Dover pub history index
At Castle Hill, Dover in 1903 & earlier; The White Horse stands next to the ruins of St. James Church which was destroyed by long range shelling during WW2 and has been left as a ruin to commemorate that event. ***
Directory of Pubs in the UK historical public houses, Taverns, Inns, Beer Houses and Hotels in Dover, Kent .
White Horse & St James Church, Dover - W Fairclough in June 1902
Kindly provided by Colleen
White Horse, St James Street, Dover
A history of the White Horse - see text below
Both kindly provided by Roger Hurst
Residents at this address
The History of the White Horse, transcribed from the signed history in the photograph:
Said to have been erected in the reign of Henry IIIin 13656, the premises was occupied by the Verger of St James Church which stood next door. With the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, the house was no longer connected with the Church. In 1574 it became home to a string of "Ale tasters of Dover" residents. The White Horse had been known as the "City of Edinburgh" from 1635, it's name and sign having been taken from a wrecked
American freighter.
It became the meeting place for Actors & Players from the Dover Theatre in the 18th Century. The name changed around 1818 when the house was frequently used for inquests, often relating to bodies recovered from the sea. These are said to havebeen stored in what is now our dining area to the rear of the property. In 1865, a Mr John Friend sold the house along with the Five
Alls. Stchett was the owner in 1881 when the property was sold again to the Kingsford Brothers for the princely sum of $870. It was described as a freehold property in the Hamlet of Uphill, later it's ownership went to George Beer who bagan opening at 5am in 1890 & later merged with Fremlins Brewery. Alterations to the White Horse in 1952 uncovered a programme for Dover Theatre dated 1809 advertising Harlequin & Mother Goose. This is still displayed in the Pub today.
1847/John Butler/../../../Bagshaws Directory **
1867/J Friend/../../../Post Office Directory
1881/Richard Westley/Licensed Victualler/47/Stafford/Census
1881/Emily Westley/Wife/39/Axminster, Devon/Census
1881/Frederick Westley/Son/8/Dover, Kent/Census
1881/George Westley/Son/7/Dover, Kent/Census
1881/Jane Westley/Daughter/4/Dover, Kent/Census
1881/Mark Westley/Son/3/Dover, Kent/Census
1881/James Willay/Visitor Relative, Porter/16/Axminster, Devon/Census
1882/Richard Westley/../../../Post Office Directory
1890/R Westley/../../../Pikes Directory **
1891/Harry Beaufoy Spain/../../../Post Office Directory
1895/H B Spain/../../../Pikes Directory **
1903/Harry Beaufoy Spain/../../../Post Office Directory
1910/Mrs Spain/../../../Dover Standard Directory **
1913/Mrs H B Spain/../../../Post Office Directory
1922/Mrs Selina Spain/../../../Post Office Directory
Monday 25 July 2022 - Stonegate Media:
The White Horse, Dover has been shortlisted as a finalist in the category of Stonegate Group Pub Partner Pub of the Year at the Great British Pub Awards 2022.
Situated in a majestic Grade 2 building besides the ruins of a bombed Norman Church, The White Horse is a hub of activity for the whole community of Dover. Licensee’s Stuart Fox and Julian Crowley, alongside the team at The White Horse welcome everyone from tourists to locals and even furry friends, to come and relax with a refreshing drink or delicious food in a cosy traditional setting.
The pub offers seasonal menus throughout the year, with mouth-watering dishes across a main menu and desserts menu and has Sunday Roasts and light bites. The food available is tadeonal and is home cooked, some of the dishes that are truly irresistible include beer battered cod and chips, Banger’s ‘n’ Mash and homemade burgers with different meat and vegan options. To pair with the pubs amazing food, they also have an extensive drinks list, which includes an array of beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks.
Julian said: “Stuart and I are so grateful to be shortlisted as one of Stonegate’s Pub of the Year, and for all our hard work to be recognised. It is not just Stuart and I who contribute to the success of The White Horse and making it the best it can be, but the team here play a huge part in what we do, and I am so proud and thankful for all the work they do every day.”
Stuart and Julian as well as their amazing team put their all into the pub and play a real part in bringing the local community together. Their friendly service along with picturesque views and great food and drink offerings, bring customers back to the pub and have allowed everyone at The White Horse to create lovely relationships with all their customers.
Stuart added: “The Great British Pub Awards is such a big event for the pub industry, and it is an achievement in itself being nominated again within these prestigious awards. It is great to be able to show everyone what the pub has to offer and what people can expect. Our customers are true supporters and everything we have been able to do is because of them, we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone.”
The awards recognise pubs, and their teams across the country for their amazing efforts and hard work undertaken to makes Britain’s pubs great for their communities. Two rounds of judging have already taken place to choose the finalists, and further judging will commence over the summer with pub visits taking place.
The White Horse, St James Street, Dover, CT16 1QF
** Provided By Paul Skelton
** Provided By Roger Hurst