White Horse, Harvel

The White Horse traded from 1906 to 1952, having been erected to replace an earlier White Horse located some 300 yards away at Poundgate, near Luddesdown, which was destroyed by fire in 1902. In its early days the pub was part of the tied estate of Maidstone brewers Style & Winch, eventually passing to Courage after a succession of takeovers.

The late Meopham historian James Carley tells us that trade was generally sparse at this hostelry, which is not surprising given its isolated position. Its heyday was probably during WWII, when a large army camp was established in the nearby White Horse Woods. After the war the camp was occupied by squatters, which ensured that a reasonable trade was maintained, but it wasn't long before Courage took the decision to relinquish the licence. It has remained as a private house ever since, with very little alteration, and the pub's name is still prominently displayed on the front of the building.

Further information would be extremely welcome, as would any photographs of the pub as a going concern - please use the feedback facility.