January 1982 - Thanks to David Apps.
Licensee John Langley served with the 34th Company Marines Chatham
Division from 1789. On March 5th 1791 he was stationed on the Chatham, an
armed Royal Navy tender, sailing with HMS Discovery, which was under the
command of the famed Captain George Vancouver. The voyage ended on October
20th 1795 having been to the Pacific and the West Coast of North America.
Vancouver Island was named on this trip.
John Langley received 12 lashes during the voyage for quarrelsome
behaviour and was again punished for sleeping on watch. He was discharged
from the marines in 1803, being described as worn out and unfit for
service.
Mr Langley took on the Bird In Hand soon after leaving the marines, he
married twice having 4 children with his first wife and a further 10 with
his second wife, who he married in 1812.
The Household Furniture and Stock-In-Trade, the property of John
Langley, were to be sold Thursday, 10th October 1867 since he was
retiring from business.
Watney Innkeepers applied, December 1974, to apply new lettering and a
"trough" sign to the fascia.
Damaged by enemy action 6th June 1942.
Reported as "Recently closed." - 19th August 1983.
Demolished & site rebuilt by 1996.
