Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Grade II listed building. Main construction periods 1800 to 1899

Monument Types

• SITE (Post Medieval - 1800 AD to 1899 AD)

Full description

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The following text is from the original listed building designation:
1. 944 PALACE STREET (West Side)
No 10 No 11 (The Bell and Crown Inn) TR 1458 SE 2/44 3.5.67.
II GV
2. Timber-framed houses refronted. 3 storeys brioka Part tile-hung, part imitation timber-framed with plaster infill. Windows are restored casements and sashes. Late C19 bar fronts with brick pilasters. No 12 has a C19 bay shop front.
Church of St Alphege and Nos 10 to 28 (consec) form a group. Also form a group with Nos 2 to 6 (consec) St Alphege Lane.
Listing NGR: TR1497758035

The Canterbury UAD states that The Bell and Crown was owned by George Beer/ Rigdens/Fremlins/ now Trumans. It was purchased from Whitbread in 1972.

There has been a house on this site for a very long time. Cathedral records in 1220 show this house tenanted to John Cook at 6/- per year; It was given to the Cathedral, with other property, c. 1225. It became an inn in the 17th century.

George Beer & Co. leased the premises in 1846 and their name is still on some of the windows.

Ron and Lillian Crisp took over the Bell and Crown in 1934 and stayed for 40 years until 1974. A frequent visitor, Archbishop Michael Ramsey, called for a farewell drink when the Crisp's left.

English Heritage, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (Map). SKE16160.

Wilmot, E., 1988, Inns of Canterbury (Monograph). SKE29737.

Sources and further reading