A Free House.

At the end of the 18th century a dwelling house was built on this site with outbuildings and 3 acres of pasture belonging to John Martyn, a saddler.

In 1830 the house was owned by Simon Forstell who applied for, and was granted, a licence to sell ale but, 'no ales were to be sold to a parishioner or traveller between the hours of divine service'.

In 1862 the owner was Thomas Young who made alterations and was granted a full licence of what became Bridge House tavern. When he died Mrs Charlotte Young became the innkeeper but when she died in 1882 the house was sold to the Gardner Brewery of Ash-next-Sandwich. They installed a tenant called James Dilnot at an annual rent of 19 guineas.

In 1963 the inn was badly damaged by fire and when it re-opened it was re-named Phoenix.

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