The Jackdaw, Denton.

© P.E. Blanche 1998

If you look carefully at the left-hand side of this sign, you can see the Bell Harry Tower of Canterbury Cathedral standing out on the horizon. The "Pub" was re-named in 1962 in honour of Richard Harris Barham who wrote, amongst other things, "The Jackdaw of Rheims". The premises were built in 1645 by Thomas Leythorpe, Gentleman of Elham, and were used as a farmhouse until 1756, when a licence was granted Andrew Snell to sell ales and cider. It was originally known as "The Red Lion". The Jackdaw was feature in the movie, "The Battle of Britain" which starred Michael Caine and Christopher Plummer. The location was certainly authentic as the "Pub" is only about three miles from Hawkinge, the site of the WWII fighter station. A nice spot to stop for lunch or dinner or just to sit in the garden with a pint.