Morning Star, Swanscombe

The Morning Star is believed to have started life as a beer house in the 1750s. It was rebuilt in 1890 and again in 1960 following its tragic destruction by a WWII bomb in 1940 with the loss of 27 lives. A wooden hut (without toilets!) sufficed during the intervening 20 years.

The pub had been part of the Russell's brewery tied estate, and was later a Truman's hpouse following the latter brewery's acquisition of Russell's in 1930.

Sadly trade had dwindled by the start of the 21st century and the pub closed its doors for the last time in 2010. Despite CAMRA's objection the pub was later converted to residential accommodation. It is virtually unrecognisable as an ex-pub.

Thanks to www.dover-kent.com for use of the archive images.