Origins of the Pub name "The Royal Oak"
There were over 1,000 pubs in the UK named the Royal Oak. One of the most popular for British pubs.
The Royal Oak is the English oak tree where future King Charles II of England concealed himself to evade the Roundheads after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. This tree was located in Boscobel Wood, within the grounds of Boscobel House. Charles recounted to Samuel Pepys in 1680 that a Parliamentarian soldier walked right underneath the tree while he was hiding. This tale gained popularity after the Restoration and is commemorated annually in the English tradition of Royal Oak Day also known as Oak Apple Day celebrated on 29th May.
Dance Hall Days. The construction of the hall in 1925
These photos and plans are from the Bexley archives
Link to original post below
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In 1925 Messers Beasley of Plumstead submitted plans for a dance hall, coal and bottle store.
The Beasley brewery was in Plumstead, South London. It was founded in 1845. And bought and closed by Courage in 1963. As well as The Royal Oak Beasley's also owned the Maybloom in Plumstead.
January 1926
By January 1926 building had started.
February 1926
By February building was well underway and they were topping out with the Welsh slate roof tiles.
March 1926
by March the building itself was finished it took just three months to erect the Dance hall.
The hall was put straight into service, hosting many landmark events in the local communities lives.
it hasn't changed too much, most of the original features remain, plans are ahead to restore the outside gents toilet. Feel free to pop in and we will gladly show you the hall, as it looks today. We still use the hall for various events, and it can be booked for private functions. Looking forward to celebrating its 100th birthday next year.