Nestled in the heart of Ash, The Chequer Inn has stood as a beacon of camaraderie and tradition for centuries. With its roots tracing back to the 14th century, this charming pub has welcomed countless patrons through its doors, each leaving their mark on its storied walls. From lively gatherings to quiet moments of reflection, The Chequer Inn has been a witness to the ebb and flow of our village life.
The Chequer Inn circa 1875
15th to 17th Century
The Chequer Inn at Ash-next-Sandwich, is connected with the medieval manor of Chequer Court in the parish, and was a timbered hall house dating from the reign of Richard II (1377-1399) in the year of 1383 in the manor of Chequer and Chilton, Ash next Sandwich. Royalty has slept within its walls, and the most celebrated owner of the inn was John de Septvans, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, from which the house later derived its name. The property remained in the hands of the Septvans’ family, (sometimes known as the Harfleets) for almost a century and a half. When first built the house was a standard Hall-House with detached kitchen and cost £20.
In 1558 a hall floor or upper floor was inserted.
In 1576 stacks were added and the parlour chamber was ceilinged over and attic rooms added. At this date the property was held by on Nicholas Hoigges a wool merchants of Canterbury, formerly of London.
In 1603, it was in the hands of a William Leggon, property owner of Canterbury. Leggon owned other properties at Sandwich, Eastry and Dover.
In 1674, the property was purchased by Thomas Roberts, hop grower and brewer of Canterbury. Roberts was granted a licence at Dover on May 8th 1674 to supply ales and ciders to the parish of Ash.
In 1676 a three bay stable block was added to the property.
(Source: Paul Skelton – http://www.dover-kent.com/Chequers-Ash.html)
From 18th Century to 1952
In 1708 the house was purchased by Richard Hollingbury, brewer of the borough of Staplegate within the walls of Canterbury. In July of that year a joint licence was issued to Hollyingbury and his wife Elizabeth and they carried on business there. Richard Hollingbury brewed the ales whilst his wife Elizabeth retailed them.
At the height of the coaching era the Chequer became a established post house, where mail was collected and sorted. Two post boys were employed at the Inn for a period of thirty years. Living quarters were provided for them in an attic room where they slept on small wooden cot beds suspended from the rafters. On the opposite corner of the inn was the village pond where they watered their horses. Two post boys employed in 1780’s were Jon Silver and Thomas Mallett and although the term ‘boys’ is applied Silver was 63 years old and Mallett 58.
Around 1780, the pub appears to have been tied to a brewery owned by the prominent Sandwich family, the Wyborns. In 1764 William Wyborn, brewer, died and his business was left to his daughter Mary, who had married John Bradley. Their son, William Wyborn Bradley was born in 1752 and by 1784 the Chequer was mortgaged in his name: William being described as “common brewer of Sandwich.” William was elected Mayor Sandwich in 1785 and died in 1788.
The Sandwich brewery and its tied estate of 27 pubs was eventually put up for “sale by private contract” by William’s son (also called William Wyborn Bradley, born 1779) as advertised in the Kentish Gazette on 10th May 1822. It’s likely that this is when the Chequer became a Rigden’s house, as their Canterbury brewery (then styled Ridgen, Delmar & Pierce) was expanding its business rapidly around this time.
The Chequer has seen and undergone many changes since it was first built. The cost of building the house in the late 14th century was about 20 pounds, in 1576 it was sold for sixty guineas, in 1721 for £140 , in 1808 for £816 and in 1874 for £1,086.
Many of the early owners and keepers had various trades and had switched from or continued to apply them. Thomas Roberts and Thomas Brazier were formally yenman, Edward Hughes, a bricklayer, Edward Goldup, a coal dealer who carried out his business as well as keeping the Inn and LLEWELLYN Ames a caterer and garager who also conducted these trades whilst at the Chequer.
1721 to 1948 – 23 Licensees over a period of 230 years of trade.
1952 October – the pub is given listed building status
(Source: Paul Skelton – http://www.dover-kent.com/Chequers-Ash.html)
From 2008 to 2014
2008 – November Richard Munden arrived determined to make the Inn a success and a community hub.
2009 – Richard awarded Cask Marque accreditation for serving the perfect pint of cask-conditioned ale.
2011 November – Landlord, Richard Munden leaves.
2012 July – New landlord, Stuart Antony quoted in Dover Express “It’s been brilliant. I’m enjoying getting to know the locals.
A lot of the old regulars have come back down and there’s a nice community spirit. I’m here for good. I want to keep it very much a local, family pub.”
2014 September – The Chequer Inn closes its doors – 340 years after first opening as an Inn!
Unfortunately Stuart was victim of a life threatening accident and could not carry on his duty.
2014 13th November – Ash Parish Council lodge nomination with DDC to register as Asset of Community Value (ACV)
2015
9th January – Confirmation from DDC – nomination successful and listed as ACV
20th March – Owner of the Chequer Inn successfully appealed the listing of the Chequer Inn as an ACV.
The appeal process included a hearing to which Ash Parish Council was not invited nor was made aware of it taking place. This is in accordance with the law. The ruling states the decision is final and no further appeal is possible.
22th June – Developer lodges Planning Application at DDC
Change of use and conversion to residential dwelling
14th December – First “Save the Chequer Inn” Public Meeting
21st December – Nomination lodged with DDC to grant The Chequer Inn “Asset of Community Value” status
2016
10th January – ‘Save the Chequer Inn’ Public Demonstration outside The Chequer Inn
12th February – Dover District Council decision – nominated Asset of Community Value status
25th February – Dover District Council Planning Meeting – unanimous vote to reject the planning application.
1st March – Dover District Council receive notice in writing of the Developers wish to sell The Chequer Inn
4th April – Notice given to Dover District Council – community’s intention to bid to purchase The Chequer Inn – ACV moratorium triggered
1th May – The Chequer Inn appears on The One Show – special programme to highlight the plight of pubs around the UK
7th June – Letter received from Developers Solicitor. Asking price for The Chequer Inn in region of £340,000
7th July – Application for support from The Plunkett Foundation successful
10th August – ‘More than a Pub’ Bursary granted
12th August – Hugely successful Pub Night held
19th August – Website launched
1st September – ACV Moratorium expired
20th September – Chequer Inn Ash Society formally registered as a Community Benefit Society
30th September – Desktop Valuation obtained and offer made to vendor
11th November – 150 attended Pop up Pub Night – Ash Village Hall
December – Submitted business plan and application to Jack Foat Trust for consideration of grant and loan.
2017
January – Cooperative Bank account confirmed and opened.
February – Denied funding support from local Charity Jack Foat Trust
10th March – Pub evening National Pie Week at the Ash Village Hall to Launch of share offer & revised Business plan
18th April – £157,000 raised in Shares
5th June – Shareholders voted overwhelmingly to reopen share offer
8th June – Resubmitted loan and grant application to Plunkett Foundation : More
than a Pub
13th June – Conditional Grant and Loan £100,000 awarded by Plunkett Foundation
10th July – Week long review of Community Pubs on National and Local Radio and TV. The Chequer Inn featured heavily
August – Total amount raised £220,000 from 300 shareholders
October – Meeting with JFT agree to fund survey if we are allowed access
November – Meeting with mentor from the Harrow Inn Stockbury, Kent
with their financial model. Increased bid to £305k
December – Vendor says we need to increase offer – Committee vote and agree to £310k
2018 and beyond...
January – Big Shareholders meeting to update community and show survey results
18th Feb – Members of Chequer Inn Ash Society vote to purchase pub
March – Annual Members meeting and New management committee elected
April – The Chequer Inn is finally sold to us!! Refurbishment can now begin
May – Our successful open day attracts over 150 villagers to view the pub before refurbishment