The White Lion public house stands in the centre of the village of Fobbing.

Fobbing has it’s place in history as one of the “hot spots” of the Peasants Revolt in 1381.  The Peasants Revolt was against a “Poll Tax” introduced by the boy king, Richard II, to help pay for the recent wars against France.  A local man called Thomas Barker lead the villagers in driving out the tax collectors.  The uprising soon spread.  Peasants from South Essex and Kent marched on London and met the King.  After initially conceding the peasants demands, the King reneged on his word, and many of the peasant leaders were arrested and subsequently executed.

Thomas Barker eluded arrest for 40 years but was finally caught, hung, drawn and quartered for his part in the uprising when he tried to return home to the village.

The present White Lion building date back to the fifteenth century when it was used to house stone masons employed on building a nearby monastery.  Part of an old underground tunnel that connected the two buildings still survives.

In 1639, we find reference that the building was being used as a pub.  A certain William Kie de Eadem, was found guilty of being drunk from his activities at the White Lion.  Court documents state that ‘........ by reason of his avge which he hath a long time, he was advised to make himself dronke and haply might forget himself in soe doing’ .  Despite this plea he was found guilty and fined 3/8d.

In the early eighteenth century cross-wing extensions and a second floor were added.  Many of the wooden beams used in this alteration were originally dismantled from Thames sailing barges that carried wheat to London.  Barge owners used the White Lion’s lofts to store their sails.  Several original beams can still be seen in the present building.

No history of an old building would be complete without a ghost.  The White Lion ghost, the White Lady, is said to be the daughter of an eighteenth century Landlord who murdered her in a fit of rage. The present Landlord denies any involvement, or responsibility !

There are many for historical features about the WHITE LION and the surrounding area on display in the bars and restaurant of the pub.  Come along and see for yourself.