Forge Lane

West Farleigh

Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo, circa 2011, by Darkstar.

Above sign left, 1970s, sign right undated. With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

Above photo, date unknown, showing the dart team. Left to right, back row: Claude Foster, Bert Jeffreys, Ernie Thompsett, Les Rickwood, Bob Jeffreys, Fred Noakes, Jim Dawdon. Front row: Joe Dicker, two unidentified members, Jack Bowen and Jennifer Foster.

Originally known as the "New Inn" the name changed to the "William Wilberforce" but as yet I do not know when

William Wilberforce once lived in the Old Rectory before he died. Two of his sons were also vicars in East Farleigh, and are buried in St. Mary's Churchyard.

Originally a native of Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, he was Educated at St. John's College, Cambridge, and began his political career in 1780. In 1785, he became a born-again Christian, which resulted in major changes to his lifestyle and a lifelong concern for social reform and progress. He became a Member of Parliament for Yorkshire (1784–1812) for an independent party and is known as a politician who lead a movement to stop the slave trade.

The pub was obviously named in his honour, but I do not yet know what years it was serving beer.

Local knowledge required please.

LICENSEE LIST

http://www.closedpubs.co.uk/williamwilberforce.html