For hundreds of years, the pubs and Inns of the villages of Romney Marsh and have played a vital role in their respective villages with most having their share of myths and tales - many of which are true - of smuggling, ghosts and heroic deeds during times of need. Romney Marsh Times journey's back through time and visits five of the most historic pubs in this picturesque corner of England.
The Royal Oak, Brookland, Kent Built in 1570 as a dwelling for the parish clerk. It gained a license to serve ale in 1736 before becoming a fully fledged public house in August of the same year. Like many other pubs and Inns of the area, the Royal Oak has a history associated with smuggling and features in one of the most notorious smuggling incidents in SE England when, in February 1821, a pitched battle was fought between customs men and the Aldington Gang. Fighting their way across the Marsh both sides sustained heavy losses until the "Battle of Brookland" ended nearby with 5 men dead and 25 injured.
The current owners took it over in 2006 and have substantially improved all aspects of the Royal Oak to the extent that it has recently been shortlisted to one of six finalists in the "Newcomer of the Year" category at the annual Publican Awards 2008.
The Royal Oak The High Street Brookland Romney Marsh, Kent, TN29 9QR
Tel: 01797 344 215
The Woolpack Inn, Brookland, Kent Dating from 1410, the Woolpack was a famous smugglers haunt and still has spinning jenny mounted in the bar ceiling that was used to divide up the smuggler's spoils. There is also a tale of a secret tunnel through which smugglers crept to escape customs men. Today the Woolpack is a picture-book English pub, complete with low beamed ceiling, wattle-and-daub walls, and a wonderful big hearth in front of which you can sit on padded benches and enjoy well proportioned delicious locally grown food.
The Rose and Crown, Old Romney The Rose & Crown is an attractive country inn built in 1689 as farm dwellings becoming an ale-house in 1806.
Today it features a large, pretty, garden with a large grass play area for children and tasty home - cooked food served in the garden, conservatory restaurant or the bar areas. Three-star accomodation is also available in the form of a number of affordable ground-level, easy access, rooms.
Rose & Crown Swamp Road Old Romney Romney Marsh Kent, TN29 9SQ
Tel: 01797 367500
The George, Lydd The George Hotel in the centre of Lydd dates back to 1620 and is now a thriving town pub, restaurant and hotel. Much of its appearance and internal structure however remains faithful to its earliest days and the smugglers and locals whose ghosts are now said to haunt the building would have no difficulty in recognising it. Amongst the many tales surrounding the George is the true story of an incident from 1721 when two smugglers from the Mayfield Gang, Jacob Walter and Thomas Biggs, were caught by customs officials and held here until 100 Lydd townsfolk stormed the building, freeing the smugglers.
The George 11 High St Lydd, Romney Marsh, TN29 9AJ
Tel: 01797 321710
The Mermaid Hotel, Rye One of the most haunted hotels in England and a famous smugglers den (of the Hawkhurst Gang in particular) the Mermaid Inn of Rye is also one of the most attractive and delightful pubs in South East England and able to trace its past back almost 1000 years to 1156AD. Now owned by two locals it specialises in tradition and charm yet boasts the modern facilities. Popular with local painters it is also frequented by many famous actors, with past guests including Charlie Chaplin, Pierce Brosnan, and Johnny Depp.
Built in 1570 as a dwelling for the parish clerk. It gained a license to serve ale in 1736 before becoming a fully fledged public house in August of the same year. Like many other pubs and Inns of the area, the Royal Oak has a history associated with smuggling and features in one of the most notorious smuggling incidents in SE England when, in February 1821, a pitched battle was fought between customs men and the Aldington Gang. Fighting their way across the Marsh both sides sustained heavy losses until the "Battle of Brookland" ended nearby with 5 men dead and 25 injured.
Dating from 1410, the Woolpack was a famous smugglers haunt and still has spinning jenny mounted in the bar ceiling that was used to divide up the smuggler's spoils. There is also a tale of a secret tunnel through which smugglers crept to escape customs men. Today the Woolpack is a picture-book English pub, complete with low beamed ceiling, wattle-and-daub walls, and a wonderful big hearth in front of which you can sit on padded benches and enjoy well proportioned delicious locally grown food.
The Rose & Crown is an attractive country inn built in 1689 as farm dwellings becoming an ale-house in 1806.
The George Hotel in the centre of Lydd dates back to 1620 and is now a thriving town pub, restaurant and hotel. Much of its appearance and internal structure however remains faithful to its earliest days and the smugglers and locals whose ghosts are now said to haunt the building would have no difficulty in recognising it. Amongst the many tales surrounding the George is the true story of an incident from 1721 when two smugglers from the Mayfield Gang, Jacob Walter and Thomas Biggs, were caught by customs officials and held here until 100 Lydd townsfolk stormed the building, freeing the smugglers. 
One of the most haunted hotels in England and a famous smugglers den (of the Hawkhurst Gang in particular) the Mermaid Inn of Rye is also one of the most attractive and delightful pubs in South East England and able to trace its past back almost 1000 years to 1156AD. Now owned by two locals it specialises in tradition and charm yet boasts the modern facilities. Popular with local painters it is also frequented by many famous actors, with past guests including Charlie Chaplin, Pierce Brosnan, and Johnny Depp.
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