Landlords, legends, census records, and lost taverns.
Jevington pub history index
The Eight Bells is a small independently owned and run free house in Jevington. Voted best Sussex pub in 2024. It is allegedly 400 years old.
Directory of Pubs in the UK, historical public houses, Taverns, Inns, Beer Houses and Hotels in Sussex .
Residents at this address
In 1911 at The Eight Belts Inn Jevington Polegate, Jevington
Edward Bowdler, Publican aged 52 and born in Redbourn Herts
Edith Bowdler, Wife, Assisting in business aged 51 and born in Felstead Essex
Lillian Bowdler, Daughter, Assisting in business aged 18 and born in Eastbourne Sussex
Mary Dowsett, Visitor Widow aged 73 and born in Witham Essex
Lillian Batchlor, Friend aged 19 and born in Hackney London
Walter Willie Watson, Friend, Grocer aged 26 and born in Saffron Walden, Essex
Eastbourne Chronicle. 04 December 1915
Mr Edward Bowdler, landlord of the Eight Bells Inn, who was 57 years of age, died on November 25th.
In 1921 at the The Eight Bells, Jevington
Edith Bowdler, Licensed Victualler aged 62 years 10 months and born in Felsted, Essex
Walker W Watson, Son-in-law, Hotel Manager to Mrs Bowdler Licensed Victualler aged 36 years 3 months and born in Saffron Walden, Essex
Lillian Watson, Daughter, Home Duties aged 29 years 9 months and born in Eastbourne, Sussex
Mabel Wallis, Waitress Tea Gardens aged 20 years 6 months and born in Jevington, Sussex
Eva Wallis, Waitress Tea Gardens aged 19 years 2 months and born in Jevington, Sussex
Irene May Watson, Granddaughter aged 7 years and born in and born in Jevington, Sussex
Leila Maude Watson, Granddaughter aged 1 year 2 months and born in Jevington, Sussex
1938, Eight Bells, Mrs Edith Bowdler, Jevington .. Post Office Directory
Eastbourne Herald. 07 December 1940 - "You Look a Girl to Me" Colonol Gwynne Compliment Jevington Licensees.
Mrs Edith Bowdler who appeared at Hailsham Police Court on Wednesday with a request for the transfer of the licence of the Eight Bells Inn, Jevigton to Mr R M Cardwell was asked by the chairman (Lieur-Col R V Gwynne) the reason for her desire to transfer .
Mrs Bowdler remarked "I am getting too old to work".
The Chairman "You look a girl to me", It was stated that Mrs Bowdler had been 33 years in Jevington.
Mr R M Caldwell stated that an experienced manager from Eastbourne would be put into the house.
In granting the yransfer Co Gwynne complimented Mrs Bowdler on the admirable way in which she had managed the house for many years.
Sussex Express. 29 August 1941
The Eight Bells, Jevington was transferred from Mr Ronald McKenzie Cardwell to Mr Harold Cheney
Eastbourne Gazette. 11 August 1965
After six years as landlord of the Eight Bells, Mr Tom King will be giving up the licence in September to enable him to have a holiday and a real rest; he has been in the licensed trade for 15 years.
Eastbourne Gazette. 26 May 1999
A 300 year old listed country pub and restaurant in an idyllic rural location!
An astonishingly pretty Secret Garden bathed in sunshine all day with seating for 120 people enjoying outstanding views across beautiful downland!
Wonderful food, wine and traditional cask ales all served in a delightful old world atmosphere! It sll sounds too ood to be true, butthat it what you get when you visit The Eight Bells at Jevington.
This charming country pub was acquired in the New Year by the popular owners of the Berwick Inn, Nick Leadbitter and Jim McRobert, and after a period of extensive refurbishment, re-opened for trading under the management of Jason Roberts.
The Bells, as it is known locally, is situated on the B2075, in the heart of Jevington Village, midway between Polegate and East Dean.