The word “pub” conjures a different mental image to everyone. Some people picture roaring fires and hearty meals, while others fondly remember raucous laughter and that undeniable sense of belonging which you can only find in a traditional pub that still smells of yesterday’s beer. But centuries ago, pubs weren’t just places to relax or socialise — they were often the haunts of highwaymen, smugglers, and other ne’er-do-wells.
With Dick Turpin back in the spotlight (thanks to Tyson Fury’s viral quip), we thought it was a pretty good time to take a look into the murky history of pubs that once welcomed infamous figures.
Here’s a toast to some notorious characters who made these pubs their pit stops!
Pints and Perils: The Favourite Haunts of Highwaymen and Rogues
The Spaniards Inn, London: Dick Turpin
The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead is rich in history (and scandal!). Legend has it that Dick Turpin himself often popped into this pub while on the run from the law. Established in 1585, the Spaniards Inn was ideally situated for a quick escape into the surrounding countryside. Rumour has it that Turpin’s ghost still lingers, keeping a watchful eye on modern-day patrons.
The Mermaid Inn, Rye: Where Smugglers Plotted
Deep in the winding streets of the ridiculously picturesque and idyllic town of Rye, sits The Mermaid Inn, a pub that was once a hotbed of illicit activity. The notorious Hawkhurst Gang, known for their smuggling exploits, used the pub as a meeting place in the 18th century. With secret passageways and hidden staircases, The Mermaid Inn feels like a time capsule of intrigue and danger. Also… it’s incredibly cosy.
The Hogarth Inn, Grain: A Meeting Place for Rogues
Tucked away in the quiet village of Grain, The Hogarth Inn boasts a storied past as colourful as the man it’s named after. The pub is named after William Hogarth, the famous 18th-century artist who once passed through the area on a boozy (probably), sketch-filled escapade through Kent.
But artistic inspiration wasn’t the only thing brewing here. Grain’s position near the Thames estuary with its many waterways, made it a magnet for smugglers looking for secluded spots to unload their contraband. Local lore whispers of a magnificent network of smugglers’ tunnels dug into the land, one of which passes under The Hogarth itself.
The Sussex Arms, Tunbridge Wells: Where History Runs Deep — Literally.
Our sister pub, The Sussex Arms pub in Tunbridge Wells, despite now being firmly in Kent, gets its name from a time when it stood on the border between Sussex and Kent. This unique position made it the perfect haunt of local highwaymen, smugglers, and other rogues. Why? Because they could escape the clutches of the county’s bailiffs by simply walking to the other side of the pub!
The old border was marked by the River Grom (as in Groombridge), which is now mostly hidden underground. Though it occasionally tries to make a surprise appearance in the pub’s basement during heavy rain — proof that history runs deep here, quite literally!
Nearby, the notorious Groombridge Gang and the infamous Hawkhurst Gang operated in the 18th century. It’s not hard to imagine them popping into The Sussex Arms (or “the Shades” as it was often called back then) for a pint while plotting their next escapade. Whether they did or didn’t, the pub’s history as a refuge for outlaws adds a dash of intrigue to its already fantastic atmosphere today.
Did Dick Turpin Wear a Mask?
It turns out Dick Turpin did NOT wear a mask — at least, not according to historical records. But we like to think that if he did, he probably left it down the pub.
Either way, it’s a good reminder that pubs like ours aren’t just places to enjoy great pub food and drink (though we heartily recommend our famous Sunday roast) — pubs are living pieces of history. And it’s not just highwaymen like Dick Turpin who might have sat in the very same nook as you. Pubs have famously hosted authors, poets, scientists, and philosophers too. Basically, the world’s most important people can be found down the pub. (Who knows? Maybe you’re the next one!)
Feeling inspired by Dick Turpin’s sudden return to fame? Why not plan a pub crawl to some of these notorious haunts? Just don’t try any highwayman antics on your way home…
Related Posts
15 Best Things to Do in Tunbridge Wells
Green Hop Season Arrives
Father’s Day in Tunbridge Wells
