History of the Star Inn
The Star Inn known as "The Star" was built during the reign Edward IV (1471-1483) in the year 1476. The same year that William Caxton set up his first printing press at Westminster. When first built, the house was a thatched farm dwelling. The earliest recorded occupant of the property is one Isaac Coats, Yeoman of the parish of Tenterden who is mentioned in a sale document of 1542 when the property was taken over by one Thomas Bealey.
The property, which is described as:
"One messuage, with attached kitchen, barn, 18 acres of arable land held by Walter Goden previously held by Isaac Coates purchased by said Bealey",
was sold for the sum of 18 pounds. The sale included two stock horses purchased by Bealey at 1 guinea each. Over a century later in 1658 the property was in the hands of one Amos Dunstare a farmer and harness maker of Ashford. Dunstare resided here with his wife Maudistly and five children. In 1687, Maudistly Dunstare is recorded as a widow, still in occupation here with three of her children remaining.
The Star is mentioned in the will of one Johnathan Titmas drawn up in 1763. Titmas a former shepherd decreed that:
"upon mye passinge mye tenemente situate and lyinge within St Marys knowne bye nayme and sine of the Star, with its lande and cattle theretoe belonginge be tayken up bye mye wiefe Charlotte and lete nothinge contrarie to this the trewe menainge of this mye laste will and testamente".
During the eighteenth century when tithes were collected from the parish, the rector held tithe suppers at the Star. Easter Vestry meetings were also held here sand on the odd occasion when attendance at church was thin the rector held sermons here.
During the latter half of the eighteenth and early part of the nineteenth centuries fires burned continually at the Star during lambing season, as a sign to shepherds tending their flock to come and take shelter at the inn. Many came, bringing sick lambs with them.
"One messuage, with attached kitchen, barn, 18 acres of arable land held by Walter Goden previously held by Isaac Coates purchased by said Bealey",
was sold for the sum of 18 pounds. The sale included two stock horses purchased by Bealey at 1 guinea each. Over a century later in 1658 the property was in the hands of one Amos Dunstare a farmer and harness maker of Ashford. Dunstare resided here with his wife Maudistly and five children. In 1687, Maudistly Dunstare is recorded as a widow, still in occupation here with three of her children remaining.
The Star is mentioned in the will of one Johnathan Titmas drawn up in 1763. Titmas a former shepherd decreed that:
"upon mye passinge mye tenemente situate and lyinge within St Marys knowne bye nayme and sine of the Star, with its lande and cattle theretoe belonginge be tayken up bye mye wiefe Charlotte and lete nothinge contrarie to this the trewe menainge of this mye laste will and testamente".
During the eighteenth century when tithes were collected from the parish, the rector held tithe suppers at the Star. Easter Vestry meetings were also held here sand on the odd occasion when attendance at church was thin the rector held sermons here.
During the latter half of the eighteenth and early part of the nineteenth centuries fires burned continually at the Star during lambing season, as a sign to shepherds tending their flock to come and take shelter at the inn. Many came, bringing sick lambs with them.
Aerial view of The Star
In the earlier days of his career the eminent playwright Noel Coward lived in the cottage adjacent to the inn.It was here he wrote his first successful play. The star has seen and undergone many changes since first it was built but its historic character remains unchanged.
The church viewed from The Star
The Star Inn the Marsh
Romney Marsh Guest Houses
Bed & Breakfast and Self Catering Accommodation in the Romney Marsh Area
