Dick Turpin Inn About to Close

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18467, 19 May 1928, Page 19 (Supplement)

Dick Turpin Inn About to Close

+ Chandos Arms Once Had Strange Callers. \ FTER 900 years the Chandos Arms, Edgwarc. is to be closed, and the license to be removed to a new building .at Colindale. According to Sir Henry Curtis Bennett, this is the oldest tavern in England with the exception of one at Chester. Mr George Cheshire, the landlord, told a London pressman that he had been there for thirty-seven years. Mr Cheshire—a ruddy-faced man—himself looks like a bit of Old England. The Ghaiidos has many associations with the old coaching days, and the yard has a picturesque entrance. Tt is a strange, rambling old house full of black oak. but the wonderful panelling in the room which tradition always held was Dick Turpin’s bedroom was before sale to present owners. The great iron hook above the small latticed window in the bedroom which, it is alleged, the famous highwayman used in making a rapid exit into the courtyard below, is still in its place, however. Another unusual feature of the house is a magnificent marble fireplace, which came from Canons, the great house at Edgware, built by James Bry'dges, first Duke of Chandos, and PaymasterGeneral of the Forces Abroad from 1707 to 1712. From Canon. Park to the inn is nearly

half a mile, and it has always been maintained that a subterranean passage existed between the two premises. There is some evidence f«»r the existence of this passage, as wliat appears to have been one end of it was found blocked up many years ago. It ran into the Chandos from the underground wine cellars, and was built by the duke so that lie could enjoy his carousals in secret. Handel, the great composer, spent two years as a Kapellmeister at Canons, and was a regular customer at the. Chandos. Another famous personage has associations with the inn. The original “ Village Blacksmith ” was one of those who used to enjoy his mug of ale in the snug parlour. “ Dad ” Jones, the previous landlord, used to dwell upon the memories of the “ smith.” the ring of whose anvil could be heard at the inn, and whose daughter used to sing in the church.