The Bell & Gate, Collier Row 18th century pub history

The first reference to The Bell in Collier Row Lane as a licenced premises in the ward, according to Havering Libraries, is in the earliest available list of Alehouse Licences. 

It was joined by three other pubs and ale houses on the list issued by the Liberty of Havering Magistrates in 1772. 

The pub pictured in 1910 (Image: Havering Libraries – Local Studies) In 1858, The Bell was leased to the Ind Coope Brewery in Romford. 

Ind Coope took it upon itself to completely rebuild the pub, resulting in the new watering hole being set back further from the road in 1920s.

The pub pictured shortly after it was refurbished (Image: Havering Libraries – Local Studies) READ MORE: Update on Upminster Travelodge after construction works paused last week

This occurred during the tenure of landlord Septimus Chambers. 

According to Havering Libraries, the Chambers family is recorded to have run the pub for 20 years until the point of Septimus’ death in 1934. 

The development made way for the pub that is now known as The Bell & Gate.