Named after the oak tree, in front of the building, planted in 1887 by Lord de Blaquiere of Springfield House, to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee.
Prints and text about The Jubilee Oak.
The text reads: The oak tree opposite this pub was planted by Lord de Blaquiere, then the resident of Springfield House, in 1887.
It was to commemorate Queen Victoria’s 50th year on the throne.
As a consequence, the coffee house that occupied part of this site around 1900 was called the Oak Tree.
The sign outside announced ‘noted house for cyclists’. Crawley’s position halfway from London to Brighton made it a popular stop for refreshments for groups of cyclists.
In 1939 Grand Parade was built where the Oak tree, and the adjoining terrace of cottages, had stood. It featured Woolworths in the centre, which is now this public house.
Above: The jubilee Oak in its youth
Left: The Oak Tree Coffee House, c1907.
If you have information on the history of this pub, then we’d like you to share it with us. Please e-mail all information to: pubhistories@jdwetherspoon.co.uk