Post by Leofwine on Jan 8, 2011 18:00:40 GMT
Mr Henry Somerfield Spong, was mein host of 'The Bull' in Rochester High Street. During the afternoon of February 15th 1870, Mr Spong had ridden over to Old Brompton on his spirited horse to conduct some business. When he attempted to remount in Brompton High Street for the journey home to Rochester, the horse started to move before his foot had gained the right hand stirrup. The horse then bolted across Wood Street and through the gate of Brompton Barracks, to race across the front of the Officers Quarters and Mess towards a metal fence, beyond which was a drop of forty two feet down to a Raquets Court. The horse commenced to jump and took eighteen bars of the fence with them, Mr Spong thought death was inevitable now. But luckily for them, there was a double flight of steps with a landing 17 feet down, and they crashed into it. The slightly cut horse landed on its feet with Mr Spong still attached in the saddle, who was understandably shaken. Royal Engineer Officers hurried to assist them, and when Mr Spong had recovered he and the horse were able to ride home to Rochester. The 'Leap' has entered into local legend and is commemorated by a plaque at the site.
Source - Bygone Kent, Volume Three, Number 5
Henry Summerfield Spong c.1880-85
Source - Bygone Kent, Volume Three, Number 5
Henry Summerfield Spong c.1880-85
