The Five Bells History
An Early Alehouse
The first licence recorded was issued to Samuel Mountain in 1721, followed by another to Richard Shepherd in 1726. This was on the original site to the east of The Splash just off Five Bells Lane.
Moving to the current site
This original public house was demolished in the 18th century and was replaced by the present Five Bells public house. This was originally Penbridge’s Farmhouse and was occupied by Isaac Gearle at around 1777.
The Barnes family
The Five Bells remained in the hands of the Barnes family until the 1880s.
Marston’s brewery
The Five Bells was bought in 1913 and there was a succession of tenant landlords and a period when it was run by local villagers. It remained with Marston’s Brewery until it was sold in c2012. The pub closed in 2013.
The Flying Connection
We are still trying to learn more about The Five Bells during World War II. We do know it was a popular place with pilots!
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