From hiding a king, to serving D-Day troops, this Kent pub has links to key moments in British history...

The Abbot’s Fireside in Elham, near Canterbury, which is due to reopen following a refurbishment when Covid restrictions are lifted, dates back hundreds of years.

It was originally built as an inn called the Smithie’s Arms in 1451.

The pub still retains features from the 15th and 16th centuries - including a huge medieval fireplace.

There is also a carved Stuart mantelpiece panel, on which is painted: “Richard Hayes, The Smithers Arms”.

Legend has it that King Charles II hid from the Roundheads in a “priesthole” within the main fireplace.

An underground tunnel is said to run from the pub’s cellar to the village’s church and manor house.

The Duke of Wellington is also reported to have been based here before the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

The Smithie’s Arms was sold in 1671 and some time after was converted into four cottages. This remained the case until the tavern was re-opened in 1939.

A few years later, British and US troops gearing up for D-Day enjoyed refreshments at the pub.

At some point before 1965, the inn’s name was changed to the Abbot’s Fireside.

Over the past decade the pub has changed hands several times and was put on the market in 2019 when its owners announced plans to retire.

Now millionaire businessman Peter Malkin, who ran Bridge Country Club, is hoping to give it a new lease of life once it can finally welcome back punters later this year.

*Pictures and information used with kind permission of Paul Skelton, of dover-kent.com

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