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THE CHEQUERS INN

Located in the centre of Doddington Good Food Served Daily (12.00-2.30pm   7pm - 8pm) Good Company, Good Beer, A Real Village Pub !

The Chequers received the CAMRA Pub of the Year awards in 1995 (for Swale) and in 1996 for Swale, Kent and South East England. In 1995 it was also featured on French Television.

HISTORY
This 14th Century Inn was used by Canterbury Pilgrims and was an important coaching inn with a large apartment in the roof in which post-boys and postillions slept. Passengers stayed in the more comfortable bedrooms below. The long roof was also used as a 'smugglers dump' because nearby Whitstable was an important seaport in the 14th & 15th Centuries. The only road linking Whitstable to Maidstone ran through Doddington. There are also fine examples of Mullion windows, an Inglenook fireplace and a 'secret room'

The name 'Chequers' originates from a board marked in squares similar to a chess board. Chequers (pieces of wood) would be used in calculations since many agricultural workers were illiterate this method was easier. The Inn was as a place for collecting taxes as well as other commercial dealings.

GHOSTS
Resident ghosts include a Cavalier from the English Civil War (Killed upstairs) and a Lady (wife of a previous landlord) heard playing a piano.

LANDLADY
Liz Sewell, the present landlady, ensures the Chequers retains its traditional atmosphere which is welcoming to both locals and visitors.

Related Links

Shepherd Neame Ltd

Norton Owners Club The Chequers in the Village Appraisal

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