Every pub on the peninsula
Jack Spence, one of the group's most dedicated researchers, spent years documenting every licensed premises on the Rame Peninsula — tracing landlords, dates, family connections and the gossip that surrounded each establishment. His work is the definitive record of local pub history.
The peninsula's pubs were intimately connected to its other trades. The Old Ship Inn in Cawsand had a tunnel that connected to the beach below. The Devonport Inn in Kingsand dates from around 1740. The Kings Arms — now Kingsway House — closed in 1910 after nearly seventy years of continuous trading under the Nicholls family.
Documents and resources
Local Pubs and Inns — Jack Spence
The definitive guide to every pub and inn on the Rame Peninsula, researched and written by Jack Spence. Revised and updated May 2022.
Pigot's Guide to Local Inns, 1830
The 1830 Pigot's commercial directory listing of pubs, inns and businesses in Millbrook — a snapshot of the trade at its Victorian peak.
Newspaper Cuttings — The Prince George, Dock Inn and New Inn
An 1814 Morning Chronicle cutting mentioning the Prince George at Kingsand, the Dock Inn at Millbrook and the New Inn at Antony.
The Reverend White Papers (Chapter 15) contain additional material on local licensed premises. See also the Local Buildings page for architectural histories of specific pub buildings including the Old Ship Inn and the Devonport Inn.
Notable pubs
The Old Ship Inn on Garrett Street is Grade II listed and dates from the 18th century. It burned down in 2013 and was saved by a remarkable community effort — 300 shareholders raised £137,500 through the Peninsula Trust. Nelson's Bedroom on the second floor contains the original double bed.
The Devonport Inn on The Cleave in Kingsand is Grade II listed and dates from around 1740, when it was known as the Plume of Feathers. The Kings Arms — originally called The Volunteer until 1784 — closed in 1910 and is now Kingsway House. The Cross Keys has at various points been known as the Smugglers and returned to its original name.
More from this section
Further photographs, documents, galleries and links held in the group's online archive for this topic. Documents open in a new tab.