Home > London > SE18 > Congleton Arms Congleton Arms
Date of photo: c1960	Picture source: Carol Thumwood-Browning
The Congleton Arms was situated at 117 Maxey Road. My parents, Mary & Arthur Hopkins ran this Courage pub from 1961 to 1968, and my brother was born here. It was closed and demolished in the early 1970s. A room upstairs was used by the local Masonic Lodge.
Source: John Hopkins
In May 1931, Annie May and Alfred Thumwood became licensees of the Courage public house, The Congleton Arms, 117 Maxey Road, London, Plumstead, SE18, relocating from Silvertown with their six-month-old son Peter, my father. The Congleton Arms hosted many Dart tournaments and coach trips to the coast and in 1947 and onwards, the Freemasons used the upstairs function room as their lodge. Matchless AJS Motorcycle Factory was situated down the road. The motorcycles were displayed outside the factory and test-drove along Maxey Road and the surrounding area. In 1943, The Congleton Arms was struck by bombs, destroying part of the public house, including the parlour, to which stood a large dresser; the top was beyond repair; however, the base stood strong and still today is displayed centre stage in my home. In 1950, Alfred died and their son Peter took on the public house licence with his mother, Annie. Peter served his apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery, Westmount Road, Eltham, while managing the Congleton Arms. In 1957 Peter married Violet and lived in the Congleton Arms with Annie while renting a shop in Plumstead High Street, Conmax Timber Merchants Limited. Annie retired in 1960 and the three relocated. Conmax Timber Merchants ceased trading in 2007. 1961 Mary and Arthur Hopkins took over ownership of the Congleton Arms until 1968. John Burrell was the first recorded licensee of the Congleton Arms in 1862. Although Maxey Road existed in 1858, the Congleton Arms was not listed. It was demolished in the early 1970s.
Carol Thumwood-Browning (March 2025)
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Other Photos
Date of photo: 1940s	Picture source: Carol Thumwood-Browning
Annie Thumwood, publican, 1931-1960	Picture source: Carol Thumwood-Browning
Peter Thumwood, publican, 1950-1960	Picture source: Carol Thumwood-Browning
	Picture source: Carol Thumwood-Browning
Weekly outgoings, 1945	Picture source: Carol Thumwood-Browning