Pubs - A Community Hub
Introduction
Some of you may have seen my previous blog on the history of pubs in Codicote. I gathered a lot of information and took many photographs, so here is another blog about the pubs in Welwyn, Hertfordshire. Welwyn has had human activity since the Stone Age and the first settlement was during the Bronze Age, so there is a lot of history in the village. An important fact about Welwyn village is that it lies on the Great North Road, previously a staging post between London, York and Edinburgh, hence the 'coaching houses'. The blog will end with the exciting news of a successful bid for a pub as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
What was the first pub in Welwyn?
In the Census of 1911 there were nine pubs listed in Welwyn village, but there have been more. Currently there are six, plus several on the outskirts; The Waggoners and The Red Lion. Some pubs in the village can be dated back as far as medieval times!
The Wellington is a 700 year-old coaching house. It was originally three buildings; The Boar's Head, a 14th century beer house, The Swan, a 13th century beer house and in the 11th century, a Medieval Hall House. There is a list of licensees since 1325! I was amazed to find this. Samuel Pepys stayed there in the 1600s. In 2009 the pub was tragically gutted by a blaze (I remember this happening) but was restored and re-opened in 2010 as a restaurant and hotel. The oldest photograph I could find was from 1915 though the one on the far left looks older (un-named source).
The White Hart, on the corner as you enter the village from the A1, dates back to 1681. It was the main coaching house in Welwyn. It still has rooms and a really great restaurant as well as a bar. We spent quite a bit of time in the downstairs bar of this pub many years ago as it had a great atmosphere and served good beer! It also had stables (now converted into rooms). Years ago it also served as a courtroom which is now a function room for meetings.
The White Horse in Mill Lane is an 18th century pub now under new management - the Big Smoke Brew Company and is being refurbished - I am looking forward to visiting this lovely old pub in the back streets of Welwyn. It used to have regular music sessions and BBQs in the garden. I couldn't find any old photos of this lovely pub, but here are a few recent ones.
The other pubs in the village are the Rose and Crown (Star Pubs), The Steamer and the Tavern (both McMullens). The Rose and Crown is a 17th century, Grade 2 listed timber-framed building. It is currently undergoing a big refurbishment as well. The Steamer, previously the Steam Engine, was built in 1861. The Tavern has been a McMullens pub since 1921, although in Pubwiki it was a 'beer shop' in 1861! Pubwiki lists many pubs which have existed in the past 200 years.
The Localism Act of 2011 changed the powers to give local government more freedom and flexibility; and communities and individuals more rights and powers. The increased freedom in planning regulations as a result of this Act, has meant that in places where pubs, which might otherwise be lost, the community can bid for it to remain for the 'purpose of furthering the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community'. This is called an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
I have been lucky enough to have bought a share in saving a lovely old pub in Suffolk - Geldeston Locks (see photos below) under this scheme. I hope to be able to visit there soon. Do you know of any pubs in your area which could be 'rescued' in this way?
I hope you have enjoyed reading my blog on the pubs in Welwyn as much as I enjoyed taking the photos and doing the research on them!
Cheers! Not too long now.
Pat Wood
Sources:
See all highlighted links and
https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/
https://historicengland.org.uk/
https://herts.muddystilletos.co.uk
https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/