Belle and Lion black plaque

This black commemorative plaque records: Belle and Lion Prior to its conversion into a Wetherspoon free house, this three storey building had been a tv/electrical store since the 1970s. Earlier still, the premises had housed an ironmongery business, dating back to at least the early 1870's. At the rear, there was a row of cottages where there is now an outdoor seating area. Clarence Cottages were named after Duke of Clarence, who opened the Royal Naval Dockyard, in 1823, which gave rise to Sheerness. The Belle and Lion was the first public house to be built. Recorded in 1824, it stood for many years on the site of 59 High Street. Recorded plaque organisation: J.D. Whetherspoon.