Men of Kent, Three Sisters and The Angel. Written in June 1972
We now come to the “Men of Kent”. To quote the brewers “Built on the side of the old Watling Street, there is little known about the history of this pub.” We gather however it is one of the oldest licensed houses in Rainham dating back to the eighteen century and named in honour of the Men of Kent (those born east of the Medway). It is possible that here or here-abouts a contingent of men from the marshes and nearby hamlets foregathered on the Old Roman Road carrying green boughs and marched in peace to meet the Conqueror (1066) joining with others en route. They obtained in consequence a confirmation of their ancient privileges from the new king. They called themselves the INVICTI. A few of the older customers can remember the skittle alley attached to the house. Later this was converted to a tea room and was a favourite pull in for Motor Coaches journeying to Thanet before the M2 was built.
Further down Otterham Quay Lane we find another old pub “Three Sisters”. There are various versions as to how it obtained its name:
1. From three sisters Caroline, Myrtle and Rose Hubbard who were early tenants (approx 1750).
2. From “the sisters” 3 beacons so named at that time on the Medway whose lights could be seen from here.
3. From three Kentish Sandstone pillars nearby which may have been the uprights of an ancient dolmen or cromlech.
4. Or as a compliment to the “Three Graces”, sisters Aglaia, Thalia and Euphrosyne, who were, in classical mythology the Goddesses who bestowed beauty and charm and were themselves the embodiment of these gifts.
Numbers 1 and 4 versions, being synonomous it would seem the tradition is carried down to this day when “The Three Sisters” was recently nominated by the Evening Post as the Pub of the Year for its friendly atmosphere. The house overlooks Otterham Quay and was at one time surrounded by orchards. The bars and club room have a strong nautical flavour, over 100 crests of naval vessels adorning the walls. Popular with the mercantile marine it is frequented by many foreign seamen who sail between Otterham Quay and continental ports.
At the lower end of Station Road on Lower Rainham Road is “The Angel”. Many names of public houses had a biblical or esslesiastical flavour, possibly because they were church property or built on church land. The area from below Mackland Farm stretching to Otterham Quay was indeed Church land and the Angel was one of these. This was before Disraeli said in 1864 among other things, “I, my Lord, am on the side of the angels”. The Inn sign here depicts an archangel with horn (probably an oversight by the artist); angels being the ‘ rank and file of the heavenly host and messengers without, do not sport trumpets. Here again older inhabitants recall pre 1900, the four horse coaches using this hostelry on the then main road Chatham to Sheep Island (Sheppey).
A History of The Three Sisters Public House
Old Photo of Men of Kent Pub Rainham - High Street Otterham Quay