Hi, firstly I'll cover the Old Blue Pigeons Inn, My house! (built 1723 and which closed as an Inn in 1931, the license was transferred to the once vicarage building next door (the Farriers feature heavily in the history of the 'Old Blue Pigeons Inn').
The early years of this Public House (Old one 1723) are obscure. JAMES SPINNER lived in this house in the year of 1843, but there is no evidence of it then being a pub. The next written record found is of WILLIAM KEMP living there in 1847.
Information from the late CHARLES WILLIAM KEMP of Street Farm, it was probable that William kept an ‘Offlicence’. From 1847 the next 20 years is a blank period in the history of the Blue Pigeons. During that time William Kemp left there and went to live at TEMPTYE farmhouse (just up the lane from Blue Pigeons Farm).
On record, the Blue Pigeons was first classified as a Public House in 1870, owned by Thomas FARRIER. When Thomas died ( July 26th 1899, Aged 78 yrs) his widow Emily (who died on; 17th March 1924, Aged 95years) along with her granddaughter Hilda Harper (Aged:14yrs) carried on with the pub. The license later passed to their son George Farrier who owned it by the year 1918.
George died on Oct 2nd 1922, aged 71 years. By 1924, STEPHEN KEMP held the license, he being the husband of BEATRICE Mary FARRIER (Trix) daughter of GEORGE FARRIER.
Around 1928-1929 Stephen and Beatrice Kemp sold the Pub to Mackinsons Brewery. Stephen and Beatrice moved to Africa, where they both died. The brewery also owned the NEW Blue Pigeons Pub, which was previously the Vicarage, and in 1931 the pub was moved from the ‘Old Blue Pigeons’ house to Next door.
Gravestone details:
1. Beatrice is buried with her parents George (02.10.22) and Elizabeth Mary Farrier (14.07.26). Beatrice died on 7th Jan 1936, aged 55yrs in East Africa.
2. Stephen is buried separately (I'll have to check who with and the date) but it does say he was some type of Constable and died at a River in South Africa, I will confirm these details and the River's name asap.
Please stop me if I have any details incorrect, so many Thomas's in your family, it gets a little confusing! Now for the farm: although minimal information on this as still researching, but will pass info on:
The name of ‘Blue Pigeons Inn’ was apparently taken from the farm of that name which is near the railway, the name was given to this public house by WILLIAM FARRIER, owner of the Blue Pigeons Farm in the year of 1884. The second reason states that the original old farmhouse looked very similar outside to the old public house. The old farmhouse was destroyed by fire in November 1905 and the new (Current) farmhouse was rebuilt in 1906 by a Mr James Brett.
Other Farrier Graves at Worth:
4. Old Graveyard - Elizabeth (wife of Thomas) 28.10.1876 Aged 72yrs. With her lies Thomas Farrier, 23.01.1889.
5. New Graveyard - Thomas (26.07.1899) Aged 78 yrs. His wife Emily (17.03.1924) Aged 95yrs. Daughter Elizabeth Ann Harper (05.07.1906) Aged 48 yrs.
6. Thomas (24.05.1905) Aged 45yrs and his wife Mary Ann (25.07.1937) Aged 84 yrs.
7. George (02.10.1922) Aged 71yrs, his wife Elizabeth Mary (14.07.1926) Aged 78 yrs and daughter Beatrice Mary Kemp (07.01.1936) Aged 55yrs.
Other Farriers mention but not placed as of yet!!
Worth Workhouse: Sophia Farrier and an Edward Farrier who worked as a farm servant at Hacklinge House when younger. Records state they were both placed in the workhouse as became widowed.
Lindale Farm (1901 Census): Thomas Farrier (Head) 41 years. Marian Farrier (wife) 49 years. Gordon A Harper (Nephew) 16 years. Post Office Clerk. Single. Leslie A Harper (Nephew) 12years. Single.
Hope its not all too confusing and will keep you updated on the village research as things become clearer. Any information will be greatly received.
Regards Claire
