Bourne Society Pub & Brewery History Group

Visit to the Rose and Crown, Croydon on March 6, 2004

Address: 124 Church Street

 

One of Croydon's oldest remaining pubs, the current building was reputedly built in the later 1600's. There is a 1718 mention in connection with a John Horton at the Parson’s brewhouse, although the first reliable mention of an inn on the site is in 1752 when it is referred to as the 'Parsons brewery and ale house, opposite the church'. An 1842 engraving of the old parish church shows the pub sign, and in 1839 there is mention in the local press of a local busybody, “Miss A.H. of the Rose & Crown” The three storey building at the front is Victorian although an interesting building in its own right (note the brass name board let into the window ledges).

 

 

Some older outbuildings (dwellings around the pub yard originally) were demolished in the 1960s to make way for the modern Roman Way, which runs immediately behind the pub. Inside, there is a central bar, with a long room to the right and a narrower area to the left with dartboard. Pictures of old Croydon decorate the walls. First floor bar with pool, darts etc may open in the evenings. Only one real ale likely to be on at any one time, says CAMRA.....or possibly none!

From Kelly’s Directory, researched by Jean Tooke, we find Mrs Jane Russell at the Rose & Crown, at the then address of 74 Church Street.  The 1881 census shows the same address, with Charles Skinner from Hampshire as licensed victualler, with his wife Mary from Cornwall:

 

Dwelling:               74-75 Church St Rose & Crown Inn

Census Place:     Croydon, Surrey, England

Source:FHL Film 1341191     PRO Ref RG11    Piece 0810    Folio 79   Page 41

 

                                         Marr               Age         Sex         Birthplace

Charles SKINNER              M             37           M             Woodley, Hampshire, England

                Rel:         Head

                Occ:        Licensed Victualler

Mary SKINNER                     M             31           F              Southill, Cornwall, England

                Rel:         Wife

Jane R. SKINNER                              3              F              Ely, Cambridge, England

                Rel:         Daur

                Occ:        Scholar

Charles ADAMS                   U             18           M             Croydon, Surrey, England

                Rel:         Servant

                Occ:        Potman

Anne ADAMS                        U             15           F              Croydon, Surrey, England

                Rel:         Servant

                Occ:        Domestic Servant

Mary S. SKINNER                               2 m         F              Ely, Cambridge, England

                Rel:         Daur

 

By 1887, following a renumbering of houses, the Rose & Crown was listed as 114 Church Street, still with Charles Skinner as publican. By 1905, until 1922,  the Ellis family ran the pub, first with James William and then by 1922 James Albert appeared with yet another address change, to 124 Church Street. By 1934, Winifred O. Jackson had taken over, followed by Ernest Ben Tullett shown in the 1938 Directory.

View through the stained glass window of the Rose & Crown