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 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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The story of the Plough will be continued below as more information comes to light. The picture above, displayed when history page is first loaded or browser refreshed, is a collage made from two old photographs though to be taken during the period 1920 to 30's the only certain fact is that the landlord at the time was Thomas Brown. The photographs and other fascinating documents relating to the Plough were kindly sent by Margaret Dennis whose family ran the establishment over the latter part of the 19th century.
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