The Hare Public House Southcott

The Hare Southcott October 2008

Hare Public House: Southcott Village

The first document at Bedfordshire & Luton Archives & Records Service, other than censuses and directories, in which the Hare public house| is mentioned is an auction sale particular of 1876 [BML10/44/17]. The establishment is described as: "…old-fashioned and much-frequented FREEHOLD PUBLIC-HOUSE, situate in the Hamlet of Southcott, and known by the sign of the "HARE", now in occupation of the Representative of the late Mr.Robert Eggleton, under a lease which expires on the 25th of March next, containing tap-room, parlour, and pantry, on the ground floor, with bedrooms over; and a brew-house, wood-barn, &c., adjoining. At the side is GARDEN, well stocked with fruit trees; and in the rear is A CLOSE OF RICH ACCOMMODATION PASTURE LAND; the whole containing about 6 acres 2 roods, together with the BRICK-BUILT AND THATCHED COTTAGE, AND GARDEN, now in occupation of Thomas Yerrill".

The Hare was again sold by auction in 1947 [BML10/44/80] by the trustees of the late H.T. and C.Birdsey. The particulars read: "A Freehold and Fully Licensed Free House with Hunting or Livery Stables…The property has an attractive double-fronted elevation and is built of brick with tiled roof. It stands back from the road with a forecourt of about 15 feet and has access to the rear from both sides. The accommodation includes:

On the Ground Floor:

• Public Bar 17 feet 3 inches by 13 feet.
• Private Bar 12 feet by 11 feet 6 inches.
• Lounge 19 feet by 13 feet.
• Living Room 13 feet by 10 feet, with Triplex grate.
• Scullery and Coal Store.

On the First Floor:

• Four Bedrooms, Bathroom with bath, basin and W.C.

Excellent Cellar, Gas, Main Water and Main Drainage, Electricity is available and telephone is connected.

At the Rear: There is a range of brick and tiled Outbuildings comprising: Coach House or Garage, Stabling for two with loft over, Urinal and very pleasant GARDEN. This portion has a frontage of about 63 feet and a depth of 193 feet or thereabouts. Adjoining the Inn is a Valuable range of Brick and Tiled STABLING WITH YARD comprising 4-stall Stable, Harness Room, Loose Box and W.C. There is a separate entrance from Southcourt and this portion has a frontage of about 29 feet 6 inches and a depth of 110 feet or thereabouts.

The Hare Inn is let to Mr. G. J. Spiers on a lease for 7 years expiring at Christmas next at a rent of £65 per annum…". By the 1960s the public house was owned by Watney Manns which merged with Grand Metropolitan in 1972, the new company taking the latter name.

References:

• BML10/44/17: sale particulars: 1876;
• BML10/44/107: inventories and valuations: 1893-1903;
• BML10/44/80: sale particulars: 1947;
• Z1105/1: liquor licence survey traders form: 1954;
• Z898/2: reminiscences on tape: 1957

List of Licensees: note that this is not a complete list; entries in italics refer to licensees where either beginning or end, or both, dates are not known: 

1851: Ann Woodman, beerseller;
1861: Jane Eggleston, beerhouse keeper;
1869-c.1876: Robert Eggelton, publican;
1881-1883: Thomas Tompkins, innkeeper and cattle dealer;
1891-1893: Henry Finch, innkeeper;
1893: F.Scannell;
1899-1903: Kate Scannell, publican;
1903: William Minnett;
1907: Kate Minnett;
1911-1925: Arthur Dawson;
1928: Edgar Samuel Hurley;
1931: Henry Soane;
1935-1939: John Keeling;
1940-1947: G.J.Spiers;
1967: Arthur James Jemmett [died 15 May 1981];
1981: Robert Ian McKee;
1988: Raymond Clifford Papworth;
1988: Leonard William Moss;
1988: David Stuart Dear;
1991: Angela Gay.