This Inn known by the name and sign of the Duck was built in the 20th year of James I, in 1623. When first built, it was and remained for many years a farm dwelling, forming part of a considerable estate, though at the turn of the 17th century, the house was altered to form two dwellings, for records show that from this period until the mid 19th century, two families occupied the property at the same time.

At its date of founding, the property and the estate was owned by one Isaac Clinton, esq. of the City of Canterbury, who possessed the mortgages on lands and properties in that City and within the parishes of Stelling, Petham, Hardres and Bridge. He possessed it until his death in 1647, whereupon it passed, by the terms of his will with the residue of his estate to his son Samuel of Petham, who possessed it until his death in 1701.

Robert Clinton possessed this property with its land then totalling 7 acres of arable and pasture with other lands and properties until his death in 1732. In occupation here in one cottage, at this date, was one Clement Foxearth farm worker, with his wife Amy and seven children, residing in the other was one Richard White, farmer, his wife Eliza and five children.

By the year 1780, the property, still part of an estate was in the hands of one Thomas Dack, a descendant by marriage of the Clintons. He possessed and remained in occupation here until his death in 1831, whereupon the property passed to his son Neville, who in 1842, sold the house to one Thomas Goodman, Grocer of Bishopsbourne. He in 1849 was granted a licence to sell ales only from these premises called Woodlands, where he also conducted a grocery and provision business.

The Property remained a grocers shop with its owners in occupation until the late 1890’s. In 1904 one Thomas Steupples was granted a full licence and upon being so he registered the house under the title of the “Woodmans Arms”. He left the house in 1906 and was succeeded by John Sutton, tavern keeper. He kept the house until his death in 1917, whereupon his widow Jane took over the licence. She stayed until 1933 when in that year she was succeeded by John Bristol, who stayed until 1937, when one Frank William Cowder took over, and he held the licence for the duration of the war years.

The Inn has seen and undergone many changes since it was first built. Today it is called the “Duck Inn”, a name it was given in the 1960’s. But through all these changes the house has retained its historic atmosphere. So stay, enjoy the fayre and reflect on those bygone days.