From lager to letters to loaves: The story of The Old Bakery in Hamstreet
With roots that stretch back generations, this building has worn many hats: once an inn, later the village post office, then a bustling bakery, and now, a beautifully restored private residence. Take a look back through the many lives of The Old Bakery to see how its rich past has shaped the warm, character-filled home it is today.
The Old Bakery in Hamstreet dates back to the 1500's, it was originally the 'Six Bells Inn', before becoming a Post Office / Bakery in the 1800's.
Henry Potter was first to convert the premises to a Bakery, he moved here from his other bakery in the village after requiring more space.
'Henry Potter was born in 1794 and his wife Margaret, a local girl from Warehorne was born in 1797. They had a family of five children. In 1857 Henry took over the role of 'Post Master', he had been receiver for the mail for some years, a position taken over from Mr Wanstall the proprietor of 'The Dukes Head'.'
From 'Hamstreet & Orlestone - A glimpse of the past'
After the death of Henry senior, his son Joseph, carried on the business as Postmaster while his mother, Margaret continued as baker. But by 1879, at the comparatively young age of 43 years, he too had died and the property was up for sale.
In 1893, Joseph Caffyn, purchased the bakery for £600. He operated the bakery and telegraph office until he retied in 1923. It was then purchased by Pledges the millers of Mersham. Mr William Henry Relf then took over the lease and was Hamstreet’s baker and postmaster.
A parade passes through the village in the 1920's.
'There was a good trade in home made pies, especially when the sheep fairs were on. These fairs brought many people to the village. Afternoon teas were served on the lawn, and also in the tea room beside the bake house.'
Image and text from 'Hamstreet & Orlestone - A glimpse of the past'.
After decades of service the oven was not adequate for modern demand and was not cost effective. The property was sold and converted into the beautiful family home it is today, filled with character features that tell the story of its past. The Old Bakery is currently for sale with Sandersons UK.
