The Hotel Kynoch

Post Cards of this hotel at Hole Haven
By David Bullock

I understand the Hotel Kynoch was built in 1900 (see the sign on the east side) by the Kynoch Dynamite Company which had its complex the other side of Hole Haven Creek in Kynoch Town / Shellhaven. Today's Kynoch Town is called Coryton and houses a large Oil Refinery.

Photo:Hotel Kynoch 1900 - View from the East on the Sea Wall

Hotel Kynoch 1900 - View from the East on the Sea Wall

Jim Gray

Photo:Card unfortunately too small to read!

Card unfortunately too small to read!

David Bullock

The Hotel was used by dignitories of the company and apparenlty had a 'reputation' including possible links to the 'hell fire' club! Apparently the Clock Tower never had arms but when it was demolished a mechanism was found in place. Local reporter Fred McCave announced in his Bulletin magazine in the 1980's that he had discovered the reason for this but to protect the living didn't say why. Did Fred take the secret to his grave or does anyone know why?

Photo:Card Possibly dated 1905

Card Possibly dated 1905

David Bullock

Access to the isolated Hotel was via Canvey Village and Haven Road, a track running below Brickhouse Farm along the Seawall to the Hotel. The Kynochs Hotel was sold to the Gas Company and used as an office until it was demolished to make way for the Gas site that is still there today.

Photo:People on the walkway to the Sea Wall

People on the walkway to the Sea Wall

David Bullock

I understand the loss of the licence meant the Monico Hotel gained her licence in the 1930's but I need to confirm this as time permits.

Photo:This shows the road 'under' the Seawall

This shows the road 'under' the Seawall

David Bullock

A remnant of the Kynoch Hotel remains on the Island in the shape of a KYNOCH'S CLUB sign at Hartfield Parade in the High Street opposite the War Memorial Hall. Its connection with the Hotel is currently unknown. There are sections on this site dedicated to this club and building.

Photo:You can see the Coast Guard Cottages left

You can see the Coast Guard Cottages left

Jim Gray

If you can help with any information regarding this beautiful old building please leave a message below, email in, or join us on the Canvey.org Forum.

This page was added by David Bullock on 02/04/2008.

Comments about this page

Stan told me he believed the reason the clock had no arms may have been due to the War. Rumours may have circulated that the clock could be used to signal the enemy. The fact that the Hotel had a foriegn sounding name may have helped the suspicions.
Has anyone else heard of this?

By Stan Oaker (verbally to Dave Bullock)
On 23/05/2008

Talking to my mum-in-law recently, I discovered that her grandfather, Edward Swift, had owned the Kynoch Hotel at one stage . Trying to narrow it down, she thought it was through the 1920's when she was a child. He was a business man who owned a lot of hotels/pubs in Kent and the Kynoch seems like his only foray over the water to Essex. Apparently, he used to run a boat for visitors to get there. He died in 1933 and his estate was split between his 3 sons. No idea whether he still owned the hotel at this stage but it might tie in with the Monico getting its licence then.

By Dee
On 18/09/2008

My dad worked here when it was the offices of the London & Coastal Oil Co Ltd - this would have been in the late 1950s - I have a drawing somwhere which I drew when I was a youngster - I'll have to dig it out .......

By Steve
On 05/03/2011

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