Page 10 - Ian Marshall - London Coffe Houses - Standing Display January 2016

Angel Inn, Coffee House, Tavern and Hotel
Behind St Clements Church, Strand
1503-1853

The Angel Inn was in existence for around 350 years and probably
acquired the above descriptions to conform to the fashion of the time. Its
site is shown on a map of 1746 in a small yard at the junction ofWych
Street and Back Side, which runs immediately behind St. Clements
Church and Churchyard. Its existence can be traced through various
reference books dealing with early London. It was described as a very
ancient hostelry having galleries and a courtyard, and was said tohave
retained much of its ancient aspect until well into the 19th Century. A
dated token was issued there in 1657 and a duel was fought there in 1733.
From 152 to 1754 masonic lodge meetings were held at the premises. In
1769 The Public Advertiser advertised "To be sold, a Black Girl, the
property of J.B. - eleven years of age, who is extremely handy, works on
her needle tolerably, and speaks English perfectly well. Inquire of Mr.
Owen at the Angel Inn". In 1801 it was "frequented by professional
gentlemen. Good dinners, wines and beds." From 1804 the Dover and
Portsmouth Mail Coaches set out from the Angel Inn and seven or eight
were despatched nightly. From 1819 to 1833 it was known as the Angel
Coffee House, Tavern and Hotel. By 1838 it was listed as the Angel
Hotel and Coffee House at 34 Wych Street, Strand under the
proprietorship ofE.J. Watson. Its career ended in 1853when the freehold
was sold by the Watson family and the building was demolished the
following year and St Clements Chambers was built on the site.

A letter written in Weymouth on 8th December 1788 by Gabriel Steward
addressed to Tom Greenway Esq., Angel Inn, Back St Clements, London
where it arrived the next day. A black DORCHESTER townmark and
fine red wax seal. The letter advises that the writer has persuaded W.J.
Steward to join his name "with the Company's for the raising the
£10,000" who is asking Mr. Willis for assistance in doing so. The letter
was charged 5d.