This website created by Valerie Martin, contains scenes from her home village of Findon, West Sussex, U.K.

THE WEALTH OF WILLIAM PARSONS

Copyright Valerie Martin 1999.

I have gleaned that during the 1700s, William Parsons of the Gun Inn was a man of some considerable substance and wealth in his own right. I have discovered that the accommodation at the inn at this time comprised a Best Chamber, Little Parlour Chamber, Dining Room Chamber, Kitchen Chamber, Hall Chamber, Store Room and to complete the picture there were two Chambers over a Back Kitchen.

I understand that William owned much gold and silver. During his tenure The Gun Inn was well furnished with various crockery and earthenware, cutlery and glassware. The contents of the inn also boasted several sugar bowls, a considerable number of slop basins, decanters for wine, numerous teapots, punch ladles and cruet for holding vinegar, oil or other condiments at the table. Other items of interest in those days (which fire the imagination and make the mouth water) included a toasting iron, nutmeg grater, tin pudding pan and a chocolate pot. The utensils give an idea of the welcoming menu available at the flourishing inn at this date.

Notable furnishings at the inn included a total of seven framed pictures, a barometer and a complete set of nine-pins with two bowls. There was an array of miscellaneous items of silverware and gold trinkets worth a total of around £7. 10s.

The cellar area in 1744 housed liquor and sundry equipment to the value of £69. 7s. 0d. The alcohol on offer to the guests included wine, madeira and a pale gold drink called shrub (a sweet beverage infused from oranges, lemons, currants, sugar and a liquor such as rum or brandy). There was also a quantity of rum and 706 gallons of beer plus a further 52 gallons of cider neatly tucked away in the upper stables.

William died in Findon in the year 1744 and was described as "innkeeper of The Gun". At that time it would have been a well-equipped and commodious stopping-off point for the 18th century traveller arriving in Findon after a jolting carriage journey or travelling on horseback over the downs. Coach passengers would have endured a hard journey, perhaps squatting on their luggage or a pile of parcels as the team of horses strove to pull the loaded vehicle along the Findon Downs. Not many had the comfort of travelling inside with a rug cosily wrapped round their knees. The thought of the fare available at the Gun Inn kept weary passengers going before the coach eventually swept up to the Gun Inn entrance and the shout of William's hostlers was heard.

Continue if you would like to read more about the Gun Inn and Passing Through Findon in December.