King's Head

• 1813 Purchase for Works at Hilsea Act

  The King’s Head, a newly built public house west of the London-Portsmouth road, belonging to George Dawson, is bought into government ownership with the intention of tearing it down.

• 1839 Robson’s Commercial Directory of the Seven Counties

  By 1839, James King operates the establishment.

• 1840-03 Seventy-Two Elm Trees

  To be sold by auction at the King’s Head: seventy-two elm trees, standing on her Majesty’s Lands at Hilsea.

• 1859 Directory of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

  James King, victualler, King’s Head.

• 1871-08 Three Lives Lost

  At the end of July, a tragic accident in Portsmouth Harbour results in three deaths. Henry Varndell, his wife Eliza, their infant son George, and Henry’s brother William set out in a small punt from Hardway to attend a funeral at Waterlooville. Near Tipnor Point, a gust of wind capsizes the boat. William is the only survivor. An inquest held at the King’s Head concludes the deaths were accidental, citing poor weather conditions.

• 1879-09 Licensing Transfers

  In September, the license of the King’s Head, Hilsea, is transferred from Stephen Windebank to Charles Grist.

• 1879-10 Found Drowned

  In October an inquest is held at the King’s Head pub in Hilsea regarding the death of A. J. Carlton, a tradesman from Landport. Carlton, aged 38, is found drowned in Hilsea Pond, and his body is temporarily stored in a shed behind the King’s Head.

• 1880 Kelly’s Directory

  Stephen John Woodley is the landlord of the King’s Head.