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The King's Arms was situated on the south side of Half Moon Street adjoining the Plume of Feathers Hotel. A search of 19th century trade directories finds it described as a 'family, commercial and posting house,' which would explain why an Ostler would have been employed there. The inn seems to have been existence on this site since before the Turnpike Act of 1755, which indicates that it then occupied what would have been a prominent position on the starting point of the road to Bishop's Caundle via Gainsborough Hill. Later, it may have fared reasonably well as it stood relatively near the railway station, which opened in 1860. The Kelly's Directory of Dorsetshire for 1935 shows that the inn had ceased trading by that time. It would appear that at least part of the premises were purchased by the Plume of Feathers Hotel for use as an extension - this can still be seen today. When facing the Plume of Feathers from the opposite side of Half Moon Street, it is the section of the building nearest the Digby Road junction. The architectural style is quite different to the main section of the Plume of Feathers. The remainder of the land was taken on by Messrs. Brett and Allen for retail purposes.
Source: Mike Attrill
This pub was built at the starting point of the Turnpike in 1755, a route which climbed Gainsborough Hill in the direction of Bishops Caundle and all points beyond.
Adrian Harding (February 2021)
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Picture source: Adrian Harding