King’s School’s plans to convert 400-year-old Canterbury pub

"Devastated" campaigners have spoken out after the world's oldest school won permission to transform a historic pub into a study centre.

King's School in Canterbury snapped up the city's former Jolly Sailor in 2019 in an unexpected move, sparking speculation over its future.

But the city council this week sealed the 400-year-old pub's fate by greenlighting King's proposals, leaving many sad to see the tavern go.

Paul Sanders, Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA) south-east director, described the decision as "devastating".

He said: “Like all locals, the Jolly Sailor was more than just a pub.

“It was a popular meeting place for students and locals alike and was a vital part of the city’s social fabric, bringing people together and helping to tackle loneliness and social isolation.

“All pubs deserve to be protected and saved from conversion into other uses because of their value to local communities.

“Once a pub is gone, they never come back. We are continuing to campaign for greater protections in planning law to help keep our pubs open, alive and thriving.

“Canterbury council’s decision to approve the conversion of the Jolly Sailor pub is devastating."

The school, founded in 597 AD, launched its day centre plans last year, sparking a strong public reaction.

Indeed, 150 official public objections were lodged with the authority, with many calling the former Northgate inn a community asset - even an "institution".

After King's bought the site in 2019 and left it empty since, some objectors branded the move “disgraceful” and “sickening”.

Ian Blackmore, the former landlord, joined calls for Canterbury City Council (CCC) to ditch King's plans to build a common room and study space.

But planning chiefs have now dismissed claims the proposals would result in the loss of a community facility.

In official papers, the report states: “Although the proposed development would result in the loss of a public house it would result in a different community facility using the building.

“As such, there would be no loss of a community facility in planning policy terms - the existing would be replaced with another.”

As part of the plans, King’s hopes to renovate the existing property while also building a two-storey extension to the rear.

Once open, the study centre will operate from 7am - 9pm, as well as serving as an office for the housemaster and matron.

Reacting to CCC's decision, a King's spokesperson said: “Many local residents were pleased when the pub closed some years ago, and supported our proposals to convert the building for educational use.

“We are glad that this planning permission has now been granted following the process of consideration.”

A pub known as the Black Swan first stood on the corner of Northgate Street as early as 1619.

Between 1780 and 1830, its name changed to the Jolly Sailor, and it was bought by Rigden’s brewery in 1801.

The original building was later demolished and rebuilt with a cottage for £2,001.