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By Bill Exley
|
"The Horseshoes" Public House commands a prime position in the centre of the village overlooking the square with a view down the high street. In bygone years there were quaint cottages on either side, but now these have given way to progress, and a car park and other clearances. The pub sign outside has shown 3 prominent horseshoes, misleading many patrons to calling it 'The Three Horseshoes'. Records show that in years gone by, this was the case, but in 1885 it was shortened to 'The Horseshoes' for reasons unknown.
The Ale today (2000) is delivered by the Bedford Brewery of Charles Wells to
serve the bars of the comfortable lounge and games rooms. Mine hosts
serve you with Ales or fine foods with pleasant conversation. The surrounding
area can offer riverside walks as well as renowned fishing for visiting anglers
from afar. For local interest here follows a comprehensive listing of past landlords,
compiled from records researched at Bedford archives and the offices of Charles
Wells.
|
OWNERS / BREWERS |
Date(s)
|
| Thomas Ekines * | 21st October 1769 |
| Thom. Elliot………Countess Cowper of Silsoe (3 H.Shoes) | 1854 - 1890 |
| Jerome Danes……..Earl Cowper of Silsoe | 1890 - July 1898 |
| Wm. Liles Haydon..Earl Cowper of Silsoe | 1898 - 1906 |
| Jess Gilbert………..Also a Coal Merchant | 1906 - 1910 |
| Thom.Smith | 1910 - 1926 |
| Herb. & Mary Currant (Moved from Queens Head) | Nov 1926 |
| Thom. & Ivy Maries | 4th November 1957 |
| Fred & Elizabeth Matthews | 17th June 1974 |
| Noel & Pauline Fitzsimmons | 18th June 1980 |
| Keith & Kathleen Deacon | 23rd November 1983 |
| Lawrence & Wendy Charteress | 27th February 1985 |
| Peter & Barbara Moffatt | 1st April 1996 |
| Eric & Elaine Hoy | 12th March 1997 |
| David and Valerie Armitage | 13 July 2000 |
| Trevor and Claire Pryar | 6 July 2005 |
| Stephanie Turner and Daniel McGeachy | 21 September 2007 |
| Andrew and Tanya Brown | 30 March 2009 |
| Stuart and Deborah Knowles | 29th March 2010 |
* According to my research and information provided by Bedfordshire archives my Great Grand father x 5 Thomas Ekines [sic now] who was originally a carpenter took the lease on The Horeshoe Inn on the 21st October 1769. The lease was agreed between Joseph Cole on behalf of the Earl of Hardwick and the Marchioness Grey and Thomas Ekines. Thomas was to pay the Earl 8 guineas per annum. Thomas was born c1740 and his wife was Elizabeth [nee More].[Brian Ekins, July 2011]
Page last updated 18th January 2012 by Colin Hinson/Bill Exley.