Royal Oak, Bean

The Royal Oak is believed to have opened in 1707 in a pair of cottages. Initially a beer and cider house, it did not obtain a full licence until after WWII at which time it is thought to have been part of the tied estate of Maidstone brewers Fremlins. It had earlier been part of the tied estate of Russell's Brewery in Gravesend, and later traded as a Free House during the years immediately preceding its closure in 2013.

The older of the two photographs dates from around 1870 and shows the then licensee, Thomas Durling, and his family. The pub may have been rebuilt around this time. Later the activities of a poltergeist were attributed by some to Durling’s daughter Nancy.

The pub was demolished soon after closure. The adjacent duck pond was preserved after vigorous campaigning by villagers, but most of the site is now occupied by some rather dull-looking housing. Once again the profiteers have had their way at the expense of the local community.

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