Chatham History Mystery - Sly Kate

[nika]

Hi All
One of my ancestors ran a pub called "The Three Brothers" which was in Sly Kate's Lane. (Now Slicketts Lane, off The Brook in Chatham). Out of pure curiosity and fun, does anyone know who Sly Kate was ?
Nika
 

[Mogsmum]

I'm guessing the name was based on Shakespeare's character Katherine (Kate) from 'The Taming of the Shrew'.

Just as a BTW - a search of 'Kent Life' magazine website, throws this up ...

"During the 18th century the town (Chatham) expanded at an unsustainable rate and overcrowding bred disease and debauchery, with red light districts such as Full-A-Love Lane and Sly Kate's (Slicketts) Hill, frequented by drunken soldiers and sailors."

But I guess you've already seen that.

[nika]

Thanks Mogsmum - I hadn't come across the Kent Life entry before - interesting; particularly as the licensee of the Three Brothers was a female!   

[Mogsmum]

 

[ShaunJ]

It seems also to have been written as Slykates Hill. So I wonder if "Sly Kate's" is a corruption of a place name that sounded like "Slicketts" ....or is it the other way round?

[nika]

Hi ShaunJ, It's now called Slicketts and was previously Slykates. 

[robertah]

Hello Nika

I know nothing of the origin of the name 'Sly Kates hill'.  But we seem to share common McDowell ancestors. 

My web page is www.penney-nicholass-ancestry.co.nz

You can see my  McDowell research on that site _ do hope you will be in touch so we can share McDowell/ Hood/Kenny notes.  My email address is on the home page of the web site

Roberta

[nika]

Hello Roberta,
I have sent you a private EMail.
Regards,
Nika

[KPM]

Hi Nika

Cant help with Sly Kate, but just wondered whether you had read 'Chatham Scandal'.  Although its about prostitution in the Medway towns  it gives some very graphic details of the streets and pubs in Chatham and personally I think its well worth a read by anyone who had family in Medway in the 19th century.

KPM