* Records aren't always complete: Historical records about pubs can be fragmented. Some might have been lost or destroyed over time.
* Building vs. establishment: A building could have existed long before it became a pub. It's sometimes challenging to pinpoint when a specific building was first used as a pub.
However, a strong contender for the oldest pub in Maidstone is The Bell Inn. It's located on the High Street and has a long history dating back to at least the 16th century. It's likely much older, but there are no definitive records to confirm that.
Other pubs in Maidstone with a notable history include:
* The White Hart: Dating back to the 15th century, it's been a popular spot in Maidstone for centuries.
* The Star Inn: Records show it was a pub by 1640, but it likely existed before that.
If you're interested in exploring Maidstone's pub history, these are some of the best places to start. You can also check out local history societies and archives for further research.