A George III tavern handbill Hoop & Griffin, Deal, Kent
A later 18th century handbill for the Hoop and Griffin tavern in Deal, Kent.
Robert Fox was the innkeeper of the Hoop and Griffin Inn in Deal in Kent in the 1780s. The hugely evocative handbill suggests the inn offers the 'earliest intelligence of outward and homebound ships'
The handbill advertises the services of the inn:
"Robert Fox, Hoop and Griffin,
BEACH STREEI, DEAL;
Commanding a View of the Sea, North and South.
AND
The earlieft Intelligence of Outward and Homeward-bound Ships.
Dinners dreffed on the thorteft Notice.
Neat Post Chaises, &c. to any Part of
France"
In 1783 Robert Fox of the Hoop and Griffin married Caroline Richardson. In 1787 according to the Kentish Gazette Fox has invested further in hsuan business:
"Robert Fox most respectfully returns his grateful acknowledgments to the Noblemen, Gentlemen, and Public at large, who have repeatedly honoured him with their favours at the above Inn, and humbly solicits their future patronage and support. He begs leave to inform them, that he has lately fitted up a very neat Post Chaise, and provided able horses and careful driver and hopes to have the encouragement of the public in this department of his business, to which the utmost attention will be paid. He also humbly hopes, by the accommodation provided in every line of his business, to give the utmost satisfaction, &c. to his customers, who may depend on finding a well furnished larder, choice wines, spirits, beer and ale, and good entertainment of every kind suitable for a Tavern and Inn.
And is, with the utmost respect, their very humble servant"
By 1792 his fortunes had taken a turn for the worse and he was bankrupt.
The Hoop and Griffin was a popular tavern in Deal. In a history of Deal written in 1917 it states, "The news (of the repulse of the Duke of York's army by the French at Dunkirk in 1793) was brought to Deal by Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, who landed at the "Hoop and Griffin" where to took refreshment before posting for London."
The original handbill is housed in a later frame.
Today the former Hoop and Griffin is available to let as a holiday let.
Measuring: (Frame - 29 cm x 38cm)
Deal, Kent, 1780s
