Became the PINBALL WIZARD c1980.

The SILK MILLS by 2000

On Monday 7th January 1852, landlord John Rackham was committed to trial, but subsequently bailed, on a charge of cheating at cards.
It was heard that Rackham had sat down with a man named Utting to play cribbage at one sovereign a game. Rackham won the first three games but Utting won the next two because he caught Rackham pegging too many. They then agreed to play four last games for progressive sums of £2, £4, £8 and £16 of which Rackham won the first three. It was during the fourth game that an observer named Howlett tackled Rackham for having a card concealed in his lap.
At the March 1852 Quarter Sessions, John Rackham was found guilty and committed to imprisonment for three months.


It was reported at the licensing session held 31st August 1852 that the house had been found open till after twelve on the previous Saturday night. The licensee was unfortunately in prison at the time for cheating at cards. Since the tenant was under notice to quit, the magistrates felt that the licence should not be refused and that the man was suffering from his crime and should not be further punished.

On the night of Saturday 17th September 1859 the house was found to be open after legal time. Licensee Watson said that his wife was only cleaning up at that time and denied selling anything after midnight, except for some brandy which was required for an old lady who was ill. To save expense, Watson admitted guilt and was fined `the usual sum of 5s.'

On Thursday 22nd August 1878 it was said that the skittle ground attracted bad characters and was just as bad as the EDINBURGH.

Damaged by enemy action during WWII - no date specified.

An Oriental restaurant / takeaway by May 2008.