Blunham Pubs : The Wheatsheaf

By Bill Exley

 

The Wheatsheaf - Beerhouse - in Park Lane

 

- This Beerhouse was a small room next to the main cottage, today now 10, Park Lane, the lane itself was also known as the 'Back Lane' by locals (1903 records) and it leads down to a Wier and the quiet River Ivel just 200 yds away. Here you will find a footbridge and a pleasant one and a half miles walk to Sandy market town. - The first Alehouse Lic. was granted in - 1832 - See my ref 12, - The Beerhouse origin via link to 'Misc & Mash - - The exact room itself is only an assumption on my part whilst compiling this article. I would think the main property would be taken over as the dwelling and this the small annexe, as the drinking room . .

New Information : - re. 'The Wheatsheaf' and Blunham Village life by a Mr Swaffield . - Courtesy - Pip Exley : 29/09/2020

A Blunham Report - 1909 : Re The Wheatsheaf and the village in general.

- The Wheatsheaf Brewers are now Messrs Morris & Co of Ampthill and records show we have a Blunham Population of just 603 people, so with 8 pubs - a pub for every 76 inhabitants . The following drinking figures / habits are also recorded here - For The Wheatsheaf in 1909 it was, 61 Barrels plus 11 doz Pints, ( bottled ? ), 1910 - 36 Barrels and 20 dozen pints, 1911 - 35 barrels and 34 dozen pints. ( it states dozens of Pints , Bottled or how served, or 'from' ? ) . From these figures, plus the other 7 nearby local Pubs / Beerhouses , e.g. The Crown only 100yds away up The Hill , every single person must have been getting about, by horse and cart or wallking, quite 'Tipsy' and I think these figures look a tad high to me ? - ( a copy of this report to hand )

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RECORD OF LANDLORDS & TENANTS
 
   
Brewers - John & Joseph - Morris . - from records researched we see the sisters , Sussana, Sophia and Mary/Jane all join in, to form - Morris & Co Ltd - of Ampthill
c1800s
From earliest records, - 1st Alehouse Licence is granted - c1832
Wm Clarke, - (Also Sextant and Parish Clerk - Blunham) 1847-1899
Miss Selina Clarke 1899-1906
Brewers - still Morris & Co Ltd. - Ampthill  
Herbert Currant 1906-1911
The Blunham pop. is now at 603 being served by the 8 Pubs in - 1909
Alfred Lett 1911-1912
The small Beerhouse closes and now stays empty.
28/12/1912
Later number 10, Park Lane a private house.
Alfred and Gertrude Norman 1944-1946
Records are scarce here bettween > 1946- 60s
Reg and Daisy Peet around > 1950s
Maureen Belcham 1969- 1983
Mark and Christine Brazier 1984
   
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Last Revision made by Bill Exley on - 9th Sept. - 2023

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