The George and Dragon, King Street, Fordwich

Image: © Jo and Steve Turner Taken: 7 Jul 2016

Grade II Listed 17th century inn. The pub's website claims that Fordwich 'has been home to the George and Dragon since around the 15th Century'. In 1795 when the bridge was built the tolls were leased by the landlord of the George and Dragon. Directories list the landlords as; 1832 Edward Thorpe, 1847 Greenstreet Mace, 1855 J Hooper, 1858 Thomas Austen, 1882 Mrs Anne Mountford, 1903 George S Brooker and 1913-1940 Fred C Bailey. Director Michael Powell filmed 'A Canterbury Tale' in 1944 in Fordwich and the George and Dragon became the film set for the 'Hand of Glory' pub as well as residence for some of the cast and crew. Three of tenants Fred and Elizabeth Bailey's daughters took over the pub in 1940 and Mary played Leslie's mother in the film. Planning applications granted include in 1987 extension to the restaurant and to provide for a ladies WC, 1994 unspecified external and internal alterations, 1999 ground floor rear extensions and extension to car park, 2000 internal and external alterations and 2006 single-storey extension to rear. A short inspection and watching brief carried out at time of the 2000 alterations reported that it was post-medieval (1540-1901) and 'Three independent timber framed buildings appeared to have been combined to create the substantial building that is seen today'. That suggests that if the pub dates back to the 17th century or before only part of the building was a pub. As pubs often are, it is said to be haunted by 'The Lady with the Green Hat' and a long since disconnected telephone still rings at times, it is not explained why this apparently hasn't been filmed or recorded.

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