A
Short History of the Chequers Inn
.
The earliest recollections of the building
are that of a "Customs House" that was at one time called "The
Star". In 1799 it was run by George Morris who paid 6d as a quarterly rate
to the parish of Godshill. Robert Downer ran the pub in 1820 paying 2s 4d as quarterly
rates.
In 1889 it became the property of the Mew Langton Royal Brewery Limited
who leased the pub to
James Reynolds (a distant relative of Sir Joshua Reynolds,
first president of the Royal Academy of Art) for the monthly rental of 15 shillings.
In the early 1890's James's eldest daughter, Mary became licensee and she and
her sister Bella remained in occupation for nearly 60 years. There are a host
of stories to be heard about these two extraordinary ladies who many still remember.
During the 1960' and 70's the pub had somewhat of a revival with several changes
of landlord. However, in 1986 Whitbread, who had swallowed up the Mew Langton
empire, took the unbelievable
decision to close the pub as an unviable commercial prospect.
Permission to
change the use to that of a private dwelling was refused (hooray!) and the property
was purchased by Sue and Richard Holmes, a local farming couple. It is now one
of the most popular pubs on the Isle of Wight.
About
Us
The
Chequers Inn is a country pub in the heart of the Isle of Wight and, although
it has many modern facilities, it still retains its traditional character.Since
buying the pub, Richard and Sue Holmes have turned the Chequers into one
of the most popular venues on the Island for both eating and drinking.The
pub regularly appears in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and has been voted the
Good Pub Guide National Family Pub of the Year. It is a freehouse.
HOMEPAGE