Wheatsheaf, Southfleet

The Wheatsheaf was a picturesque thatched building dating from 1408. Situated in the Westwood area of Southfleet, it traded as a pub from 1783 until 2010. It was known as The Ship until 1862, which must have led to much confusion as there was, and still is, a pub of that name in Southfleet itself!

The archive images (thanks to www.dover-kent.com for sharing) suggest that The Wheatsheaf may have been part of the tied estate of the Dartford Brewery company around the turn of the 20th century, passing to Style & Winch and eventually Courage after a succession of takeovers.

The late (and legendary) Gravesend historian Tony Larkin suggested that although part of the building was original, most of it had been rebuilt in ‘rustic’ style in 1890. The building work was evidently not of the highest standard, as structural problems were cited as the main reason for its closure in 2010. Nevertheless the loss of this atmospheric pub and restaurant was a tragedy for the local community, including the local Morris Dancers who used the pub as their headquarters. Somehow it has since been patched up and converted to residential accommodation, and no doubt the full commercial potential of the extensive site will be realized before long.