Hastings pub history index
Also known as the Ancient Druids, this is now an art shop ***
Druids Head, 57 George Street, Hastings - in 2010
Kindly provided by Terry Huggins
Directory of Pubs in the UK, historical public houses, Taverns, Inns, Beer Houses and Hotels in Hastings, Sussex.
Residents at this address
My Great Great grandfather, Ludwig Kessler was working in Tunbridge Wells from 1862 as a professor of music, no less. He appears in the local trade directory for that year. He was certainly a musician, an immigrant from germany, I think he was using the site to provide music lessons and sell instruments. Again I think it was common for pubs to be used in this way at the time. It seems likely that he was actually running the pub, as I have evidence of him applying for additional licences, which were objected to by other local publicans and turned down by the authorities.
He subsequently became a band leader in the town and appeared at several local events as advertised in local newspapers.
He was at the Rose and Crown up until 1967, and then the Joiners Arms, and for a brief period he is licensee here.
He died very young at age 37 in 1872 and is buried in the local cemetery. *
1871/Ludwig Kessler/Inn Keeper/36/Germany/Census
1871/Ann Kessler/Wife/37/Tonbridge Wells, Kent/Census
1871/William Kessler/Son/11/Tonbridge Wells, Kent/Census
1871/Albert Kessler/Son/6/Tonbridge Wells, Kent/Census
1871/Charles Kessler/Son/3/Tonbridge Wells, Kent/Census
1871/Frederick Kessler/Son/8 months/Tonbridge Wells, Kent/Census
1871/Joseph Romanello/Lodger, Musician/18/Italy/Census
1871/Francis Laraia/Lodger, Musician/27/Italy/Census
1871/Antonio Stigi/Lodger, Musician/21/Italy/Census
1871/Donato Alessandro/Lodger, Musician/18/Italy/Census
Hastings and St Leonards Observer 09 March 1872
The Druids Inn from Ludwig Kessler to Frank Day
* Provided by Ray Kessler
*** Provided By Terry Huggins