The Canterbury UAD states that this inn previously belonged to Mackeson/Whitbread.

This inn was opened in July 1958 as part of the London Road Estate and was intended to serve this new community. It was opened by ex MP Mr John Baker White and for that night only, beer was on sale at pre-war prices, 4p a pint.

Mr Baker White said that the name was chosen as appropriate for Canterbury and he read the verse from Chaucer:

'He was of sovereign value in all eyes,
And though so much distinguished, he was wise,
And in his bearing modest as a maid.
He nebver yet a boorish thing had said
In all his life to any, come what might.
He was a true, a perfect gentle knight'
Or, as Chaucer wrote: 'He was a verray parfit gentil knight'.

Wilmot, E., 1988, Inns of Canterbury (Monograph). SKE29737.