One Bell, Dartford

The iconic One Bell had stood in the middle of Dartford's town centre, trading from 1791 until around 1962 before being demolished in 1966 to facilitate road widening. A former coaching inn, it had replaced an even earlier establishment known as 'Le Bell' which had occupied the same site since 1508.

Within a few years of demolition, the surrounding area was pedestrianised, so the loss of this historic building could have been avoided with a little foresight.

A former coaching inn, The One Bell is thought to have been part of the tied estate of former Maidstone brewers Style & Winch in the early 20th century, before eventually passing into the hands of giant combine Courage. The site is now a public open space and is still known locally as 'One Bell Corner'.

Thanks to dover-kent.com for the archive images.