Archaeologists uncover ‘one of UK’s oldest PUBS’ buried under nightclub – including centuries-old wine bottles & flagons
ARCHAEOLOGISTS have unearthed what they believe to be one of the UK’s oldest pubs buried under a former nightclub.
Experts discovered hundreds of artefacts from what appears to be a centuries-old boozer amid ongoing work at a site in Dover.
The team from Canterbury Archaeological Trust uncovered a pit containing hundreds of clay pipes, German wine bottles, and Bellarmine jugs.
It is believed to be the oldest remains of a pub found in the UK.
While excavating the site of the future Dover Beacon, archaeologists came across what seemed to be a centuries-old trash pit.
The team also found several Bellarmine jugs, glazed stoneware imported from Germany that was common in the 16th and 17th centuries.
They unearthed wine bottles, as well, which could further support the idea that the site held a pub hundreds of years ago.
Ross Lane from the Canterbury Archaeological Trust, who is heading the dig at the site, told the BBC: “A pit contained lots of refuse material including the clay pipes.
“We think because it was associated with smoking and drinking that a lot of the Bellarmine ware was brought over from Germany containing wine, so perhaps it was the backyard of a public house that was fronting onto Bench Street.”
The team expected to make some fascinating discoveries while working at the site, as it has proven to be a treasure trove before.
In 1992, archaeologists found a Bronze Age boat in the area, and a medieval spindle wheel was also uncovered there.
All of this archaeological work is being carried out as part of the Dover Beacon project, a new community space the council says will be “iconic.”
The Dover Beacon project was awarded £3.2m from the government’s Future High Street Fund and £18.1m Levelling Up money.
It will house education studios as well as start-up space and a business centre.
The £21.3m Dover Beacon building is expected to open within 18 months, the council said.
Jamie Pout, deputy leader of the council, said he was excited about the discoveries at the site.
“Finding another Bronze Age boat would be something wouldn’t it?” he said, adding he was standing “right by where it was found”.
“To think about some really historic things that were going on right here is quite special, but we would love to get something quite attractive and iconic going here as soon as possible.”
It comes as a pretty Cotswold town claims to be home to England‘s oldest inn, with its title being authenticated by the Guinness Book of Records.
Dating back to 947 AD, the Porch House is certainly one of the oldest pubs in the country.
Its 16th-century stone fireplace in the dining room is inscribed with symbols as “witch marks” that were used to protect the boozer against evil.
Today the pub is a five-star hotel but it maintains its ancient heritage with original feature fireplaces, windows and oak doors.
UK BREWERY NUMBERS
THE SIBA UK Brewery Tracker shows there are 1,748 breweries across the country
It covers the period from April 1 to June 30 this year and the net change compared to March 31, 2023.
- Scotland 133 (-3)
- Northern Ireland 29 (-)
- East 187 (-4)
- North East 248 (-3)
- North West 189 (-1)
- Wales 96 (-)
- South West 203 (-4)
- South East 331 (-3)
- Midlands 334 (-11)
- UK: 1,748 (-29)