Wingham is a Kentish village steeped in history and is mentioned in the Doomsday Book as one of the Archbishop of Canterbury's Manors. The origin of the name lies in the Saxon era and is derived from the word 'Wigingham', meaning 'village of the people of Wigga'.

In 1252 permission was granted for the creation of a market in the village and this is the origin of the notably wide high street which the Red Lion overlooks.

The Foundations of the Pub were laid in 1286 and the site remained under church ownership until the dissolution when the building became a private residence. The location has served as an inn since 1650.

The Red Lion has played a central role in the local area throughout history. Between 1703 and 1886 regular meetings of Court of The Petty Sessions were held in an upper room of the building, which now serves as a guest room.
A ledger of minutes from some of these meetings, including entries for treason and smuggling and amongst others, is preserved and on display in the bar area.

The inn has also been put in to use as a fire station. The stables that housed the horses that used to pull the pumping engine are still standing behind the main building. The painted names of "Snips and Co." remain above each stall.

Film fans may recognise The Red Lion from Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's 1944 classic 'A Canterbury Tales'. Appearing as 'The Hand of Glory' the pub was used for interior shots including the outstanding stained glass windows that are still a feature of  our guest accommodation.