The Inn was standing at least as early as 1812 as it is mentioned in Tate's booklet of that year. Robert Harbron is recorded as having been landlord of the Inn in 1829. He died aged 68 (newspaper death notice gives his age as 72) on 13 September 1835 and was buried in All Saints Churchyard, Stranton on 16 September 1835. His son Christopher who was born in 1811, took over as landlord. Christopher married Mary Ann Hodgson of Sunderland on 27 April 1840.

Newcastle Courant - 20 February 1841: 'To be sold by public auction at the house of Mr Christopher Harbron, Innkeeper, at the sign of the George and Dragon, in Seaton Carew in the County of Durham, on Thursday the 25th February 1841, at twelve o'clock, at noon (Messrs Sotheran, Auctioneers) the above old-established and well-accustomed Freehold Inn, eligibly situate on the North side of the square, in Seaton Carew aforesaid, together with the coach-house, stables and other requisite conveniences immediately adjoining, and occupied therewith. Seaton Carew, well knownas a much frequented bathing place, is distant about ten miles fromthe townof Stockton-on-Tees, and about three miles from the flourishing port of Hartlepool. The Stockton and Hartlepool Railway passes  within a quarter of a mile from the village,which may be expected to participate in the advantages arising from the immediate vicinity of an extensive and increasing commerce.'

Christopher Harbron died on 30 June 1863 aged 55 and was interred in Holy Trinity Churchyard. His wife, Mary Ann, had died just 12 days before. By the time of their deaths their address was no longer an Inn but a lodging house.

In October of 1863 the building was advertised for sale and then in January 1864  to let. 'The house has lately been kept as a private boarding and lodging house, but the licence is still renewed.' At this time it was run by Miss Hodgson.

In September 1869 Mr Hopper applied for a spirit licence but it was refused because, although the property did have accommodation, it had not been used fror some years as an Inn.

In 1870 the Inn was in the possession of George Sewell and was being advertised to be sold for £900 or let for £50 freehold.

Date (of image) : 2007

Donor : Maureen Anderson

Creator : Maureen Anderson