The Blacksmiths Arms – Biggin Hill

The Blacksmith’s Arms

Cudham Lane South TEL:01959 572678

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The Inn known as the “Blacksmith’s Arms” was build during the reign of Charles I (1625 – 1649) in the year 1628. The property at this time is described as a farm dwelling with stables. 

The earliest recorded occupant is one Nathaniel Mynecote, a farmer and blacksmith of the parish Apuldrefield, a title by which that area of Cudham was then known.  Mynecote purchase the property in 1638 a sale infantry of 1669 describes the property as thus:- One massage, four acres of arable land, one wooded parcel of land, one forge anvil and tack, two mares one in foul, and at this date was purchased by one Henry Springett Lockyer, a blacksmith of the parish of Knockholt, who on his deathbed in 1703 bequeathed the property, then described solely as a blacksmiths forge and dwelling, to his wife Naomi, also recorded as a blacksmith.

 Naomi Lockyer’s maiden name was Ward, and in 1729 the property was purchased by one Marcus Ward a beer retailer and blacksmith of the parish. The Ward family had for many years owned a registered ale house situated near the forge known as the Anvil and later the “Blacksmith’s Arms”, which was badly damaged by fire and demolished in 1727. On October the 10th 1729 a six dale ale and cider licence was granted to a Marcus Ward, and in 1730, the sign of the “Blacksmith’s Arms” was hung on the present site. For many years Marcus Ward continued his trade as a blacksmith while his wife El

anor ran the Inn. After his death in 1781, Elenor Ward sold the property to one Henry George Wilson, an innkeeper of Bromley for 100 guineas. In 1829, the Inn once again in the hands of the Ward family when it was purchased by one Jonathan Ward, grandson of Marcus Ward.

In 1865, the “Blacksmith’s Arms” was purchased by one Richard Relph. Relph’s wife bore him fifteen children, one of whom, born at the inn in 1868, named Harry, went on to become famous as the legendary music hall star “Little Tich” (1868 – 1928).

In 1878 Richard Relph sold the inn to one Charles Watson, town crier of Bromley. Watson was for many years a crier and post-master of the village and parish of Cudham, and the “Blacksmith’s Arms” a posting house where mail was left for Watson to distribute.

The “Blacksmith’s Arms” has seen and undergone many changes since first it was built, but its historic atmosphere and character remains unchanged. So come enjoy the fayre and reflect on those bygone days.

One thought on “The Blacksmiths Arms – Biggin Hill”

  1. Hello. I am trying to book a table for Sunday at 2.30 for 4 people and your phone line won’t take any calls. Can you please acknowledge this message. My number is 07961923257
    Mrs Gloria Hall

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