The King's Head in Cuckfield was an historic coaching inn situated in the south of the village. This establishment played a significant role in the village's social and economic life, especially during the Georgian coaching era when it was a stopping place for travellers between London and Brighton.
The inn was known for its hospitality and was frequented by notable figures, including the Prince Regent (later King George IV), who often stopped there as he passed through Cuckfield on his way to his residence in Brighton. One of the most famous anecdotes involves the Prince Regent setting a record for traveling from Brighton to London and back in a single day, passing through Cuckfield. This feat, achieved with relays of fast horses, highlighted his love for speed and adventure. The journey reportedly took him 4.5 hours to London and 5.5 hours back, an impressive accomplishment given the state of the roads at the time.
The earliest recorded mention of the King's Head dates back to June 23, 1756, when it was leased to Richard Jarvis. Previously, the inn was known as "Goldings". The original building was practically demolished in 1858, and a new structure was erected in its place.
Throughout its history, the King's Head was managed by several notable publicans:
James Lintott: Listed as the proprietor in the Universal British Directory of 1791, Lintott's tenure coincided with the inn's flourishing period during the late 18th century.
Joshua Scott: In the early 19th century, Scott owned and occupied the King's Head, with records from that time valuing the inn, including its stables, at £32 per annum.
Daniel Dench: Another landlord in the early 19 century and perhaps the most renowned. He managed the inn during the reign of George III and the Regency era. His tenure is particularly noted for hosting the Prince Regent. Dench's daughter, Amelia, later reminisced about the inn's vibrant past, highlighting its importance during that period. He kept up to 30 pairs of horses at the inn.
James Webber: Succeeded Daniel Dench in 1817.
Edward Jenner: Took over the King's Head in 1846. He was previously a baker in Cuckfield and was known as "Uncle Ned"
The village’s traditions, such as the Independent State of Cuckfield's Mayor's Election, have seen participation from former publicans of the King's Head.
My blog: Cuckfield Compendium
My website: Cuckfield Compendium
No comments:
Post a Comment