passed. This Society has been established
eighteen months, and not one death has yet occurred in it.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 24 November 1840.
The establishment of a musical or convivial evening at the "Shakespeare
Tavern," in the city, under the able presidents of the landlord, (Mr. T
Farris) affords a rich treat to the the Rivers of Harmony. We understand
it will be held every Tuesday evening during the season. The large room
has hitherto been crowded by the most respectable company, who expressed
their delight at the arrangements. The programme of Mr. Farris on the
Musical Glasses is particularly admired.
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Kentish Gazette, 16 April 1844.
Shakespeare £50 Burial Society.
Last week this society held its quarterly meeting at the "Shakespeare
Tavern," in Butchery-lane, when the secretary and treasurer’s
accounts were most satisfactorily approved and passed, and a balance of
eighty pounds shown to be in hand, with no arrears either
from members or for debts owing. This society has been carried on many
years, the benefits of which have been duly appreciated
by the relatives of deceased members, thus showing that the advantage
held out by the rules have been realised. There are now
400 members, and the committee are prepared to receive 20 more from the
ages of 18 to 40 to complete its original number,
therefore, all those who are desirous of alleviating in part the
difficulties their families are oftentimes placed in by their
bereavement,
should lose no time in applying for admission.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 15 July 1845.
The £50 Burial club, held at the "Shakespeare," Canterbury, had its
annual meeting on Monday evening last, when the usual business was
transacted. There have been only four deaths in the society during the
past year, and that there is now a balance of nearly £70 in hand. In
consequence of its being deemed more convenient to have the annual
meeting in the winter, it was agreed that they should take place the
first week in January, and after the election of a fresh committee, they
re-appointments of the president's, &c. and general satisfaction have
been expressed with the proceedings of the society, the meeting broke
up. We understand there are only a few vacancies.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 11 January 1846.
The annual general meeting of the members of the "Shakespeare" £50 Burial
Club, Canterbury, took place
on Tuesday evening, when the accounts were audited and passed, a balance
of £87 17s. 9d. being in hand
to meet the next death. The President and Vice-President were
re-appointed, with nineteen members as a
Board of Management for the ensuing year, together with the Secretary
and Auditor. It was also agreed the
members should sup together.
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Kentish Gazette, 14 January 1851.
The "Shakespeare" £50 burial Society held their annual meeting on
Tuesday last, when a gratifying statements of the funds
was produced, showing a balance in hands of £111 12s. 1d. On Thursday
evening the members sat down to an excellent
supper, provided by the worthy host.
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South Eastern Gazette, 9 October, 1860.
Highway Robbery by Soldiers.
On Wednesday last two privates in the 90th Regt., named Jas, Buckley
and John Bremner, were charged with having stolen a watch, a bunch
of keys, and several other articles, from the person of George
Hatton, also a private in the same regiment, on the previous night.
It appeared that at about half-past six o’clock on the previous
evening prosecutor went to the "Shakespeare" public-house with the
prisoners and had some beer. They shortly afterwards left. Buckley
told prosecutor that they wanted to make a call, and would show him
a near cut home. They went across the fields from the "Ship Inn,"
St. Martin’s, in the direction towards the Military Hospital, and
Buckley asked the prosecutor to show him the time. He refused to
take his watch out, and replied that it was half-past 8. Buckley
then asked him to show him the watch, and said he would not hurt it.
Prosecutor, however, said it was too dark for him to see it. Buckley
then put his arms round prosecutor’s waist and threw him down. Bremner sat upon him, and the prisoners put their hands into his
pockets. Prosecutor called out, and Bremner then placed his hand
over his mouth and his knuckles against his throat. Prosecutor was
getting weak and took his hand out of his pocket (where he had been
holding his watch), when Buckley seized the watch and then ran off.
He identified the bunch of keys as his property. In addition to the
watch and keys, 1s. 5d., and a piece of tobacco were taken from him.
The value of the watch (which had not been found) was 25s.
Sergt. Carr proved finding the keys, a knife, and a piece of
tobacco, in the field spoken of by the prosecutor, at seven o’clock
that morning.
P.S. Andrews deposed to taking the prisoners into custody at
half-past 11 on the night in question. The prisoners, who denied all
knowledge of the robbery, were committed for trial.
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From the Kentish Chronicle, 20 October, 1860.
James Buckley, 30, and John Bremner, 24, soldiers, were charged with
stealing one watch, value 25s., and certain money and other articles
from the person of George Hatton, his property, at the parish of St.
Mary Northgate, on the 2nd of October.
The evidence against the prisoners was very conclusive, although for the
most part but circumstantial, the principal point being the fact that in
the cell of the station-house in which they were confined on the night
of their apprehension, the strap of the cup worn by the prosecutor at
the time of the robbery was found.
The prosecutor (also a soldier), stated that he and the prisoners went
together, on the evening of the robbery, at the Soldiers' Institute in
Burgate-street; on leaving which they went together to the "Shakespeare
Tavern" and had something to drink. On leaving there the prisoners said
they would show him a near way to the Barracks, and they took him to St.
Martin's-hill, passing over the fields leading to the Military Hospital.
When in the fields they threw him down and took from him his watch, and
in the scuffle he lost his cap, but had one of the prisoners' caps in
its place on his head when he reached the Barracks. The strap found at
the Police-station he could swear to, having been fastened to his cap by
a pin in place of being sewed on.
Four years’ each penal servitude.
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South Eastern Gazette, 23 October, 1860.
CANTERBURY QUARTER SESSIONS.
The Autumn Quarter Sessions for this city and borough were held
before the Recorder, John Deedes, Esq., on Wednesday last. There
were 12 prisoners for trial.
James Buckley and John Bremner, soldiers, were indicted for stealing
from the person of Geo. Hatton, a watch, value 25s., and other
articles, at St. Mary Northgate, on the 2nd inst. Mr. Barrow
prosecuted.
The prosecutor, also a soldier, deposed that on the evening in
question he saw both prisoners at the Soldiers’ Institute. They
asked him to go and have some beer, and he accompanied them to the "Shakespeare."
They stayed there about half-an-hour. When they left they went
towards St. Martin’s-hill, and called in at the "Ship." The
prisoners then told him they would show him a short cut to the
barracks, and took him across the hospital fields. While going
along, Bremner asked witness the time, and he replied that it was
half-past eight. Witness had his watch in his fob pocket, and the
prisoners asked him to show it to them. He told them that it was too
dark for them to see it, and, having his suspicions, he put it into
his trowsers pocket. Buckley then threw him down, and Bremner
pressed his knuckles upon his throat and sat upon him. Witness
called out as loud as be was able. Buckley, however, put his hand in
witness’s pocket, took the watch out, and wrenched it from the
chain. The prisoners then ran off. Witness afterwards found that he
had lost a bunch of keys, a knife, and a piece of tobacco. When he
went with the prisoners he had his own cap, but on the following
morning he found that he had got another man's, and he believed it
was Bremner’s.
Sergeant Carr, 90th Regt., proved that on the night of the 2nd inst.
he apprehended the prisoners. On the following morning he went
across the hospital fields, and there he found a bunch of keys, a
knife, and a piece of tobacco. Where he found the articles, the
grass had the appearance of a struggle having taken place.
P.C. Andrews was with the last witness when the prisoners were
apprehended. On the morning following, he found a soldier’s cap
strap in the cell in which the prisoners were locked up.
The prosecutor was re-called, and he identified the knife, keys, and
also the strap as his property.
The jury found the prisoners guilty, and they were each sentenced to
four years’ penal servitude.
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From the Kentish Chronicle, 11 April, 1863.
IRISH MODESTY.
Mr. Petts, of the “Shakespeare Tavern,” complained of a travelling
mender of cane chairs, a real native of the Emerald Isle, boasting the
name of Patrick Mooney, for having called for a pot of best ale, a screw
of tobacco, and a clean pipe, which was duly supplied him by Mr. Petts,
but when requested to pay for them said he had spent all his money, but
he could, if acceptable, give the landlord “a rale Irish howl for it.”
This not satisfying Mr. Petts he was given into the custody of the
police and lodged at the station-house for the night. Mr. Petts said
that the accused with a companion had victimised several other persons
in a similar manner. The Mayor asked Pat Mooney if he was discharged for
this offence would he at once leave the town? This he most readily
promised, and was therefore discharged with a caution. |
Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 14 May 1870.
NEGLECTING VACCINATION.
William Field, of the "Shakespeare" public-house, was charged with
neglecting to have his child vaccinated, and thereby committing an
offence against the provisions of the Vaccination Act.
Mr. Harris, public prosecutor, stated that the child was born in June,
1868. He had called on the defendant five times respecting the
performance of the operation of vaccination, and gave him a notice on
the 22nd April, which had not been complied with.
Mr. Field stated in support of his neglect that the child was not well
enough to undergo the operation, and to substantiate this statement he
produced a medical certificate signed by Mr. H. E. Hutchings.
Alderman Aris:- Have you shown the certificate to Mr. Harris?
Mr. Field stated that he only procured it that morning. The original
document, which he intended showing to Mr. Harris, had been mislaid.
Mr. Harris said defendant acquainted him with this fact at the time, but
he considered he had allowed him an opportunity of getting another by
staying proceedings for such a time.
The Mayor asked defendant if he would have the operation performed if
they dismissed the case with costs.
Defendant: Very likely I will.
Mr. Cooper:- We can’t accept that answer.
Mr. Field:- Well, I should like a month or two to consider the matter.
Alderman Aris thought defendant was already very much indebted to Mr.
Harris for the leniency he had displayed towards him in the matter. He
regretted seeing a respectable tradesman occupying such a position.
Mr. Cooper:- The medical gentlemen in these cases are also liable to
heavy penalties if they do not supply the registrar with proper
certificates.
Mr. Field did not see why he should be compelled to have the child
vaccinated when one of his children had already died under the
operation.
Alderman Aris:- If you persist we have only one alternative, now that the
case has been proved. If you consent to have the child vaccinated as
soon as it is well enough, the probability is you will only have the
costs to pay.
The Mayor:- Otherwise we must inflict a fine of 1s. and costs.
Defendant:- I would rather submit to the fine and costs than make any
promise.
The costs were 10s.
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From the Whitstable Times, 1 June, 1901.
SUDDEN DEATH OF AN OLD CANTERBURY CITIZEN.
The City Coroner (Dr. T. S. Johnson) held an inquest at the
"Shakespeare," Butchery Lane, Canterbury, on Tuesday evening, touching
the death of Mr. James Clinch, a member of the Board of Guardians and an
ex-Town Councillor.
Edwin Clinch, plasterer, living at 12, the Borough, identified the body
of the deceased as that of his father, who was aged 78. He was a retired
plasterer and resided at 1, Albion Terrace, Canterbury. Witness last saw
him alive the previous evening when he was called to the "Shakespeare."
Deceased was then in an unconscious state. Previous to then he was
called to the deceased on Saturday evening, when he was in his usual
health. The deceased had been a Town Councillor and he was a Guardian up
to the time of his death. For the past three weeks the deceased had
seemed poorly. He had had a doctor now and then, but had not had one
attending him of late. When witness was called to the "Shakespeare" the
previous evening he found the deceased lying on the sofa. A doctor had
been sent for. Witness remained with the deceased up till the time of
his death, which occurred about a quarter past eleven.
Edmund Ravine, landlord of the "Shakespeare," Butchery Line, stated that
ha had known the deceased for the past forty years. He came to his house
about 8.30 the previous evening, when he seemed very well. He had a
small glass of beer, after which he said he would try a Guinness. The
deceased then said he did not think be could drink it and he had a
little brandy. He asked if he might lie down on the couch as he did not
feel well. Witness said he had better send for a cab to take him home,
but the deceased said he would sooner stay there a little while.
However, witness sent for a carriage and also for a doctor, and for the
deceased's son. The decease was unconscious. He had been in the habit of
visiting witness' house.
P.C. J. Goddard stated that at about 11.10 the previous night he was
called to the "Shakespeare." There he searched the deceased and found on
him £1 1s. 4 1/2d. in money, a purse, a gold ring, a knife, a silver
watch, and a bunch of keys.
Mr. Z. Prentice, surgeon, stated that he was called to see the deceased
the previous night at about 10.20. He was lying on a sofa unconscious.
He was paralysed on the right side. He died at 11.10. The deceased never
spoke to witness. The cause of death was apoplexy. Witness attended the
deceased some six years ago but had not done so since.
The Coroner having summed up the jury returned a verdict of Death from
Natural Causes.
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LICENSEE LIST
BATEMAN Henry to June/1780 dec'd
LACEY George 1792-Apr/1798
TANDY Richard Apr/1798+
ELGAR John C 1803+
COX Joseph 1810-21+
HOOPER Robert 1824-28+
EVANS Benjamin 1832+
ROBERTS James May/1834-Jan/38
RAYNER Edward Charles 1838-41+ (age 35 in 1841)
FARRIS T Nov/1840+
GOLDSMITH Thomas 1847+
PETTS Thomas Porter 1858-63+ (age 41 in 1861)
FIELD William 1867-91+ (age 56 in 1891)
RAVINE Edmund 1901-03+
(age 47 in 1901)
PALIN Walter S 1911+ (age 42 in 1911)
BUTLER Thomas 1913-38+
DEMPSEY Mr & Mrs Ignatius to 1972-82
Cllr Ignatius (Iggy) B Dempsey was elected Sheriff of Canterbury in 1982
https://pubwiki.co.uk/Shakespeare.shtml
From the Pigot's Directory 1824
From the Pigot's Directory 1828-29
From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34
From the Pigot's Directory 1840
From Bagshaw Directory 1847
From Melville's Directory 1858
From the Post Office Directory 1862
Greens
Canterbury Directory 1868
From the Post Office Directory 1874
Census
From the Post Office Directory 1882
From the Post Office Directory 1891
From the Post Office Directory 1903
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
Inns of Canterbury
by Edward Wilmot, 1988
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