THE BRIDGE HOTEL

The last King of France stayed here after the revolution.

The Bridge Hotel, High Street. Built c.I620s. Apart from St Michaels Church, this is probably the oldest building in Newhaven.

In 1848 the Hotel hosted Louis Philippe (last King of France), his Queen and their entourage for one night. It was intended he would be collected by Newhaven steamers from Dieppe , but owing to pursuit by revolutionaries they had to travel further west and were collected by a Southampton streamer near le Havre who took them to outside of our harbour.

The party were rowed in and put ashore near the present lifeboat house. They were visited by many local dignitaries, including William Catt of Tidemills, who had once advised the King about using water power when milling. The party left next day by train for Croydon bound for Esher, where a fine house had been arranged for them by Queen Victoria.

This Royal incident was always displayed on the Hotel, why in these days of interest nothing is done to promote this event baffles me.

The Toll House for the wooden draw bridge of 1784 (replacing a small floating ferry) can just be seen to the left on the picture. It cost a half-penny per person to cross & Newhaven Maritime Museum has the final penny which was paid for two officials from the Tipper Brewery. (Text by Peter Bailey M.B.E, Newhaven Historical Society)

Photo:Bridge Hotel, date unknown

Bridge Hotel, date unknown

Newhaven Museum

Photo:Bridge Hotel, now altered somewhat

Bridge Hotel, now altered somewhat

Newhaven Museum

Photo:I suppose, with the overnight stay by Royalty, "the Bridge" does have this claim to fame. Probably the most photographed pub in Newhaven too, and here it is on a lovely sunny Spring day 2008.

I suppose, with the overnight stay by Royalty, "the Bridge" does have this claim to fame. Probably the most photographed pub in Newhaven too, and here it is on a lovely sunny Spring day 2008.

Andrew Gilbert

This page was added by Jack Latimer on 03/07/2007.
Comments about this page

Does it still have the circular pool table?

By Rob Patten
On 12/05/2008

I grew up in this pubic house ... My nan and grandad Jim and Rita ran it.

It has a massive portrait of Louie upstairs. Is this still there? I loved that place. 

By Claire
On 02/01/2015

Looks like two similar but different buildings judging by a comparison of the window proportions, roof line, doorway, bay, right hand extension, left hand corner, etc. etc.

Please look again, Reg. Same building - definitely! But it has been altered over the years. Shame we don't have a date for the top photo.

I've added an interim photo, previously 'borrowed' by another site from the Newhaven Museum archives, that shows developments. Andy - Editor

 

By Reg Towner
On 05/05/2015

Does anyone know whats happening with regards to Harveys taking it over, is it being reopened or what?

By Guy Stevens
On 07/05/2015

The top picture date is likely to be around 1870 as there is another picture of the Bridge Hotel, on this website with the same frontage and similarly dressed people, which was taken in 1870.

By John Hills
On 13/11/2019

Is there any update on the Bridge Hotel. Was it renovated and re-opened ?

Still being renovated Rob, we will publish pictures on the website of the premises when it has finally been completed!

John -- Editor 

By Rob Patten
On 15/10/2021
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