The pub’s origins date back as far as 1737, when it was known as the Coach and Horses.
In October 1821, the Morning Post reported that an inquest was held there following the discovery of the body of Joseph Stevenson.
The pub landlord, a Mr Green, stated that he had known the deceased for some years but noticed that he ‘had been very low and desponding lately’ and eventually his room had to be broken into.
It was thought to have been re-named in 1838, just after the construction nearby of the Wharncliffe Viaduct, which had been built to carry the Great Western Railway over the River Brent and above the valley.
An 1899 advert by a D. J. Pennycook stated that it was a ‘good pull up and stabling’ with ‘accommodation for cyclists.’ And that ‘Wines, spirits and cigars of the finest qualities and brands’ were available.
In 1903, ‘The Field’ (The Country Gentleman’s Newspaper) reported on a coach journey in the winter of 1836: ‘In view of difficulties in the way, a fresh start was soon made, but after a dozen miles the coach was so weighted with snow and the roads were so deep that it became evident London would not be reached that night.’
‘Two pair of traces had already been broken, and the last chain trace had been requisitioned. The coachman therefore held a consultation with his two passengers and guard, and they determined to pass the night at the Coach and Horses, in preference to spending the time in the coach in the snow-bound road.’
‘The coach was run into a bar, stabling was found for the four horses and the party passed not only a very comfortable night in beds which smelt of lavender, but they spent four days and nights before it was deemed possible to continue the journey to town.’
On Sunday nights in the early 1960’s, the likes of Colin Kingwell’s Jazz Bandits performed there:
‘The 2024 CAMRA Good Beer Guide’ describes it as: ‘A friendly Fuller’s pub (since 1828), much larger on the inside than it looks from the outside. A separate function room is available for hire when it’s not being used for the Friday Comedy Nights.’
There is a patio, courtyard and garden which offer ‘great space for alfresco dinner and drinks, while our new Stable Bar offers a range of sublime cocktails.’
On my recent visit I ordered a pint of Cruzcampo whilst Sammy’s choice was a glass of Gales Seafarer’s Ale.
Steve Russell
(The above photo is copyright but Nigel Cox has kindly given me permission to use it. Thanks also to Colin Woodley for his assistance. The postcard is from my collection)
Interesting article.
Nice snapshot of local history