It was a case of ‘rain-stopped-play’ for London Shoes last week – but fortunately I had a topic ‘on-the shelf’ ready to be deployed for such occasions.
A couple of week ago when I was wandering around Forest Gate in east-London, doing the ‘Trebor Factory’ blog – I happened to stumble across a pub that I used to frequent years ago in the early 1970’s, when – in my early teens – I used to pop into this place on my way to Upton Park to watch my beloved West Ham Utd play.
When attending the Hammers ‘home’ games as a young teenager, as an obvious underage drinker – I used to steer clear of all the boozers close to their Boleyn Ground – as not only were they a little bit ‘lively’, there was always a fairly strong Police presence close by.
So – I used to pop into to the much more out of the way and sedate “The Spotted Dog” pub, deep in a residential area about a 10min walk from the Hammers ground – where I would try my luck at getting away with the odd half of lager & lime or two, or getting someone else (often a complete stranger) to get one in for me .
Anyway – whilst conducting the Trebor blog, it just so happened that I came across the old ‘Spotted Dog’ pub again – which I had naturally assumed had been long closed down.
‘The Spotted Dog’ in Upton Lane–Forest Gate–E7 was always a very well know and popular pub amongst local residents and east Londoners – but it wasn’t until I did a little bit of research on it that I was amazed to find out just how important a part it has played in certain aspects of London’s history – something that I, and I’m guessing many others, don’t have a clue about.
Historic records indicate that there has been a house on the current site of the pub, since the late 15th century & early 16th century – a time when the surrounding area was completely rural, and known as the ‘District of Upton’.
King Henry VIII laid claim to most of the land throughout the ‘Upton’ district – as it was just east of the City, and so easy to get to.
Henry VIII used to use this rural land just to the east of the City – to undertake his favourite pastime of ‘hunting’.
The site, of what later became the Spotted Dog pub, became one of the many ‘hunting lodges’ Henry VIII had scattered across the then rural districts of London.
It is said that the property on the site was given to the King’s ‘Master of the Hounds’ – and the house and its grounds were expanded to accommodate the ‘Kennels for the Royal Hounds’.
Old Henry’s ‘Master of the Hounds’ was granted a special Royal licence by the Crown to make personal profit from refreshing travellers passing that way – and as a result, the lodge soon became one of London’s most well-known taverns/inns.
In 1665 the famous author of the time Daniel Defoe refers to The Spotted Dog throughout his famous book ‘History of the Plague in London’ – as it was a common location for people living in the City who were trying to escape the devastation of the Great Plague, to escape to, and camp out in the fields surrounding the tavern – in the hope that they wouldn’t succumb to the fatal disease.
Throughout the following century, and now named ‘Ye Olde Spotted Dog’ the tavern was a popular place for ‘drovers’ to stop off at for refreshment, when transporting their cattle to the City markets.
Following the ‘Great Fire of London’ in 1666, the City’s merchants temporarily moved out of the devastated City, and conducted their daily business trading meetings at the ‘Spotted Dog’ – and so it sort of temporarily became London’s Stock Exchange.
By the early Victorian era, the pub continued to be extremely popular – particularly with the wealthy owners from the nearby London Docks, who had built their ‘country retreats’ in the pubs nearby fields – a few of which of these buildings are still in situ today.
By the late Victorian period, with the invention and expansion of the railway – thousands of new terraced houses were built in the area to accommodate London’s rapidly increasing population – and by the end of the 1800’s the area was no longer classed as ‘rural’ because up to 250,000 people were now living in what were once fields.
Also In the late 1800’s / early 1900’s, The Spotted Dog Inn leased out a big portion of its land to one of London’s oldest amateur football teams ‘Clapton FC’ who built their home ground right next door to the pub – and it is still there to this very day – which is kind of strange bearing in mind that Clapton itself is an area that is actually located a few miles further north, up near Hackney.
In the 1950’s the Government included The Spotted Dog pub in their ‘National List of Buildings of Architectural or Historic Interest’.
Throughout the late 50’s early 60’s the Spotted Dog underwent many transformations such as becoming a steak house eatery. 
In 1967, because of its fascinating history and the fact that the building was still in situ and operating – The Spotted Dog was granted Grade II Listed status – protecting its external structure.
And as I mentioned earlier – I used to frequent the place now and again in the early 1970’s on my way to and from West Ham home games.
However, by the early 2000’s, whether it be as a result of geographic or cultural reasons, The Spotted Dog seemed to have lost its previously held charm and popularity, and as a result slowly started to fall into a state of disrepair.
In 2004 the Spotted Dog pulled its very last pint – and, having been a tavern for 500 years, sadly had no option other than to close down.
But that’s not the end of the story – because the buildings on the site have Grade II Listed status – it is protected and can’t just be knocked down to make way for new structures such as much needed housing etc.
This restrictive architectural situation means that, since 2004, the Spotted Dog, with its immense history and visibly elaborate and unique external features, particularly for an inner city building, has simply been left to rot and decay, to the extent that it is now just an ugly eyesore to the area.
Personally, I feel it sad, for a building and site that has such a wealth of ‘local’ history, and a place that clearly holds so many happy memories for past generations – that some sort of funding can’t be found to restore the building to its former glory and turn it into something useful like an education centre for local school kids to visit, so that they can learn and see what their area used to be like in olden times – such a shame, but nevertheless, I still have my happy memories of the old place.
Hope my accompanying photos help bring this little story to life for you.
See below-a full summary of the photographs relating to ‘The Spotted Dog’ blog
Upton Lane – Forest Gate-London-E7 – the site of the old “The Spotted Dog” pub
The site as it is today, of what was ‘The Spotted Dog’ pub-in Upton Lane Forest Gate-London E7. A site & building with a wealth of history behind it.
An old postcard from the early 1900’s – showing The Spotted Dog pub in all its splendour – at a time when Forest Gate-London E7 was a lot different to what it is today
The old buildings that were once The Spotted Dog pub – and before that a Royal Hunting Lodge
The derelict and structurally condemned Spotted Dog pub in Upton Lane, as it stands today
Another view of the abandoned and derelict Spotted Dog pub, as it looks today
Me – on the site of ‘The Spotted Dog’ pub – with all its ‘Listed’ outhouse buildings that were once associated with it being a Royal Hunting Lodge
An advert from the late 1800’s/early 1900’s – promoting The Spotted Dog pub at the time when it had leased off a lot of its land to accommodate sporting facilities such as cricket & football
In the late 1800’s / early 1900’s, the Spotted Dog Inn leased out a big portion of its land to one of London’s oldest amateur football teams ‘Clapton FC’ who built their home ground right next door to the Inn
‘Clapton FC’ home ground – built in what were once the extensive grounds of The Spotted Dog Inn. door to the Inn
By the early Victorian era, The Spotted Dog pub continued to be extremely popular – particularly with the wealthy owners of the nearby London Docks, who had their ‘country retreats’ built in the nearby rural fields – a few of these properties are still in situ today
By the late Victorian era – Forest Gate was no longer classed as a ‘rural’ area – some of the grand old Victorian houses still remain
The Henry VIII connection is still visible in the Forest Gate area – The Boleyn Castle, which he built as a country retreat for Ann Boleyn – is still prominent on the club badge of West Ham Utd FC
In the deserted grounds of the now derelict Spotted Dog pub
Another view of The Spotted Dog ruins
An early 1900’s photo of The Spotted Dog pub
Another street view of The Spotted Dog ruins – from Upton Lane.
With The Spotted Dog have been closed down and left to rot for nearly 19 years – Regrettably, I was unable to enjoy the customary ‘cheeky’ post blog beer – such a shame 🙁
Great post Geoff. Brought back a lot of memories for us. We used to pop in regularly back in the ‘70’s for a drink & they often had live music on too. Mick classed this as ‘one of his locals’ & when we went back to the smoke last year was so sad to see it closed & in such a sorry state. Mick’s school was across the road in Upton Lane and they regularly played football at the Spotted Dog grounds… at least Clapton FC are still there! Let’s hope something can be done to restore this historic building!
Ahhh thank you Julie,
Glad you and Mick enjoyed this one – even though it is not the happiest of stories, for those that remember the old Spotted Dog with affection, as it was in better times.
I am always very appreciative when someone, like yourself, takes the time & trouble to add their personal connections and experiences of a place I’ve covered-off, as it really helps brings a topic to ‘life’ – and for me, feedback such as yours makes my little hobby all worthwhile.
Geoff xx
I lived in Stratford but went to St Angela’s Grammar School in Upton Lane so hot off the bus at West Ham Parkband walked by the Spotted Dig to school every day. I was home for a visit a few years ago and was devastated to see the old pub boarded up and in disrepair. I know people need housing but to demolish such an historical building is in my view a crime. Surely a fund could have been set aside each year to maintain this valuable historical building before it fell into such disrepair. It could have been turned into a museum that school children and tourists could have attended to learn about its history.
Gladys
Hi Gladys,
I’ve just seen your post. My grandparents use to have a greengrocers opposite St Angela’s convent. Just a message to see if you remember it. My grandfather use to drink in the Spotted Dog.
Kind regards
Jason
,
My grandparents use to own a greengrocers in St George’s road and my grandmother use to drink in the spotted dog since after the war. I spent many an evening in there with him on a Friday night for an hour when they closed the shop. My Nan would go bingo up the upper cut at the princess Alice and I would stay Friday night at the shop
Interesting post Geoff, thank you.
Is this the same Spotted Dog that we enjoyed in the mid-seventies which did great steaks and had little buildings inside the pub complete with tiled roofs, one of which was a place you could smoke and order liquor coffees?
Good Morning,
I had to make contact with you after reading your blog about “The Spotted Dog”.
I was born in East London in 1963 above a shop in Upton Lane… literally 400 meters from “The Dog” Like you I recently visited my old roots. I was heartbroken to see what was once my local in such a state and looking so sad and neglected. This pub is full of history and to be honest I was a little angry to see how it had been left to rot away after giving years of happiness to our community. We didn’t have much back then but we were proud to have such an iconic piece of history on “our” doorstep.
When I returned home I spoke to family and friend about what I had witnessed.
I did not know where to go or who to turn to. I feel so passionately about this piece of history in the heart of the East End and would love to try in some way to get it back to its former glory.
Is there a way we could do this ?
just to add, the school I attended is literally across the road … Stratford Comprehensive. I am somewhat stunned that the school and council has not attempted to do something about this tragic story.
please do get in touch. I understand if you are not interested, But it is great to see “like minded people” feeling the same when they see their history literally disappearing in front of their own eyes.
I have a couple of cheeky East End ideas…….
I look forward to your reply
Polly
Hello Polly,
I just wanted to personally thank you for taking the time & trouble to contact me via my London Shoes website regarding the blog I published about the Old Spotted Dog pub.
I always find it reassuring when a reader takes the trouble to comment on one of my blogs or shares their own memories of the subject matter – it makes my little London Shoes hobby all worth while.
You may be interested to know that I have very recently heard a rumour that plans have been agreed to redevelop the old pub back into a bar/restaurant – and from what I gather, these rumours appear to be quite genuine……(rumours were all pre-Covid lockdown though!!).
Time involved in other activities prevents me from getting involved in any additional involvement in other projects at the mo – but I think you will be interested to hear that there is actually a formal group/organisation in existence, whose sole purpose is to ‘Save the Spotted Dog’, and so I have attached below, the link to their website, as I’m sure that you would find it interesting and probably want to get involved in some way – hope this help👍
Feel free to check out the many blogs I’ve published on my London Shoes website, as I am sure that there will be loads on there that you will find interesting (www.londonshoes.blog).
Once again – many thanks for contacting me and sharing your story.
https://savethespotteddog.org
Kind regards……GEOFF CLEMENTS (LONDON SHOES)
Thanks for this really interesting and enjoyable post Geoff.
Does anyone out there have any interior photos of the pub? The reason I ask is that we used to visit the pub in the late 70s and I clearly remember there being little buildings inside with tiled roofs. Or am I dreaming?……………..Cheers-Roy
Hi loved reading your blog about the spotted dog, so sad to see the photos of how it stands today, I used to work behind the bar in 1984/5 Brian was my boss. Met some lovely people in there. Such a lovely pub back then, shame its been left to rot. Down stairs in the cellar there was doors boarded up and they say Henry V111 used to use the tunnels underneath the pub to travel to different parts of London. Kath
Hello Kath – just wanted to thank you for taking the time & trouble to contact ‘London Shoes’ – and for your kind words.
Also – thank you for sharing your connections & experiences of the Spotted Dog – I’m sure that there will be readers out there who will find your experiences of the old Pub, really interesting.
Cheers…..Geoff (London Shoes)