The Plough of today was first constructed in 1785 and was originally a coaching house and combined farm, which was under control of the local squire until 1831. In those days landlords had to deposit 10 golden guineas with the squire as assurance they would keep good behaviour at the inn. As to which squire that was is a good question. It could have been any from the following eminant famililies around at that time:
the Cross Family at Red Scar Mansion,
the Blanchards at
Grimsargh House,
the Birchalls of Ribbleton Hall,
or perhaps Squire Anderton himself.
The Plough had many different uses in those days, one of which was to hold regular inquests. In the good old days, before the establishment of the Blackburn based Matthew Brown, Lion Brewery horses and drays used to pull from the yard as the Plough used to supply beer to hotels in Preston.
The Plough started serving food in the 1950's and included a fare of delicious hot pies and bowls of pickles, red cabbage and salad placed strategically on the sideboard.In August 1962 the Beatles and Cynthia Lennon dropped by for a beer, asking for directions to the 'Hermitage' which was for sale at the time and on their way to perform at the Public Hall in Preston.The Plough and it's lush bowling green have witnessed many comings and goings of local tradesmen,the Rail-Road, farmers and a succession of 'mine hosts'. Like many village pubs it has helped to shape the social and cultural history of the village.
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