The Iron Duke hotel
History
Anecdotal Evidence
Investigation Data
Post Investigation
Conclusions
History
The Iron Duke was first built in 1828 as the Kerrison Arms for the middle and upper classes of the area (although it may have even preceded the erection of Brunswick Town as there are mentions of a fishing settlement here as far back as 1288). The building itself is in a very plain in style and quite unlike the other buildings of Waterloo Street. It is quite possibly the work of a different and unknown architect or builder. It was originally named after Sir Edward Kerrison who lived locally and was one of the Duke of Wellington's officers. Kerrison served during the Peninsular War and also at Waterloo.
Directly across the street from the Iron Duke is St Andrews Church. Built at the same time as the Duke, there is a 'secret' tunnel that runs between them. It is said that in Victorian times, distinguished members of society would use this tunnel to enjoy a pint or two after the service without setting a bad example to the lower classes. During renovations to the church in 2005, workmen found dozens of gin bottles in the tunnel dating back over
100 years ago!
Historically, it is very important, as the development of Brunswick came after a meeting
held in this building in 1929 by the Brunswick Town Commissioners. It was right here that they decided how Brunswick should be administered and they continued to meet here
until 1931.
It has been always been considered, throughout history, as a fashionable pub and a place to be seen at. It has had a large list of famous visitors throughout the years, from famous sports personalities like Fredrick Lillywhite, to famous entertainers such as C.B. Cochrane.
The inn itself has been re-named several times. Between 1907 and 1910, it was called the Hove Lawns Hotel which was then changed to The Iron Duke in 1974. During the 1990's it went through several name changes, first as The Duke, then The Iron Duke again, The Duke Inn in 1997, before going back to The Iron Duke. It is the oldest accommodation inn of its type in Hove.