Duke of Cornwall

From Historical Hastings

The Duke of Cornwall which was located at 5 Post Office Passage changed quite substantially since the original construction in 1768 due to subsidence caused by drainage work. The first re​building​ was in 1818 and a subsequent in 1899. There is a record of William James Wenham applying for a full license in 1850 and again in 1853, telling the magistrates on the latter occasion that he had occupied the property for thirteen years.

By 1872, it would appear that William's son (also William) had become the owner of the premises with his mother Charlotte and brother Walter listed as licensees until 1881; there being a family of 9 Wenhams listed at the property in the census of 1871. William junior's mother and brother died soon after the 1881 census (1887 and 1888 respectively) The premises were used by the Cinque Ports Band for some 25 years and a dinner is recorded as being held there for forty Old Town washerwomen in 1924. This dinner was paid for by subscriptions of the attendees and presided over by Councillor Tingle. The menu included beef pudding, joints of beef and mutton, a selection of vegetables and refreshments which included the Duke of Cornwall ale[1].

Later becoming known as the 'Silver Dollar' in the 1950s, possibly due in part to American and/or Canadian troops utilising the bar during WW2, there is another possibility that it may also have referred to the song 'One Silver Dollar' by Marylin Monroe.

The pub having been declared as redundant by the licensing authorities, it finally closed its doors in December 1966.

Licensees

  • 1840-1872 William James Wenham
  • 1872-1881 Charlotte & Walter Wenham


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References & Notes