position of the Beehive [RDBP1/1246]

Colesden is a small hamlet of Roxton, north-west of the village, mostly just three farms - Colesden Grange, Colesden Lodge and Bell. The first reference to this beerhouse| in any document in Bedfordshire & Luton Archives & Records Service is in 1885 when it was for sale by auction, along with the Jolly Plough Boys in Chawston it is described as a public house (which may be a misunderstanding as it is definitely described as a beerhouse in the licensing register and does not appear in any directory, as is common with beerhouses). It is described as of brick, stud, tile and thatch and containing 5 acres 1 rood 8 perches of garden land.

proposed alterations in 1928 [RDBP1/1246]

The lease of the premises was auctioned again in 1902 along with the Eagle Brewery at Eaton Socon, the Jolly Plough Boys and three other drinking establishments and was purchased by Day & Son of that town. The lease was auctioned a second time, with the rest of Day & Sons properties in 1919 and the entire firm was bought out by Biggleswade brewers Wells & Winch. At this time trade was in steady decline, being given in the sale particulars as 62½ barrels of beer in 1912, 57½ in 1913 and 47½ in 1914.  The beerhouse closed some time after 1940

proposed rebuilding 1928 [RDBP1/1266]

References:

- WG2466: sale catalogue: 1885;
- WG2594: sale catalogue: 1902;
- GK175/2: photocopy sale catalogue1919;
- RDBP1/1246: plans for alterations: 1928;
- RDBP1/1266: plans for re-building: 1928 

List of Licensees: note that this is not a complete list. Italics indicate licensees whose beginning and/or end dates are not known:

1869-1877: William Sawyer;
1885 -1906: Isaiah King;
1906: William King;
1906-1913: Spencer Peet;
1913-1936: John Pell;
1940: John Nicholls