Lord Nelson Hotel, Gravesend

The Lord Nelson Hotel was built in the late 1870s, but a pub had existed on the site since 1528. Originally The (Three) Fleur de Luces, the name had changed to The Marquis of Granby in 1775, then to The Lord Nelson in order to honour the hero of Trafalgar in 1806.

The rebuilt hotel also replaced The Nelson Tap, which had existed as a separate building, a 'public bar' known as The Nelson Shades being provided as a separate drinking area at the western end of the hotel.

The Nelson had been part of the local Russell's brewery tied estate in the late 19th and early 20th century, passing to Truman's with their acquisition of Russell's in 1930.

On (or probably before) its closure in 1983, this fine building was acquired by a global conglomerate specialising in cheap, fast, takeaway-style food that many regard as bland and unhealthy. This was presumably sanctioned by the planning department of Gravesham Borough Council. Not everyone would see this as their finest hour...

Thanks to www.dover-kent.com for the archive image, the date of which is unknown. If anyone has a more recent photo of the pub in its days as a Truman's house, we would be delighted to hear from you - please use the feedback form.