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The Gun Inn pre 1903. The landlord's name displayed on the swinging sign is that of George Goatcher. |
This website created by Valerie Martin, contains scenes from her home village of Findon, West Sussex, U.K.
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The Gun Inn pre 1903. The landlord's name displayed on the swinging sign is that of George Goatcher. |
ELOPEMENT FROM THE GUN INN
Copyright Valerie Martin 2002
George Goatcher, who came from the nearby village of Washington, was innkeeper at the Gun Inn during the period c.1899 -1907. He is best remembered for erecting the wrought iron garden gates bearing his initials.
This is the neighbouring Washington landscape c. 1900, just
to the north of Findon. |
George's son, Fred, was born at the Gun Inn. When only 17-years of age, Fred joined up during the Second World War as a member of the Police War Reserve. For over 20 years he was the manager of a garage (started by his father) in the High Street.
 Fred Barrett |
At the end of his career as a successful jockey, Fred Barrett, born 1846, (who had won The Derby on Ayrshire in 1888), became a trainer at The Downs Stables c. 1891 - 1899. The Goatcher family was closely related to the Barretts.
Fred Barrett's daughter, Annie, born 1872, eloped one night with her lover. This was via an upper storey window of the Gun Inn. She scrambled down a ladder to where George Clarke a stable lad was waiting for her. Many years later she paid a visit to the inn with her grandson.
 The Square in Findon, pre 1909. The swinging pub sign is that of the Gun Inn. |
When George Goatcher retired, he moved to Homefield, Cross Lane.
The large sign outside the Gun Inn during these days read...
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The Steyning Breweries Limited. Fine Mild and Bitter Ales, Double Stout. Bass Bottled Ales. Guinness Stout. Food. Accommodation. Picnic Parties. |
and gives an idea of the fare on offer.
Continue if you would like to read about how Tramocars Nearly Came to the Gun Inn.
This is Findon Village — www.findonvillage.com is a continually growing record created by Valerie Martin exclusively for documenting life in Findon.
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E-mail: valeriemartin@findonvillage.com |
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