CASTLE INN

THE CASTLE INN

The Castle Inn before becoming an Inn in 1730 was known as 'the Rock House' , and earlier still was known as 'Waterslip House' . It was also called 'The Five Bells' for a short period around 1830. The earlierst reference is in 1420 when it was held of the Manor of Chiddingstone Burgherst and was leased to William Chelsfield for the grand sum of 12p.

William Beecher, a butcher, lived there in the 17C. It was then bought by Thomas Weller, a taylor, in 1712 and it appears that he and his brother George established the Castle Inn on the premises a little before 1732. George had previously run the 'Three Horseshoes' nearby at Tyehaw which seems to have been the village pub before its transference to the Castle Inn. These two Weller brothers went on to found Wellers Town.

The Castle Inn today is run by Nigel Lucas and has two bars, a beer garden (summer only) and an excellent restaurant.